02/18/2026
Reports indicate that the February 2026 Windows 11 update (KB5077181) is causing significant installation failures and system instability across multiple versions, including 24H2 and 25H2. While intended to fix previous boot issues, the patch has introduced a new set of critical bugs for a segment of the user base.
Reported Issues
Boot Loops & Startup Failures: Users have reported critical boot loops and endless restart cycles immediately after installation.
Installation Error Codes: Common failure codes include 0x800F0991, 0x800F0983, 0x800F0922, 0x80073712, and 0x80096004.
Network & Connectivity: Some devices experience DHCP errors, resulting in Wi-Fi showing as connected but having no internet access.
Hardware Malfunctions: Reports include broken Bluetooth connectivity, audio popping or glitches, and system freezes upon sign-in.
SENS Errors: Some systems display "System Event Notification Service" (SENS) errors, preventing interaction with critical system services.
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Potential Fixes and Workarounds
If you are affected by these issues, community and expert sources suggest several recovery steps:
Uninstall the Update: If you can reach the desktop, use the Control Panel to view installed updates, find KB5077181, and select "Uninstall".
Use Windows Recovery Environment: If stuck in a boot loop, enter Recovery Mode and use the Command Prompt to run: wusa /uninstall /kb:5077181 /quiet /norestart.
Network Reset: For DHCP issues, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset to restore connectivity.
Manual Installation: If the update fails to install through Windows Update, try downloading the standalone package directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Pause Updates: To prevent the buggy version from re-downloading, it is recommended to Pause Updates until a official fix is confirmed.
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Are you currently facing a specific error code or are you unable to boot into Windows at all?