winpeshl.exe preventing boot after update to Windows 11 23H2

[thommath12]

I initiated the 23H2 update to Windows 11 on my laptop. It let me know after awhile that I didn't have enough disk space to install, but it gave me the option to insert a USB that it would use for temporary storage. Doing this instead of making room on my SSD may be where I went wrong. After seeming like it was finally done installing, it restarted, but the boot screen did not lead me to sign in like usual. Instead, a dialog box with "winpeshl.exe" in its top left hand corner flashed on the screen for only a split second before going to a black screen for several seconds. Then it went back to the boot screen, and this process just repeats endlessly - I let it go for 24 hours straight before powering off, but there was no change. I also tried resetting the CMOS to no effect, and I tried powering on without the USB, but a dialog box saying "Please insert the external storage media and press OK" blocked me from doing anything. Any insight is much appreciated!

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @thommath12,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.


Based on your detailed description, you were attempting to update your HP ENVY x360 Laptop – 15m-ee0013dx to Windows 11 version 23H2, and when your SSD didn’t have enough space, you followed the prompt to use a USB drive as temporary storage during the update process.

Unfortunately, the update seems to have failed partway and is now stuck in a loop where the system attempts to resume the update using the USB, but either the update files are corrupted, or the process didn’t complete correctly. The repeated appearance of the winpeshl.exe window confirms the system is stuck in a recovery or pre-installation state.

What’s Actually Happening

• You were not performing a full upgrade or clean install via USB boot media. Instead, you selected the USB only for temporary storage during the in-place update.
• Windows Setup is now trying to continue the update from the USB, but it's either no longer readable, corrupted, or incomplete.
• The system is stuck in a WinPE-based recovery shell, which is not meant for normal use.

What You Can Do Now

Option 1: Plug the USB Back In and Let It Resume

Since the system is prompting for the same USB drive:

1. Insert the same USB drive you originally used for the update.
2. Restart the system.
3. If the USB files are intact, the update may resume and complete.

Option 2: Boot to Recovery and Undo Changes

1. Insert the USB again.
2. Turn off the laptop, then power it on while pressing F11 repeatedly to access HP Recovery or Windows Recovery.
3. If successful:
   • Go to Advanced Options.
   • Try System Restore or go back to the previous version if available.
   • You can also attempt Startup Repair.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[thommath12]

Thank you, option 2 was what I tried. I didn't have a restore point, and the troubleshooter did not have anything, but I tried repairing the boot drive from Command Prompt. I'm not sure this worked either, but after exiting, the computer finally booted normally. I then cleared the required space on my SSD and successfully updated to Windows 11!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @thommath12,

Thank you for the update, and well done! We're glad to hear that Option 2 (Boot to Recovery) ultimately helped you move forward, even though you didn’t have a restore point or visible repair options.
 

It’s great that you used Command Prompt to attempt boot repair and that the system was able to start normally afterwards. Clearing the required space on your SSD and then successfully updating to Windows 11 is a strong sign that the recovery and system integrity are now stable.

Let us know if you experience any further issues — we're here to help make sure your device stays fast, secure, and reliable.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support