Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2: Hotpatch Update Bug Prevents Local Reset

Microsoft has officially acknowledged a rather troublesome bug affecting installations of Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024, specifically builds based on versions 24H2 and 25H2. The issue emerged following the release of the latest hotpatch updates, a technology that allows critical security patches to be applied without requiring a system restart. However, in this case, the convenience of deployment has introduced instability in a key function of the operating system: the Push Button Reset (the classic "Reset this PC").

According to the support documentation, the problematic updates are identified by the codes KB5077212, released in February 2026, and KB5079420, distributed in March 2026. As highlighted by Neowin, the malfunction manifests when a system administrator or end user attempts to initiate the reset procedure, either by choosing the option to keep personal files or opting for complete data removal.

Hotpatch Bug on Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC: Details of the Problem

The system's behavior during the reset attempt is quite alarming (although not destructive). Once the operation is initiated, the PC enters a prolonged black screen phase, giving the impression of a total hardware freeze. In reality, the reset process fails silently in the early stages. After a timeout, the system automatically restarts, bringing the user back to the original desktop. Here, an error message appears: "There was a problem resetting your PC. No changes were made."

Consumer users are not at risk: Microsoft has clarified that the bug exclusively affects commercial devices managed via Windows Autopatch that meet three specific criteria: belonging to an organization utilizing Autopatch, actively enabling the security hotpatching feature, and installing monthly updates without intermediate restarts. This represents a typical scenario for large IT infrastructures aimed at maximum operational continuity.

Fortunately, the resolution does not require complex maneuvers or risky rollbacks of security updates. Microsoft has already identified the fix within the March Safe OS Dynamic Update, delivered as KB5079471, which is a dynamic update package specifically designed to update the binary files used by the recovery environment (WinRE) and setup processes.

IT administrators can mitigate the issue by applying this specific patch to managed devices. Once installed, the Push Button Reset functionality resumes normal operation, eliminating conflicts generated by previous hotpatch updates.