A wave of frustration is sweeping through Windows 11 users following the recent release of update KB5077181. Reports are surfacing of a critical flaw that’s trapping computers in a relentless cycle of restarts, effectively bricking them for some.
The immediate aftermath of installation seems to be the trigger, with affected systems failing to properly boot. Many are greeted not with the familiar Windows login screen, but with an endless loop, desperately attempting to start only to fail repeatedly.
Adding to the confusion, a specific error message – SENS, or System Event Notification Service – is appearing for some. This cryptic signal suggests a breakdown in communication within the system, often linked to missing data or network connectivity issues.
Others are encountering more direct error codes, 0x800f0983 and 0x800f0991, offering little clarity but confirming a deeper underlying problem. The errors point to a failure during the update process itself, leaving systems unstable.
The issues aren’t limited to startup failures. Some users are reporting DHCP errors, indicating a problem acquiring a valid IP address, even while connected to the internet. This suggests the update is disrupting fundamental network functions.
Currently, there’s no official acknowledgement or solution from Microsoft. The boot problems aren’t listed among the known issues associated with the update, leaving users to grapple with the fallout on their own.
For those caught in the restart loop, recovery mode offers a potential, though not guaranteed, lifeline. Resetting the system is a risky maneuver, but it’s proving to be the only option for some to regain control.
If your system hasn’t yet installed KB5077181, a temporary reprieve is possible. Uninstalling the update, if accessible, is the first step. This can be done through the Control Panel, navigating to installed updates.
Crucially, after uninstalling, it’s vital to immediately pause automatic updates. This prevents Windows from automatically reinstalling the problematic update, potentially repeating the cycle of errors and instability. The setting can be found within the Windows Update section of the system settings.
