Unified Write Filter Servicing Mode Login Screen

David Henriquez 0 Reputation points
2023-07-28T19:34:07.3933333+00:00

I am testing UWF on some Windows 11 Enterprise devices, but running into issues when testing the Servicing mode in order to apply Windows Updates. The device reboots but then goes into a black screen, showing only the cursor. I have left it sit like that for hours, but nothing changes.

I tried to remote into the device via RDP. The RDP session shows me logging in, but then automatically restarts the device. The device itself never shows me anything on the screen aside from the cursor, although it does reboot.

I saw a question from a couple of years ago about this same issue but no definite answer or solution provided, so I am trying to poke the bee hive once again.

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
12,508 questions
Windows 10 Security
Windows 10 Security
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Security: The precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, or another threat.
2,817 questions
Microsoft Configuration Manager Updates
Microsoft Configuration Manager Updates
Microsoft Configuration Manager: An integrated solution for for managing large groups of personal computers and servers.Updates: Broadly released fixes addressing specific issue(s) or related bug(s). Updates may also include new or modified features (i.e. changing default behavior).
1,004 questions
Microsoft Intune Updates
Microsoft Intune Updates
Microsoft Intune: A Microsoft cloud-based management solution that offers mobile device management, mobile application management, and PC management capabilities.Updates: Broadly released fixes addressing specific issue(s) or related bug(s). Updates may also include new or modified features (i.e. changing default behavior).
90 questions
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. AllenLiu-MSFT 42,351 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-07-31T06:14:35.5+00:00

    Hi, @David Henriquez

    It seems that you are experiencing issues with the Unified Write Filter (UWF) Servicing Mode in order to apply Windows Updates on Windows 11 Enterprise devices. Typically, this mode clears the UWF overlay, reboots the device, triggers a system maintenance hour, disables the UWF filter, scans and applies Windows updates, scans and applies app updates from the Microsoft store, and then re-enables the UWF filter and resumes UWF protection. However, in your case, the device only shows a black screen with a cursor, and even remote desktop sessions show you logging in but then automatically restarting the device.

    One possible reason for this issue could be related to user accounts on the device. The UWF servicing mode requires that all user accounts on the system have a password. If there is a user account that does not include a password, UWF servicing will fail. Therefore, ensure that all user accounts on your device have passwords before starting UWF servicing. If that does not solve the problem, it could be a compatibility issue, and you may need to reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

    If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Add comment".

    0 comments