Updating your operating system is essential to maintain security and enjoy the latest improvements, but it's not without risks. The recent version of Windows 11, known as 24H2 or Windows 11 2024, has caused some headaches for many users. After installing it, some have encountered an error when logging into Windows 11. Reported issues include not only a black screen, but also a disappearing cursor or even user profile errors.
The causes can be varied: from disk space issues, driver conflicts, overly restrictive antivirus software, or simply errors caused by the update itself. Furthermore, according to Microsoft itself and specialized media, there are devices from specific brands (such as some Asus models, for example) that have been temporarily blocked from updating due to serious problems identified.
Easy first steps: reboot and check the network
The first thing Microsoft recommends when a post-update error prevents you from signing in to Windows 11 is to restart your computer. It may seem obvious, but this simple step often resolves resource freeze issues. If your PC is frozen on the startup screen or after entering your password, try a full restart:
- Press and hold the power button for several seconds until it turns off completely.
- Wait a minute and turn the device back on.
If your computer uses a Microsoft account and relies on the Internet to validate your login, make sure the connection is working. Log in to your router if you can, or use safe mode (we'll see how later) to check if there's a Wi-Fi or wired connection.
Disk space: A silent culprit for post-upgrade errors
One of the most common reasons an update might fail and prevent you from signing in to Windows 11 is a lack of free hard drive space. Windows 11, in its 64-bit version, requires at least 20 GB of available disk space to successfully complete the upgrade. If the disk space is too full, the installation may stop, the profile may become corrupted, or the system may not boot completely.
To check this, and if you can access the system in some way (safe mode, another user, or via console), check the storage:
- Open the File Browser and place yourself in This team.
- Look at the amount of free space on the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:).
- If you have less than 20GB free space, delete temporary files, use Disk Cleanup, or transfer files to a USB drive.
In some cases, after the update, Windows retains files from the previous version in the form of a cache, occupying more than 8 GB that are not properly freed. You can try to delete them from the disk space freeing tool, although according to specialized sources, this process sometimes fails and has to be repeated or done manually.
Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can find and repair errors caused by corrupt or incomplete updates. If you experience problems after the update, follow this procedure to run it:
- From the home screen, select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters.
- Look for the option of Windows Update and click Run.
- Let the system automatically scan and repair any errors related to the update.
- Once finished, restart your computer and check if you can access the system normally.
Sometimes it is necessary to run the troubleshooter several times to detect all the problems. If the tool does not resolve the issue, you can manually check for new updates from Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates y reinstall the latest patches.
How to start Windows 11 in safe mode to regain access
When the error persists and you still cannot log in, boot the system into safe mode may be the key. Safe mode boots Windows with the bare minimum, disabling drivers, additional services, and startup programs that could be causing the conflict.
- On the login screen, press and hold the key Capital letters and, without releasing it, select Start/Shutdown > Restart.
- After the computer restarts, you will see the menu Choose an option. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- In the next menu, choose the option 5 or press the key F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.
Once in safe mode, try logging in normally. In many cases, this allows you to access the desktop, restore settings, and check if the problem persists after a normal restart.
If access works in safe mode but not in standard boot, it's possible that a third-party program, driver, or service is blocking the system. You can take this opportunity to disable antivirus, uninstall suspicious programs and apply pending updates.
Does the error persist? Temporarily disable your antivirus and other services.
Sometimes, security software or certain operating system services can cause conflicts after an update and prevent you from signing in to Windows 11. If you suspect the issue may be related to your antivirus (either Microsoft Defender or a third-party antivirus), try temporarily disabling it from Safe Mode:
- Open the search menu, type Services and select the corresponding application.
- Search Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection y Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- Right click on each one, select Properties and change the Start type a Disabled. Save the changes.
Restore access by creating a new user account
If logging in with your original profile still doesn't work after all these attempts, it may be permanently damaged. In this case, it is best to create a new local administrator account and transfer your data so you don't lose important files.
- From safe mode, access the Control panel and Settings > Accounts > Family and other users.
- Create a new user with administrator permissions.
- Sign in with the new account and verify that everything is working correctly.
- Transfer your personal files from C:\Users\ a C:\Users\ copying and pasting all relevant content (documents, photos, desktop, etc.).
- If you're using an email client, you'll need to manually import messages and reconfigure your accounts.
- Some applications will need to be reinstalled and reconfigured in the new profile.
This process ensures that even if your original profile has been corrupted after the update, you can continue using your device without losing vital information.
Known issues, affected models, and additional issues following the 24H2 update
Not all issues after upgrading to Windows 11 prevent you from logging in, but they can make it difficult to use your computer normally. Some of the issues documented in the 24H2 release include:
- Mouse pointer disappears in Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge).
- System File Checker (SFC) is not working properly and you may get stuck repairing files endlessly.
- The disk space freeing tool may show an update cache larger than 8GB as pending even though it has already been deleted.
- Conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat used in video games, causing blue screens in some cases.
- Slow or blocked updates on certain Asus models, which Microsoft has temporarily excluded from automatic updates.
If you suspect a serious failure, always make sure to have a full backup of your system on hand, allowing you to restore your computer to a previous state in the event of a disaster.
Tips to prevent future errors when updating Windows 11
To minimize the risk of an update locking you out of your system again, follow these tips:
- Always back up your documents and system settings. before installing major updates.
- Check that you have enough space on your hard drive. Major updates require a lot of free space.
- Update drivers and uninstall unnecessary programs that may cause conflicts.
- Keep the system connected to the Internet throughout the process update to avoid unexpected interruptions and ensure correct file downloads.
- Review the instructions and warnings published by Microsoft on affected models before installing important updates.
Staying prepared, making backups, and following Microsoft's recommendations is key to preventing these issues from catching you off guard in the future. Share this guide so you can fix this Windows login error..