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Locked out of Windows on laptop after June 2nd, 2026 Windows Update

Mark1789 0 Reputation points
2026-06-03T21:30:35.87+00:00

Hi,

I have been locked out of my Windows account on my computer. Windows Upate recently completed installation of several types of updates - A windows repair version, a windows preview, an intelligence security update, and two others. After downloading and installing all five items from Windows Update I allowed the computer restart which took nearly an hour. After the restart completed I logged into Windows and found that the computer was processing very very slowly (e.g. internet browsers freeze, won't open the start menu, etc). I could not access any apps or the start menu. I had to shut down the computer and restart. The computer remained on a black screen for nearly 30 minutes then slowly loaded up the welcome screen. The login screen is requesting a password which I never use. I don't know the password because I usually use a PIN- and after a minute of inactivity, it tries to load without having put in a password (spinng dots).

Now, the CPU sounds different and the computer is still processing slowly but I can access the login screen on windows. I have tried holding shift and pressing restart to force it to restart in safe mode. I tried changing the password on my Microsoft account. Neither option worked. Does anyone know how I can either enter Safe Mode to troubleshoot this problem or reset my password? I would prefer a method that does not wipe the hard drive. I have a lot of data on it.

Thanks

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Clary-N 11,490 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-04T08:37:31.89+00:00

    Hi Mark1789,

    In this case, I would recommend starting with forcing the recovery environment and working from there in this order, beginning with the least invasive options to avoid data loss.

    First, you’ll need to force the system into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Turn on the laptop, and as soon as Windows begins to load (you see the spinning dots or logo), press and hold the power button to force it off. Repeat this process two or three times. On the next startup, Windows should show “Preparing Automatic Repair” and bring you to the recovery screen.

    From there, go to Troubleshoot and then Advanced options. Start by selecting System Restore, if a restore point is available. Choose a restore point from before the June 2 update. This should roll the system back to a previous working state while keeping your personal data intact.

    If that option is not available or does not help, go back again to Advanced options and choose Startup Settings, then restart. Once the options appear, press 5 to start Safe Mode with Networking. If you’re able to get into Windows in this mode, allow some time for the system to stabilize, then proceed with removing problematic updates or continuing troubleshooting from within Windows.

    If you still cannot access the system, go back to Advanced options and open Command Prompt. From there, you can verify whether your data is still accessible and, if needed, copy important files to an external drive using commands such as robocopy. This is a useful precaution to ensure your data is safe before attempting further recovery steps.

    As a final option, if none of the above steps resolve the issue, go to Troubleshoot and select Reset this PC, then choose Keep my files. This will reinstall Windows while preserving your personal files, though applications and system settings will be removed.

    One additional point regarding the sign-in issue: as you’ve recently reset that password, it may take some time to sync to the device, so ensure the device is connected to the internet at the login screen; otherwise the updated password may not be recognized immediately.

    Please let me know how it goes and I’ll be happy to assist further.

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