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Why is my Windows 11 PC stuck restarting after the February 2026 update?
Windows 11 update KB5077181 for versions 24H2 and 25H2 is causing critical boot loops and Secure Boot violations for many users. The most effective immediate solution is to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and uninstall the update using the command prompt or system settings.
KB5077181 Update Context
Microsoft released cumulative update KB5077181 on February 10, 2026, targeting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. This patch primarily addresses network issues and prepares devices for new Secure Boot certificates expiring in June 2026. While intended to improve security, the inclusion of these new targeting data definitions appears to be the catalyst for system instability.
Critical Boot Loop Symptoms
Users report that their machines enter an endless restart cycle immediately after applying the update. Systems often reboot more than 15 times automatically without reaching the login screen. If the login screen does appear, the “System Event Notification Service” (SENS) frequently fails, blocking user access entirely.
Secure Boot Conflicts
The update tweaks Secure Boot keys, which has led to BIOS-level conflicts on certain hardware configurations. Affected users attempting to troubleshoot have found that resetting BIOS keys to factory settings can permanently delete the keys needed to boot Windows. This forces users to switch to Compatibility Support Module (CSM) mode, effectively downgrading their security posture to regain access.
Command Line Recovery
Uninstalling the update via the Command Prompt in WinRE is the most reliable fix for users unable to boot to the desktop. You must access the “Advanced Options” menu during startup and execute a specific removal command. The recommended command wusa /uninstall /kb:5077181 /quiet /norestart forces the removal of the problematic patch without user intervention.