After applying Windows Update, my computer stopped starting. Problems such as KB5074109 in January 2026 and KB5060533 in June 2025, where the PC becomes unbootable due to Windows Update, occur regularly. If the screen stays black, a blue screen appears, or you can't proceed past the logo, don't panic.

This article introduces five ways to recover your PC on your own using Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This explanation is based on the latest information as of February 2026, so please use it as a reference in case of an emergency.

Why does Windows Update not start up in the first place?

Windows Update is an important mechanism for plugging security holes and adding new features. However, since there are countless PC environments in the world, compatibility issues with specific hardware and drivers inevitably occur.

In the update program "KB5074109" released in January 2026, it was reported that some PCs were unable to start up with the error "UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME" (Niche PC gamer environment construction Z). There were also cases where the BIOS was corrupted with the June 2025 update.

In other words, ``It broke even after updating properly'' is not a rare case. That's why it's important to know how to recover.

First thing to try: How to enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If your PC doesn't start up properly, your first destination is a dedicated repair screen called Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). From here you can access various recovery tools.

There are two main ways to enter WinRE.

Method A: Repeat force termination (installation media not required)

  1. Turn on your PC
  2. When the Windows logo appears, Press and hold the power button to force shut down
  3. Repeat this operation 2 to 3 times
  4. If "Preparing automatic repair" is displayed, it is successful
  5. Then go to Advanced Options → Troubleshooting

In short, Windows automatically switches to recovery mode after consecutive startup failures. This is the official procedure as described in Microsoft official documentation.

Method B: Boot from installation media

If method A does not work, boot from Windows 11 installation media created on a USB stick.

  1. Download "Media Creation Tool" from Microsoft official website on another PC
  2. Writing to a USB memory of 8GB or more
  3. Insert the USB memory into the PC that does not start and turn on the power
  4. Change the BIOS/UEFI boot order to give priority to USB (depending on the manufacturer, enter the settings screen using F2, F12, Del keys, etc.)
  5. When the "Windows Setup" screen appears, click "Repair your computer" at the bottom left

This will put you in the same recovery menu as WinRE. As an insurance policy in case method A doesn't work, we recommend that you create a USB media while you're still healthy.

5 recovery methods: Choose from here after entering WinRE

When you open WinRE's "Troubleshoot" → "Advanced options", several repair tools are listed. Here are five methods in the order in which you try them.

Method 1: Startup Repair (this first)

Select Startup Repair from Advanced Options. Windows automatically detects and repairs corrupted files necessary for startup.

It's the easiest to operate because you just have to make a selection. However,if the cause is Windows Update, it is often impossible to repair. If it doesn't work, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Uninstalling updates (favorite)

If Windows won't start right after updating, this is the most effective.

  1. Select "Advanced options" → "Uninstall updates"
  2. Select "Uninstall the latest quality updates" (click here for regular Windows Updates)
  3. You can also select "Uninstall the latest feature update" (for major updates)
  4. Following the instructions will cancel your most recent update

For example, if your computer won't boot due to KB5074109, you can uninstall KB5074109 using this method to get it back to normal (Explanation by Gazlog).

Note: The updates you uninstall may contain security fixes. After recovery, check to see if any Microsoft patches have been released.

Method 3: System restore

"System Restore" is a function that rewinds your PC settings and system files to a previous state.

  1. Select "Advanced options" → "System Restore"
  2. A list of restore points will be displayed, select date before Windows Update
  3. Click Finish to perform the restore

However, it cannot be used unless a restore point is created. Windows usually automatically creates restore points before major changes, but they may be disabled on PCs with low storage space.

Roughly speaking, it is an effective method when ``method 2 cannot be used'' or ``when you do not know which update caused the problem.'' Detailed instructions with screens are available on the dynabook official support page.

Method 4: Boot in safe mode to isolate the problem

Safe mode is a mode that starts Windows with only minimal drivers. If you can boot into safe mode, you can identify and remove problematic drivers and software.

  1. Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart
  2. After restarting, a screen will appear asking you to select the startup method using the number keys
  3. Start in safe mode with "4" key (or F4)
  4. If you need a network connection, press the 5 key (or F5) to select Safe Mode with Networking

Once you are able to boot into safe mode, you can manually remove the problematic update from Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates.

Buffalo official explanation page also has detailed startup procedures, so please refer to it.

Method 5: Manual repair with command prompt (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods work, open WinRE's "Advanced Options" → "Command Prompt" and try the following commands in order.

sfc /scannow: Scans and repairs Windows system file corruption.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth: Repairs Windows Update components.

chkdsk C: /f /r: Check and repair disk errors (this may take some time).

These are the commands that are also introduced in Microsoft's Official Recovery Options Guide. If you are not familiar with the command prompt, you can just copy and paste the commands one by one and execute them.

Last resort if recovery fails

If you have tried all the methods above and it still does not start, you have the following options.

Execute "Reset this PC"

Select "Reset this PC" from "Troubleshoot" in WinRE. If you select "Keep my personal files," you can reinstall Windows without leaving your photos and documents.

However, installed apps and some settings will be deleted. It's better than starting completely from scratch, but it does take some effort.

Consult with your PC manufacturer's support

Some cases, such as BIOS corruption, cannot be resolved using the Windows recovery environment alone. In some cases, manufacturers responded to the Windows Update issue in June 2025, such as Gigabyte publishing a recovery method and Mouse Computer distributing a modified BIOS. href="https://www.nichepcgamer.com/archives/list-of-manufacturers-whose-windowsupdate-in-june-2025-will-cause-windows-to-not-booting.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Niche PC gamer environment construction Z).

If you feel that there is a limit to recovery on your own, it is definitely best to contact the manufacturer's support center.

Three things to prepare for now

Most Windows Update problems involve panicking after they wake up. However, if you prepare in advance, you can minimize the damage.

1. Create recovery USB media

While your PC is running normally, create installation media from Microsoft official website. All you need is a USB memory of 8GB or more.

2. Enabling System Restore

Search for "Start" → "Create a restore point" and check whether protection of C drive is "enabled". If it is disabled, enable it from "Configuration".

3. Wait a while for Windows Update to be applied

Once the monthly Windows Update is released, one option is to watch the situation for a few days to a week. If there is a major problem, a report will be posted on SNS and news sites during that time. However, there is a risk if you leave security updates for too long, so a good balance is to apply them within two weeks at the most.

FAQ

Can I stop (disable) Windows Update?

Although you can pause it for up to 5 weeks from the settings, we do not recommend disabling it completely. Continuing to use your PC without applying security updates increases the risk of viruses and attacks.

WinRE does not start even after repeated forced terminations?

WinRE partition may be damaged. In that case, boot from the Windows 11 installation media (USB memory) and select "Repair your computer".

If I uninstall the update program, will it reinstall automatically?

Yes, it will usually be reinstalled at the next Windows Update. Until Microsoft releases a fixed version, you can temporarily block it by going to Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates.

Will my data be lost?

Methods 1 to 4 (Startup Repair, uninstalling updates, system restore, safe mode) basically do not erase personal data. Even if you select "Reset this PC," your data will remain if you select "Keep personal files."

Does the same thing happen on Mac?

Startup problems may occur even after updating macOS. However, Mac has a similar mechanism called macOS recovery (start with Command + R), and the steps to deal with it are similar.

References