Back up the files first, then run Startup Repair from Windows installation media; if that fails, use boot-file repair only when the diagnostics identify a boot-loader problem, and reserve Reset this PC → Keep my files for the final non-destructive reinstall.
1. Back up the files before making changes
Some recovery operations can cause data loss, and BitLocker-encrypted files require the recovery key in WinRE.^1^
If files are not already backed up:
- On another PC, create Windows 11 installation media using a USB drive.
- Boot the ASUS from that USB using its UEFI boot menu.
- Select Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
- Enter
notepad.exe.
- In Notepad, select File → Open. This provides a basic file browser from which important files can be copied to a second USB drive. This procedure was used in a closely matching ASUS TUF/Windows 11 recovery case.^2^
Do not continue until irreplaceable files are backed up.
Since update removal already failed and no restore points exist, do not repeat those paths.
- Boot from Windows 11 installation media.
- On Install Windows, select Next → Repair your computer—not Install now.
- Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair.
- After it finishes, select Shutdown, remove the USB, and start the laptop normally.
Startup Repair examines startup logs and attempts to repair common boot problems. Its diagnostic log is stored under Windows\System32\LogFiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt.^3^
The BIOS showing Windows Boot Manager means a UEFI boot entry exists; it does not establish that Windows system files or the SSD are healthy.
3. Repair boot files only if a boot-loader error is identified
Use this branch if Startup Repair reports missing/corrupt BCD or boot files, “Operating system missing,” or a comparable boot-loader error. Do not format any partition.
From the installation USB, open Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt, then identify the Windows drive because it may not be C: in WinRE:
diskpart
list volume
exit
dir C:\Windows
dir D:\Windows
When the command showing a valid Windows directory identifies the correct letter—for example, D:—recreate its boot files:
bcdboot D:\Windows
BCDBoot is specifically designed to recreate system-partition boot files from the installed Windows image.^4^
Restart and test. Avoid manually formatting the EFI partition or deleting its contents without hands-on technical support.
4. If boot repair fails, use a file-preserving reset
In WinRE, select:
Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Keep my files → Cloud download
Keep my files reinstalls Windows and preserves personal files, but removes installed applications and settings. Cloud download obtains a fresh Windows copy, which is preferable when local recovery files may be damaged.^5^
Have the BitLocker recovery key available. Keep the laptop connected to power and do not force it off—even if the screen remains black for an extended period during the reset.^5^
5. Check the SSD because the failure has recurred
Run MyASUS in WinRE → System Diagnostics, including the storage test. MyASUS in WinRE is available for hardware diagnostics even when Windows cannot start.^6^ ASUS also provides model-specific SSD troubleshooting guidance.^7^
- SSD test passes: Windows or its boot/recovery files remain the more appropriate repair target; proceed with the file-preserving reset.
- SSD test fails, disappears intermittently, or reports errors: Stop repeated reset/reinstallation attempts, preserve the backup, and have the SSD and its connection checked by ASUS service.
- Reset also fails despite a passing SSD test: Use ASUS recovery media or MyASUS in WinRE USB diagnostics. ASUS documents creating a bootable MyASUS in WinRE USB for diagnostics and recovery.^8^
A clean installation is the last resort because it removes everything; use it only after backup and after the storage test has passed.
References
- Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support
- Windows 11 crashes after update. Error "Log file: D:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrial.txt" - Microsoft Q&A
- Advanced troubleshooting for Windows startup issues
- BCDBoot Command-Line Options
- [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/backup-recovery/reset-your-pc#summary)
- MyASUS in WinRE|ASUS Global
- [Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Solid State Drive (SSD) problems - ASUS
- Create MyASUS in WinRE For USB | Official Support | ASUS Global