Windows 11 messed up/get errors after update

Hi Benetoft,
It sounds like you’ve been hit with a cascade of issues that can really unsettle even a cheerful Windows user. When task manager, the Start menu, and even blue screens start appearing out of the blue (pun intended), it’s often a sign that a recent Windows update didn’t get along well with your system configuration.
Given your system specs (B650, Ryzen 5 7600, 32 GB 6000MHz, Radeon 7800 XT), you’re set up with modern hardware, so it’s unlikely that your AMD setup is inherently "bad" with Windows 11. However, a few things might be triggering these issues:

1. Faulty or Incompatible Windows Update:
   It seems that uninstalling a Windows update in safe mode temporarily “fixed” the problem. This indicates that one of the recent updates might be causing a conflict. Check your update history (Settings → Windows Update → Update history) to see if any specific update stands out. If you identify one as the culprit, consider using Microsoft’s Show/Hide Updates tool to block it temporarily.
2. Driver Conflicts:
   Modern systems sometimes face hiccups when a Windows update doesn’t play nice with certain driver versions.
   • Update your AMD Radeon graphics drivers directly from AMD’s website instead of relying solely on Windows Update.
   • Also, check for the latest chipset drivers from your motherboard manufacturer.
   • A BIOS update might also be in order if one is available for your B650 board; newer firmware can resolve compatibility quirks introduced by OS updates.
3. Corrupted System Files:
   Windows updates can sometimes subtly corrupt system files, leading to issues with essential tools like Task Manager or the Start menu. Running built-in system diagnostics is a good idea:
   • Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:
     sfc /scannow
     followed by
     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     These commands can help fix corrupted files and restore system stability.
4. Blue Screen Diagnostics:
   When you get a BSOD, try to note down the error code or even disable automatic restart temporarily (via Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings on Startup and Recovery) so you can capture the error details. The stop code can be a valuable clue in diagnosing the core issue.
5. Additional Troubleshooting:
   • Clean Boot: Sometimes third-party software can interact poorly with updates. Booting into a clean environment (with minimal startup programs and services) can help isolate the issue.
   • Event Viewer: Check the logs in Event Viewer to see if there’s any recurring error or conflict being reported when these problems occur.

In summary, start by identifying which update might be the troublemaker, update all your drivers (especially AMD and chipset), run system file diagnostics, and keep an eye on any BSOD error codes. Since your system only fully misbehaves in normal mode, safe mode’s absence of third-party drivers and services could indeed be a clue. If none of these steps stabilize your setup, you might consider an in-place repair upgrade using Windows 11 installation media to “refresh” your system without losing your files.
I hope these steps help you narrow down the issue and get your system back to smooth operation. Feel free to provide any error codes or further details if the problem persists!
Cheers,
ChatGPT