Windows 11 Update KB5043145 Blue Screen Issue and Troubleshooting

Recently, Microsoft released a new update for Windows 11, aimed at introducing some exciting new features to the Start menu, taskbar, and lock screen. However, the rollout of this update, labeled KB5043145, has caused significant issues for many users, leading to severe system malfunctions, including the notorious Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) and Green Screen of Death (GSoD).

What is KB5043145?

The KB5043145 update is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience on Windows 11 by introducing performance improvements, security updates, and new features, primarily targeting Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2. Despite its intended improvements, the update has been problematic for many users, resulting in system crashes, boot loops, and other disruptions.

Issues Reported After Installing KB5043145

According to Windows Latest, numerous users who installed the KB5043145 update reported experiencing the following issues:

1. Blue or Green Screen of Death: After installing the update, many users experienced their PCs freezing and displaying either a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) or Green Screen of Death (GSoD), leading to forced restarts.
2. Permanent Boot Loop: Affected computers often get stuck in a permanent boot cycle, where the system attempts to recover but fails, making it difficult or impossible for users to regain access to their desktop.
3. BitLocker Recovery Activation: In some cases, the BitLocker recovery process is triggered, prompting users to input their recovery key, adding another layer of complexity to the recovery process.
4. USB Devices and Network Issues: Following the update, several users reported that USB peripherals such as mice and keyboards stopped working, with the Wi-Fi network also becoming unresponsive.
5. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Failure: A specific issue affecting developers was that the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) stopped functioning after the installation of KB5043145.

Microsoft’s Response

Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and listed them as “known issues” affecting all users of Windows 11 version 23H2 and 22H2. In response, the company has temporarily paused the update to investigate and fix the root causes.

What Causes the Problems?

The root cause of the issue is not entirely clear yet, but it seems to stem from conflicts between the update’s new features and the existing system configurations of certain devices. Particularly, boot configurations, driver compatibility, and security mechanisms like BitLocker appear to be affected, causing the system to malfunction during the update process.

How to Fix Issues Caused by KB5043145

1. Avoid Installing the Update

If you have not yet installed the KB5043145 update, it is strongly advised to delay or avoid installing it until Microsoft resolves these issues. The update is optional for now, and you can wait for a more stable version to be released after the necessary fixes have been made.

2. Uninstall the KB5043145 Update

If you’ve already installed the update and are experiencing problems, you can uninstall it by following these steps:

1. Open Windows Settings: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update: Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. View Update History: Click on Update History.
4. Uninstall Updates: At the bottom, you’ll see the option to Uninstall Updates. Click this, and locate KB5043145 in the list.
5. Remove the Update: Select the update and click Uninstall.

After uninstalling, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Access Windows Recovery Options

If you are stuck in a boot loop or cannot access the desktop due to a blue or green screen, try these steps:

1. Enter Windows Recovery Mode: Force the system into recovery by restarting the device three times using the power button.
2. Select Troubleshoot: In the Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot.
3. Choose Advanced Options: Click on Advanced options and then Uninstall Updates.
4. Remove KB5043145: Select the update to remove it and restart the system.

4. Use BitLocker Recovery Key

In cases where BitLocker is activated and requesting a recovery key, you’ll need to retrieve your BitLocker Recovery Key from your Microsoft Account. Visit the official BitLocker Recovery page, log in, and find the key associated with your device.

KB5043145 Patch and Potential Long-Term Fixes

While Microsoft is actively working on fixing these problems, users affected by this update can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub app in Windows 11, allowing the company to better understand the scope and causes of the issues.

For now, users are recommended to delay any further updates until an official patch is released. If necessary, affected devices can be rolled back to a stable version using the methods outlined above.

Conclusion

The KB5043145 update for Windows 11 has introduced various features but has also caused severe issues for a number of users, including BSoD, boot loops, and BitLocker recovery activation. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Until then, users should refrain from installing the update or remove it if problems arise.

FAQs

1. What is the KB5043145 update?
   • It’s a Windows 11 update introducing new features to the Start menu, taskbar, and lock screen but has caused problems like BSoD and boot loops.
2. What should I do if my PC crashes after installing KB5043145?
   • You can uninstall the update through Windows Recovery or the settings menu.
3. Why is my BitLocker asking for a recovery key after the update?
   • Some systems trigger BitLocker recovery after installing the update. You can retrieve the key from your Microsoft account.
4. Will Microsoft release a fix for the KB5043145 issues?
   • Yes, Microsoft is investigating the issue and has temporarily paused the update until a fix is ready.
5. Can I prevent my PC from installing KB5043145?
   • Yes, you can delay the update by turning off automatic updates until Microsoft releases a patched version.