Windows 11 Recovery Error? New Update Fixes “WinRE Not Found” Problem
If you’ve recently tried to reset or refresh your Windows 11 PC, you may have encountered a frustrating and concerning error message: “Windows Recovery Environment not found.” This issue has affected a significant number of users following recent security updates, leaving them without access to crucial system recovery tools when they are needed most.
Fortunately, an official fix has been released to address this critical problem. Here’s what you need to know about the error and how to resolve it to ensure your system’s safety net is back in place.
Understanding the “Windows Recovery Environment Not Found” Error
The problem originated with a security update released in early 2024. This update included a new, larger version of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), which is the lightweight version of Windows used for system restore, troubleshooting, and factory reset operations.
The installation process for that update was supposed to automatically resize your computer’s hidden recovery partition to accommodate the larger WinRE file. However, on many systems, this process failed. As a result, the new recovery environment couldn’t be installed correctly, effectively breaking the link to these essential tools and triggering the “WinRE not found” error.
A functioning WinRE is critical for:
- Troubleshooting serious startup problems.
- Restoring your system from a previously created image.
- Performing a “Reset this PC” operation to factory settings.
- Accessing advanced startup options and the command prompt for manual repairs.
Without a working recovery environment, resolving major system issues can become significantly more difficult.
The Official Fix: A New Out-of-Band Update
To correct this widespread issue, Microsoft has released an emergency, out-of-band (OOB) update. This new patch, identified as update KB5035942, is specifically designed to fix the broken recovery environment.
The update includes a script that properly handles the resizing of the recovery partition, allowing the updated WinRE to be installed successfully. Once this patch is applied, your system’s recovery and reset functionalities should be fully restored.
Actionable Steps: How to Install the Update and Fix Your PC
Because this is an optional, out-of-band update, it may not install automatically. You will likely need to manually check for it.
Here is the recommended course of action:
- Navigate to Windows Update: Open your Settings app, go to Windows Update, and click the “Check for updates” button.
- Find the Optional Update: The system should find the new cumulative update preview. It will be listed under the “Optional updates” section. Look for the update labeled KB5035942.
- Download and Install: Click the “Download & install” button next to the optional update. Windows will handle the rest of the process.
- Restart Your Computer: A restart is required to finalize the installation. After your PC reboots, the fix will be applied.
If the update does not appear in your Windows Update settings, advanced users can manually download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it.
By installing this update, you not only fix the current error but also ensure that your PC has access to the latest security patches and stability improvements. We strongly recommend all Windows 11 users install this update to guarantee their recovery tools are fully operational, providing peace of mind that you can recover your system if something goes wrong.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-fixes-usb-issue-that-made-windows-recovery-unusable/
