Windows 11 Update Breaks Veeam Recovery
Introduction
Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update has caused major issues for users relying on Veeam Backup & Replication, a widely-used backup solution. Reports indicate that the update disrupts recovery processes and triggers connection errors, leaving IT administrators scrambling for solutions. If you’re using Veeam to protect critical data, here’s what you need to know about the issue and how to mitigate potential risks.
What’s Happening?
Following the installation of recent Windows 11 updates—including KB5037771 and KB5037770—Veeam users have reported serious disruptions. These updates impact Veeam’s ability to communicate with recovery environments, preventing successful data restoration. According to multiple reports, affected users experience:
- Failed Restore Processes: Restoring backups via the recovery environment leads to unsuccessful attempts or incomplete recovery operations.
- Connectivity Problems: Users have faced errors stating that Veeam is unable to establish connections with backup repositories.
- Unexpected Failures: Both automated and manual recovery procedures are encountering unexpected issues post-update.
Why Is This Happening?
Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the issue officially, but early indications suggest that the updates may have altered key system components required for Veeam’s recovery functions. Similar cases in the past have been caused by:
- Changes to network authentication mechanisms.
- Security-related patches affecting third-party applications.
- Alterations in Windows recovery environment (WinRE) behavior.
Veeam has not yet provided an official workaround, but users are encouraged to hold off on installing the update until a fix is identified.
How to Fix or Avoid This Issue
To minimize disruption, affected users can take the following steps:
1. Pause Windows Updates
If you haven’t yet installed the latest updates, it’s best to pause them for now. You can do this by:
- Going to Settings > Windows Update
- Selecting Pause updates for a designated period
2. Roll Back the Updates
If you are already experiencing issues, rolling back the problematic updates may help restore Veeam’s functionality. To uninstall recent updates:
- Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
- Click Update history and select Uninstall updates.
- Find KB5037771 or KB5037770 and remove them.
- Restart your system and verify if the recovery functionality is restored.
3. Use an Alternative Restore Method
If rolling back doesn’t work or isn’t an option, using alternative Veeam recovery methods—like exporting backup files and manually restoring them—might help in the interim.
Final Thoughts
Updates are necessary for maintaining system security, but occasionally, they introduce unforeseen issues. Microsoft has not yet addressed this problem, so IT teams using Veeam must take a cautious approach when updating their Windows 11 machines. If you’re affected, consider holding off on updates or rolling them back while waiting for an official fix.
Are you experiencing these issues? Drop your comments below and share your experiences!