Warning Message "Pending Reboot" After Image-Based Backup

Situation

The "Pending Reboot" warning message or an error of the "SystemRequireRebootError" category is thrown after an image-based backup.

Cause

Sometimes software installation may require a reboot of Windows OS. This happens because some applications modify or replace system files that are currently in use. Backup of an operating system in a "Pending Reboot" state counts as inconsistent and could be problematic upon restoration and boot.

A potential scenario leading to a Windows OS boot problem:

• Windows OS in a "Pending Reboot" state is backed up via image-based backup.
• This image is then restored on a different machine.
• After restoration, the state of Windows OS changes from "Pending Reboot" to "FirstBoot" state. In order to proceed, it is required to perform internal initialization of the hardware.
• After initialization, Windows OS boots successfully.
• Once the system properly boots for the first time, its state changes back to "Pending Reboot", requiring previously delayed changes to be applied.
• After the requested reboot, Windows OS does not boot again and stays on a "Spinning Circle" screen indefinitely.

Known applications whose installation might cause the aforementioned Windows OS boot problem:

• Windows Updates.
• System & Hardware Drivers.
• Antivirus software (Sentinel One, Trend Micro, etc.)

Solution

Reboot the machine in order to clear the "Pending Reboot" state and perform a new image-based backup to ensure its validity.