Windows 11 KB5077181 Update Triggers Boot Loops on Multiple Devices

Microsoft’s February 10, 2026 Patch Tuesday update KB5077181 hits Windows 11 versions 24H2 (build 26200.7840) and 25H2 (build 26100.7840). Users report endless restart loops after install, blocking desktop access after 15+ cycles. Reddit and Microsoft forums document widespread failures.

The cumulative update patches 58 vulnerabilities, including six zero-days flagged by CISA. Fixes cover Windows Shell SmartScreen bypass, Desktop Window Manager privilege escalation, Remote Desktop Services RCE, and Notepad Markdown exploits. New Secure Boot certificates prep for 2011 cert expirations in June 2026.

Boot issues show System Event Notification Service (SENS) errors like “procedure could not be found.” DHCP fails despite connections. Install codes 0x800f0983 and 0x800f0991 appear on select hardware. Microsoft reports no known issues on support pages as of February 15.

Positive notes include WPA3 Wi-Fi fixes, full-screen gaming eligibility, and AI component updates to version 1.2601.1268.0. Enterprises should test via WSUS before broad deployment.

Devices with Virtual Secure Mode face shutdown/hibernation bugs from January updates. KB5077181 rolls in prior fixes from KB5074109, KB5077744, and KB5078127.

Microsoft KB notes: “This security update includes quality improvements. We are not currently aware of any specific issues with this release.”

CISA confirms: “CVE-2026-21533 and others actively exploited. Apply patches per agency timelines.”

Key Fixes Table

CVE ID	Component	Type	Status
CVE-2026-21510	Windows Shell	Critical	SmartScreen evasion
CVE-2026-21519	DWM	High	SYSTEM escalation
CVE-2026-21533	RDS	Critical	Zero-day exploited
CVE-2026-20841	Notepad	High	Markdown RCE ​

Reported Problems

• Infinite restarts exceed 15 loops.
• SENS crashes post-login.
• No internet despite DHCP leases.
• Update fails on OEM configs.

Some gain explorer.exe stability and Nvidia black screen fixes. Gaming/Wi-Fi improvements help unaffected users.

Uninstall Steps

Working Desktop:

1. Control Panel > Programs > View installed updates.
2. Right-click KB5077181 > Uninstall.
3. Pause Windows Update.

Boot Loop Recovery:

1. Interrupt boot 3x for WinRE.
2. Troubleshoot > Advanced > Command Prompt.
3. wusa /uninstall /kb:5077181 /quiet /norestart
4. sfc /scannow
5. Restart.

Affected Versions

Edition	Build After	KB	Common Issues
24H2	26200.7840	KB5077181	Boot loops
25H2	26100.7840	KB5077181	SENS errors
23H2	22631.6649	KB5075941	Fewer reports​

Enterprise Advice

Deploy test groups first. Monitor Update Health Dashboard. Use Catalog for offline MSUs: search KB5077181. Prioritize internet-facing systems despite risks.

New Features

• Narrator verbosity controls.
• Cross Device Resume expansion (Spotify, browsers).
• MIDI 2.0/Windows MIDI Services.
• Smart App Control toggle sans clean install.

FAQ