Microsoft's KB5022913 Update Causes Windows 11 Boot Failure

Microsoft has recently released an update to its Windows 11 operating system, KB5022913, which has caused issues for devices running third-party UI customization applications. In the Windows release health log, Microsoft has stated that these applications, such as StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher, can cause errors in explorer.exe, leading to multiple loops and ultimately causing the device to fail to boot.

This article aims to explore the issue caused by the KB5022913 update, the impact it has on Windows 11 devices, and the steps that users can take to resolve the issue.

The Problem with Third-Party UI Customization Applications

Customization tools for user interfaces are widely used by Windows 11 users to personalize their experience of the operating system. However, these tools may cause issues with system updates and stability.

In this case, Microsoft has warned that the KB5022913 update may conflict with third-party UI customization applications, such as StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher. These applications can cause explorer.exe to fail repeatedly in a loop, leading to boot failure.

The Impact on Windows 11 Devices

The issue caused by the KB5022913 update can have a significant impact on devices running Windows 11. If the device fails to boot, the user may lose access to all their data and programs, causing inconvenience and potential data loss.

Furthermore, some users may rely on third-party UI customization applications for accessibility reasons, and the failure of these tools can create additional barriers to their use of the device.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

To avoid the boot failure issue caused by the KB5022913 update, Microsoft recommends that Windows 11 administrators remove any third-party UI customization applications, such as StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher, before installing the latest cumulative update.

For users who have already been affected by the issue, Microsoft advises contacting the developer of the installed application for assistance. The developer may be able to provide a solution or workaround for the problem.

It is also essential to keep Windows 11 up to date with the latest updates and security patches, as these updates often contain critical bug fixes and security improvements that protect the device from vulnerabilities.