Error on Windows startup

Chris Kutac 0 Reputation points
2026-10-14T16:45:56.3033333+00:00

At startup after updates, the Bitlocker recovery screen is displayed. Once I enter the Bitlocker recovery key, there is a Windows startup error message. "Startup failure. we removed some recently installed updates to recover your device from a startup failure"

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 78,700 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-14T17:34:14.56+00:00

    Hello,

    This issue may occur because of hardware problems or corrupted Windows system components. Windows may attempt to repair the system or install updates, but if these attempts fail, the error may appear every time you start your computer. To begin troubleshooting, run the System File Checker (SFC) scan.

    Open the Command Prompt (Administrator) Window.

    Run these commands one by one and click Enter for each command.

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Sfc /scannow

    Once done, restart your computer.

    If you are still having issues, try the first method suggested by AI.

    That is, go to Start > Settings > System > Fix Problems using Windows Update> Select Reinstall now.

    User's image

    Download and install the existing repair version.

    Let me know if you still need more help.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-14T16:46:47.3433333+00:00

    The message means Windows detected a startup problem after the update and automatically removed the recent update; if Windows now reaches the desktop, repair Windows before attempting updates again, and if it still cannot start, run Startup Repair from Windows Recovery Environment.

    If Windows reaches the desktop

    1. Back up important files first.
    2. Open Start → Settings → System → Recovery.
    3. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
    4. Keep the PC connected to power and the internet until installation and restart finish.

    This reinstalls the same Windows 11 version, repairs system files and components, and preserves installed apps, files, and settings.^1^

    If Fix problems using Windows Update is absent, it may be unavailable on managed devices, on Windows 11 versions earlier than the 2022 annual update, or without the February 2024 optional update or later.^1^

    After the repair completes, go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Do not manually reinstall the failed update before completing the repair.

    If Windows still does not start

    Since Windows has already removed recent updates automatically, do not begin by uninstalling the same update again.

    1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE):
      • If Advanced options is already displayed, select it.
      • Otherwise, interrupt startup twice: turn on the PC, and when the Windows or manufacturer logo appears, hold the power button until it turns off. Repeat once. On the third start, select Advanced options.^2^
    2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair → Restart.
    3. Enter the BitLocker recovery key if requested.
    4. Allow Startup Repair to complete and test whether Windows starts normally.

    Startup Repair checks for problems such as damaged system files, boot configuration errors, incompatible drivers, and registry errors.^3^

    If Startup Repair fails:

    1. Return to Troubleshoot → Advanced options.
    2. Select System Restore, if a restore point from before the update exists. System Restore rolls back system files and settings without removing personal files.^2^
    3. If Windows continues to fail and the problematic update remains installed, select Uninstall Updates → Uninstall latest quality update. Some updates cannot be removed, and removing a security update temporarily reduces protection.^4^

    Last recovery option

    Use Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Keep my files only after Startup Repair and System Restore fail. Resetting can preserve personal files, but applications and settings may be removed. Keep the BitLocker key available and do not force the PC off while reset is running.^5^

    Do not disable BitLocker, clear the TPM, change Secure Boot, or reinstall Windows solely because this happened once. Those actions are not established as necessary by this message and can complicate recovery. If the BitLocker screen appears on every subsequent boot after Windows is repaired, that is a separate repeated-recovery condition requiring firmware and boot-configuration diagnosis.

    References

    1. Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows
    2. Windows recovery environment | Microsoft Support
    3. Startup Repair | Microsoft Support
    4. How to uninstall a Windows Update | Microsoft Support
    5. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/backup-recovery/reset-your-pc#reset-steps)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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