Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
ZDNET's key takeaways
Fixes a flaw that impacted the Windows reset and reinstall tools.
The patch affects certain versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
To install the patch, head to Windows Update under Settings.
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Microsoft has squashed a recent and annoying bug in Windows that caused the built-in reset and reinstall tools to fail if you tried to run them. Released on Tuesday, the new out-of-band emergency patch is designed for Windows 10 21H2 and 22H2, and Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2.
Also: Microsoft patches more than 100 Windows security flaws - update your PC now
Applying the patch should once again allow you to reset your PC or fix problems using Windows Update. Normally available, those two options can resolve an otherwise unresolvable system issue by forcing Windows to return to its original factory state, or by repairing key system files and components.
How to apply the patch
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