Uninstall the latest Windows update from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), because the reset has already failed and repeating it is unlikely to move the recovery forward.
1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment
If the Advanced options screen is already available, proceed to the next section.
Otherwise:
- Turn on the PC.
- When the Windows logo or spinning dots appear, hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to turn it off.
- Repeat this once.
- Start it a third time. Windows should display Preparing Automatic Repair and then offer Advanced options.^1^
If BitLocker requests a 48-digit recovery key, it must be entered before most recovery options can be used.^2^
2. Remove the update that preceded the failure
In WinRE, select:
- Troubleshoot
- Advanced options
- Uninstall Updates
- Select Uninstall latest quality update first.
- Restart the PC when it finishes.
Uninstalling an update from WinRE does not affect personal files or installed applications.^2^
If Windows still cannot start and this occurred after a major Windows version upgrade, return to Uninstall Updates and use the available feature-update removal option.
3. Try System Restore if update removal fails
Return to:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore
Choose a restore point dated before the update. System Restore rolls back system files and settings without removing personal files, although applications and drivers installed after that restore point can be removed.^2^
SrtTrail.txt is the Startup Repair diagnostic log; its path is not itself the fault that needs deleting.
4. If WinRE does not work, use a Windows 11 USB for repair
On another working computer, create Windows 11 installation media on a USB drive. Then:
- Connect the USB to the affected PC.
- Start the PC from the USB using its boot menu or BIOS/UEFI boot order.
- At Windows Setup, do not select Install now.
- Select Repair your computer.
- Open Troubleshoot → Advanced options.
- Try Uninstall Updates, System Restore, and Startup Repair from this environment.
Booting from installation media and selecting Repair your computer provides a separate copy of the recovery environment when the recovery files on the internal drive are unusable.^3^
5. Reinstall only if repair options fail
Do not run another local Reset this PC, since that is already looping between 64% and 88%. A reset can legitimately restart several times and may show a black screen for more than 15 minutes, but manually interrupting an actively progressing reset can make it fail.^4^
If the percentage continues repeating and none of the recovery options works, use one of these final options:
- Obtain recovery media from the PC manufacturer; it normally includes the required hardware-specific drivers and factory applications.
- Perform a clean Windows 11 installation from Microsoft installation media.
Warning: A clean installation removes personal files, applications, settings, and manufacturer customizations. Back up recoverable files first, and reinstall the same Windows edition—such as Windows 11 Home—that matches the device’s license.^5^
References