How to fix a windows 11 25H2 cumulative update from causing a restart loop

Lora Canary 0 Reputation points
2026-11-12T17:21:53.1033333+00:00

I require assistance with a Windows 11 25H2 cumulative update causing a startup failure requiring Windows Recovery and update removal.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-12T17:22:14.15+00:00

    For a Windows 11 25H2 restart loop after a cumulative update, use this recovery path:

    1. Remove the problematic update from Windows Recovery Since startup is failing and Windows Recovery is already required, continue removing the latest cumulative update there. This is consistent with the reported workaround for boot-loop cases where the previous build starts normally after uninstalling the latest cumulative update.
    2. If Windows starts after rollback, use Windows repair reinstall Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now. This reinstalls the current version of Windows while keeping files, apps, and settings.
    3. Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run troubleshooter.
    4. Verify update services are running Open services.msc and check these services:
      • Background Intelligent Transfer Service
      • Windows Update
      If either service is stopped, start it. If already running, restart it.
    5. If the issue is only a repeated restart/pending restart state Restarting the device can help some update resolutions apply faster.
    6. If the device is still unstable after the cumulative update Check whether the issue matches a known Windows 11 25H2 problem. Microsoft documents some 25H2 issues as resolved through later updates or Known Issue Rollback. Installing the latest available update is recommended when the device is stable enough to do so.
    7. If the loop continues after recovery Collect the System log in Event Viewer:
      • Open Event Viewer
      • Expand Windows Logs
      • Right-click System > Filter Current Log
      • Select Critical, Warning, and Error
      • Save the filtered log

    A practical sequence is:

    • uninstall the latest cumulative update in Windows Recovery
    • boot into Windows
    • run Reinstall now from Settings > System > Recovery
    • run the Windows Update troubleshooter
    • retry Windows Update only after Windows is stable
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  2. DaveM121 948.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-12T17:56:31.77+00:00

    Hi Lora,

    Please provide some information about your current Windows 11 Build No.

    1

    Click your Start Button, type winver and press Enter.

    Please provide a screenshot of the resulting dialog.

    2

    Open the Settings App.

    Go to Windows Updates.

    Please provide a screenshot of that window.

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