Microsoft has been forced to deploy an urgent patch for its Windows 11 operating system after a recent security update triggered a series of disruptive bugs, including one that stopped computers from shutting down correctly.
What Went Wrong with the Windows Update?
The problems began with a security update released on 11 January 2026. This update introduced several critical flaws. The most notable issue prevented some Windows 11 devices equipped with a feature called Secure Launch from shutting down or entering hibernation mode properly. Instead of powering off, affected computers would unexpectedly reboot.
Two other significant bugs emerged. One blocked users from establishing remote desktop connections, impacting multiple versions of both Windows 11 and Windows 10. The other, and potentially the most widespread, caused the popular email client Microsoft Outlook to crash. Microsoft confirmed the shutdown issue specifically affects Windows 11, version 23H2.
Microsoft's Response and Lingering Problems
In response to the escalating reports, Microsoft issued an emergency out-of-band update on 17 January 2026 to address the shutdown and remote desktop connection failures. The company acknowledged the issues in a blog post, stating, "Microsoft has identified issues upon installing the January 2026 Windows security update."
However, a fix for the Outlook crashing problem has not yet been released, leaving a large number of users facing continued instability. This incident arrives at a sensitive time for the tech giant, coming just three months after it officially terminated mainstream support for the previous operating system, Windows 10.
The Wider Context: Windows 10 Risks and User Base
Microsoft ended free security updates and technical support for Windows 10 in October 2025. At the time, executive Yusuf Mehdi warned that while devices would still function, the lack of regular security patches would make them "more vulnerable to cyber threats, such as malware and viruses."
Despite this warning and the availability of Windows 11, a substantial portion of the user base remains on the older system. Data from StatCounter Global Stats indicates that roughly 40 per cent of all Windows users are still running the decade-old Windows 10. Consumer watchdog Which? has cautioned that these users are at heightened risk from hackers and scams, and some applications may cease to work properly.
For organisations and individuals unable to upgrade immediately, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) programme for Windows 10. This service is designed to mitigate cyber attack risks but is only a temporary solution, with its final expiry date set for 13 October 2026.
