Microsoft has issued a significant warning to users of Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, along with Windows 10. Following the August 2025 updates—specifically, KB5063875 for Windows 11 23H2 and KB5063709 for Windows 10—the built-in Reset and Recovery features are currently non-functional. Fortunately, this problem does not extend to Windows 11 24H2 users.
In a statement outlined in a support document, Microsoft acknowledged, “After installing the August 2025 Windows security update (KB5063875), attempts to reset or recover the device might fail.” This admission contrasts with other official documents that misleadingly claim there are no known issues.
Overview of the August 2025 Update Complications
To provide more context, let’s discuss the problematic rollout of the August 2025 updates. On August 12, Microsoft released the mandatory Patch Tuesday security updates for all supported operating systems. A comprehensive review of the updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog reveals several issues:
- Windows 11 24H2: KB5063878 (26100.4946) – Reports of installation issues and SSD failures have emerged, particularly in Japan.
- Windows 11 24H2 Hotpatch for Enterprises: KB5064010 (26100.4851) – No issues reported.
- Windows 11 23H2/22H2: KB5063875 (226×1.5768) – The Reset & Recovery feature is broken.
- Windows 10 22H2/21H2: KB5063709 (1904x.6216) – The Reset & Recovery feature is also non-functional.
- Windows Server/HCI v23H2: KB5063899 (25398.1791) – No issues reported.
- Windows Server 2022: KB5063880 (20348.4052) – Safe with no reported issues.
Consequences of the Broken Recovery Features
As Windows 11 23H2 approaches its end-of-life support deadline on November 11, 2025, caution is crucial when using the Reset and Recovery options. Microsoft’s unintentional disruption of these critical features was highlighted by Windows Latest. Users should be aware of the implications when navigating to Settings > System > Recovery, where they will find options like “Reset this PC, ” which retains familiarity since the Windows 8 era.
Among the available recovery options, users may encounter the Advanced Startup feature, which allows them to recover Windows, reset their PCs, boot from USB drives, and access the firmware (BIOS) menu. Additionally, a new cloud recovery solution, “Fix problems when using Windows Update, ” downloads the latest version of Windows to reinstall the operating system.
However, users attempting to utilize “Reset this PC” or “Fix problems when using Windows Update” on devices running Windows 11 23H2 or 22H2 will find these processes unsuccessful, resulting in Windows automatically rolling back the changes without any visible warnings.
This malfunction is critical. Microsoft should have taken immediate action to withdraw the faulty updates, namely KB5063875 for Windows 11 23H2 and KB5063709 for Windows 10. Luckily, users on Windows 11 24H2 remain unaffected by this specific issue, although many Windows 10 machines are still experiencing the problem.
In response to the outcry, Microsoft has committed to releasing an out-of-band update soon, with Windows Latest reporting that an emergency patch may be available as early as August 19. Preparations for this patch are already underway.
Moreover, users on Windows 11 24H2 are not entirely exempt from complications. Reports indicate potential installation errors when downloading the August 2025 update. After Windows Latest highlighted these concerns, Microsoft confirmed the issues and has since implemented a server-side patch to allow smoother installations.
While investigating reports of SSD failures tied to the August 2025 updates, it appears that these incidents are primarily localized in Japan, suggesting limited widespread disruption for users in other regions.
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