Windows Rollback Loop After Windows 11/10 Update (Fix)

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

Windows Rollback Loop is a startup error that affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11, in which you find yourself stuck in a continuous loop. The loop involves seeing a blue screen asking if you want to exit and continue to Windows or troubleshoot, as well as being prompted to choose your keyboard layout and language. Regardless of how many times you restart your PC, it returns to the same blue screen.

Before resorting to a restore, reset, or reinstalling your operating system, try the following solution. It may help you resolve the Windows rollback loop issue and regain access to your Windows without needing to restore or rollback.

Windows rollback loop choose your keyboard layout

Causes of Windows rollback loop issue

Before diving into the solutions to fix the Windows rollback loop issue, it’s essential to understand what might be the cause of the issue.

  1. Corrupted or missing system files: Damaged or missing system files can prevent Windows from loading correctly, leading to the rollback loop error.
  2. Disk errors: Disk errors can result from bad sectors, physical damage, or corrupted file systems. These errors can interfere with Windows’ ability to read or write data, causing the rollback loop.
  3. Corrupted boot parameters: Incorrect or corrupted boot parameters can confuse Windows and prevent it from booting, leading to the rollback loop error.
  4. Incomplete or failed updates: Sometimes, an interrupted or failed Windows update can cause the operating system to enter the rollback loop, as it may not have been properly configured.
  5. Incompatible hardware or drivers: In rare cases, incompatible hardware or drivers can cause the rollback loop issue, particularly if they interfere with critical system functions.

How to fix Windows rollback loop after update

This solution involves executing several commands to scan and repair system files, disk errors, and boot parameters. In order to do so, you’ll need access to the command prompt. To access the command prompt, enter the Windows Recovery Environment, also known as Windows system recovery mode.

See also: Windows 11/10 “Choose your keyboard layout” Loop

To access Windows system recovery mode, press F8 while booting your PC. If F8 doesn’t work, try F11. If neither key works, perform the following: Hold and press the power switch of your computer for 5 seconds until it’s completely off. Start it up again. As soon as it starts loading Windows, hold and press the power switch to force another shutdown. Repeat this for 3 times. When Windows detects multiple failed startups, it will automatically boot into Windows recovery mode.

Once you’re in Windows recovery mode, follow these steps to fix the Windows rollback loop error:

  1. In recovery mode, select Troubleshoot.Windows RE Troubleshoot
  2. Select Command Prompt.Windows rollback loop command prompt
  3. Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each command. Replace “C:” with the correct drive if your Windows installation is not stored in C:.
    chkdsk c: /f
    sfc /scannow
    bootrec /fixmbr
    bootrec /fixboot
    bootrec /rebuildbcd
    bcdboot c:\windows /s c:
  4. Restart your computer if it didn’t restart itself after entering the commands. If you encounter an “access denied” message during the execution of any commands, ensure you’re entering the correct drive letter where your Windows installation is stored.

Additional troubleshooting steps for the issue

If the Windows rollback loop issue persists even after trying the fixes mentioned earlier, you might want to consider the following additional troubleshooting steps:

  • System Restore: Use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state before the error occurred. This option requires you to have a saved restore point.
  • Reset your PC: If you don’t have a restore point or the system restore didn’t work, you can reset your PC. This process will reinstall Windows, but you can choose to keep or remove your personal files. However, you will need to reinstall apps and programs.
  • Windows Startup Repair: Use the built-in Startup Repair tool to automatically diagnose and repair issues preventing Windows from starting.
  • Perform a clean installation: If none of the above methods work, you might need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 or Windows 11. This process will erase all data on your PC, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding. To perform a clean installation:
    1. Create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation media using the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
    2. Insert the USB drive into your PC and boot from it.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows, making sure to select the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option when prompted.

These troubleshooting steps should help you resolve the Windows rollback loop issue and regain access to your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system. Remember to back up your data regularly and create restore points to minimize the impact of such issues in the future.


Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.