Microsoft has paused the rollout of the KB5039302 update for Windows 11, released on June 25th. It’s causing some PCs to keep restarting. This issue affects Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 but not Windows servers. KB5039302 is an optional preview update that hasn’t been installed on all Windows 11 computers—it’s only on those where users chose to install it.
According to Microsoft, devices affected by KB5039302 may repeatedly restart after installation, necessitating recovery operations to restore normal functionality. The problem appears to be more prevalent among devices utilizing virtual machine tools and nested virtualization features, such as CloudPC, DevBox, and Azure Virtual Desktop. Microsoft is actively investigating the specific conditions triggering this issue.
Microsoft Halts KB5039302 Update for Windows 11: Causes Restart Loop; Investigation Underway for Fix
In response to the problem, Microsoft has ceased offering KB5039302 through Windows Update and Windows Update for Business until a solution is devised. They are currently working on a fix that will be included in a forthcoming update.
For users experiencing the endless reboot cycle after installing KB5039302, Microsoft advises entering the Windows 11 recovery environment. From there, users can select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, proceed to Uninstall Updates, and finally choose Uninstall latest quality update to remove KB5039302. After completion, restarting the computer should resolve the issue.
While KB5039302 brought notable enhancements, including fixes and improvements, its deployment has been paused due to the critical restart issue affecting Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft is committed to resolving this promptly and recommends affected users follow specific steps to mitigate the problem until an official fix is released.
