Urgent OOB patches fix Aug 2025 update break Windows reset recovery

Microsoft has confirmed that the August 2025 security updates can break Windows’ built-in reset and recovery tools on certain client editions, and the company has issued urgent out-of-band patches to address the problem. The disruption affects Windows 10 and older versions of Windows 11, interfering with attempts to reset the PC, use the “Fix problems using Windows Update” tool, or remotely reset devices via the RemoteWipe service provider.

Microsoft said the issue manifests after installing the August updates on affected platforms, with Reset this PC and related recovery operations starting to fail. The company also noted that Windows 11 version 24H2 appears not to be affected, while Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 11 22H2, as well as Windows 10 22H2 and certain LTSC editions, are among those implicated. The problem can prevent users from reinstalling the OS without deleting personal files, or from reinstalling while preserving apps and settings, creating potential complications for both personal and enterprise devices.

In response, Microsoft released emergency out-of-band (OOB) updates designed to resolve the fault. The updates are described as cumulative, superseding earlier...