Understanding and Resolving Windows 11 Unexpected Reboot Issue Post-Installation
Introduction
Encountering persistent issues immediately after installing a new operating system can be a complex and frustrating experience. Recently, users have reported a peculiar problem: Windows 11 installations that fail within minutes, but only when connected to the internet. This blog post explores this issue’s details, potential causes, troubleshooting steps, and recommendations to help affected users resolve the problem effectively.
Overview of the Issue
Users have observed that during a fresh installation of Windows 11 on their primary SSD, the system functions normally for a brief period—typically a few minutes—before automatically prompting a restart. Upon login, the system consistently encounters errors leading to spontaneous shutdowns. Notably, these issues seem to occur exclusively when the Ethernet connection is active during or after installation.
Technical Details and Error Analysis
Event Viewer logs reveal critical errors involving the Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (lsass.exe). Specifically, the error code c0000409 indicates a status related to security or protocol failures. The fatal error trace points to the failure of the bcryptprimitives.dll module, which is integral to cryptographic functions within Windows.
Key Observations:
- The problem arises only when the network cable is plugged in during or immediately after installation.
- Offline installations—without internet—seem unaffected.
- The issue persists across multiple reinstallations, even when varying installation media or drive configurations.
- Attempts to repair or reinstall via Windows tools (such as SFC or DISM) do not resolve the issue.
- The problem seems linked to Windows Update processes, possibly attempting to download/update cryptographic components or drivers, which become corrupted or incompatible.
Potential Causes and Hypotheses
Several factors may contribute to this anomaly:
- Corrupted or Incompatible Windows Updates: Automatic updates during or immediately after installation could interfere with system stability if corrupt files or incompatible drivers are involved.
- Network Driver Conflicts: The motherboard’s integrated network card or Ethernet drivers might induce instability during driver configuration processes.
- Hardware Conflicts: Certain hardware components or configurations could trigger cryptographic errors under network activity.
- Security or Cryptography Module Failures: Errors involving bcryptprimitives.dll suggest issues with cryptographic modules, possibly caused by driver conflicts or corrupted system files.
Troubleshooting Steps and Recommendations
To diagnose and potentially resolve this problem, consider the following approach:
- Perform a Clean Offline Installation
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