Recent updates for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 have broken authentication workflows across multiple environments. Administrators and users report being unable to access the login screen after rebooting to the lock screen. This stops standard login methods from working during critical downtime.

PIN/password input box never appears after reboot to lock screen; mouse and gestures work but no login prompt from clicking, swiping, Ctrl+Alt+Del, or Windows+L.

Symptoms

Users see a working system with the lock screen visible, but the login prompt does not show up. Specific issues include:

  • Mouse cursor and touch gestures respond normally.
  • PIN and password fields never appear after clicking, swiping, or pressing Windows+L.
  • Ctrl+Alt+Del does not bring up the secure attention screen.
  • Touch gestures to wake display do not reveal credential input.
  • Affects Windows 11 builds 24H2 and 25H2.
  • Reports on Windows Server 2025 Domain Controllers blocking remote access.
  • Seen on hardware like Acer Predator Helios 300.

Cause

Microsoft confirmed this problem started with the April 2026 quality update. The update introduced a regression in the sign-in component. It changes how the login UI operates with the lock screen session. There is no official patch yet. Engineering teams are tracking the issue based on reports posted to the Windows release health dashboard. Both consumer and enterprise editions are affected.

Fix

Without an official patch, you need safe workarounds to regain access while keeping your data.

  1. Send a report with high severity using the Feedback Hub. Include the update date and build number so the Windows team tracks the regression.
  2. Reset your PC from recovery options, choosing Keep My Files. This keeps user data but removes apps and settings. Note local configs like Outlook templates in AppData will be lost.
  3. Keep an eye on Windows 11 update release notes for new patches or status updates. Look for related KB articles on the support site.
  4. Check Windows fixes for similar troubleshooting tips.

If you use Microsoft 365 services, review Microsoft 365 fixes for any impacts during the outage.

If that does not work

If reset fails or the update reinstalls the broken components, try these next steps. Disable automatic updates to block reinstalling the faulty build. Use System Restore if you have a point before the update. If on Active Directory, verify domain join status with IT support. Check the fix Outlook error 0xc0000409 guide for related login problems. In enterprises, block the update via Group Policy until a fix arrives. Document all failures and timeline for audits.

Need help recovering Windows login or rolling back a bad update? Contact Rain City Techworks.