Windows 8.1 no longer starts up after update for some users

Several Windows 8.1 users are complaining that their PCs won’t boot after installing some updates released by Microsoft this week. The issues are caused by two update files.

On a Microsoft support forum it is raining complaints about the so-called ‘August update’ for Windows 8.1. Users state that after installing the updates, the system no longer wants to boot properly. If a restore point has been created, in some cases Windows can be made to work again by removing all recently installed updates.

The issues are caused by kernel update KB2982791 and optional update KB2975719. Usually after two startups after the installation of the files, Windows 8.1 refuses to boot any longer. A Microsoft employee told the support forum that the issues are currently being investigated by the team responsible for releasing and testing updates.