Updating to the latest version of Windows 11 should enhance your PC’s performance and security, but sometimes, it might cause your system to fail to boot.

1. Check for Power and Hardware Issues

Before diving into software-related troubleshooting, it’s important to rule out any hardware issues that could be preventing your PC from booting.

  • Verify Power Supply: Ensure that your PC is receiving power. Check the power cable, outlet, and power supply unit (PSU) for any faults. If your PC shows no signs of life (no lights or fan activity), the issue may be hardware-related.
  • Check Connections: Open your PC case (if you’re comfortable) and ensure all internal cables are securely connected. This includes connections to the motherboard, hard drives, SSDs, and the power supply.
  • Inspect Peripherals: Disconnect all external peripherals (USB devices, external hard drives, etc.) and try booting again. A faulty peripheral can sometimes cause boot issues.

2. Access the BIOS/UEFI

If your PC is powering on but not booting into Windows, the next step is to access the BIOS/UEFI. This firmware interface allows you to manage the basic settings of your computer hardware.

  • Enter BIOS/UEFI: To enter the BIOS/UEFI, press the designated key during the boot process. This key is typically F2, Delete, or Esc depending on your PC’s manufacturer.
  • Check Boot Order: Once in the BIOS/UEFI, check the boot order to ensure that your primary drive (where Windows 11 is installed) is set as the first boot device.
  • Enable Secure Boot: If Windows 11 requires Secure Boot, ensure that it’s enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings. However, if you’ve recently updated the BIOS, you may need to disable Secure Boot temporarily to troubleshoot.

3. Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If your PC can access the BIOS but not Windows, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can be a powerful tool.

  • Access WinRE: If your PC attempts to boot multiple times unsuccessfully, it should automatically enter WinRE. If not, you can force it by interrupting the boot process three times (powering off the PC as soon as Windows starts loading).
  • Startup Repair: Once in WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. This tool can automatically fix many common issues that prevent Windows from booting.
  • System Restore: If Startup Repair doesn’t work, try using System Restore. This will revert your system to a previous state before the update was installed, potentially resolving any issues caused by the update.
  • Uninstall Windows Updates: Another option in WinRE is to Uninstall Updates. This feature allows you to remove recent updates that might be causing boot problems.

4. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files are a common culprit behind boot issues after an update. Using the Command Prompt in WinRE, you can run a few commands to check and repair these files.

  • Run SFC and DISM Commands:
    1. Open the Command Prompt from the Advanced options menu in WinRE.
    2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command will scan and repair corrupted system files.
    3. After the SFC scan completes, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the Windows image.
    4. Restart your PC and see if it boots successfully.

5. Roll Back to a Previous Version of Windows

If none of the above steps work, you might need to roll back to a previous version of Windows.

  • Go Back to a Previous Version: In WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Go back to the previous version of Windows. This will revert your PC to the last version of Windows before the update.

6. Reinstall Windows 11

As a last resort, if all other troubleshooting steps fail, you may need to reinstall Windows 11.

  • Backup Your Data: Before reinstalling, ensure you’ve backed up any important data from your hard drive using the Command Prompt in WinRE or by connecting your drive to another computer.
  • Create a Windows 11 Installation Media: Use another working computer to create a Windows 11 installation USB drive using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
  • Reinstall Windows: Boot from the installation USB and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows 11.

Conclusion

Experiencing boot issues after a Windows 11 update can be frustrating, but with careful troubleshooting, most problems can be resolved. Start with the basic checks, move on to BIOS settings and recovery options, and consider reinstalling Windows if necessary. By following these steps, you should be able to get your PC back up and running.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.