Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update causes a shutdown bug, company issues emergency fix

Microsoft

• Microsoft released an emergency fix for Windows 11 shutdown and restart issues
• OOB update KB5077797 resolves shutdown, hibernation, and Outlook crash problems
• Users can manually download the patch if not visible in Windows Update

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Earlier this month, the first Windows 11 update of this year was released. However, many users reported that it caused unexpected trouble, preventing their PC from shutting down or restarting properly. The company has now issued an emergency fix addressing this critical bug. According to Microsoft’s Windows Message Centre, the issue originated from an out-of-band update released on January 11, leaving users with systems that remained powered on despite attempts to shut them off or hibernate.

Microsoft issues out-of-band update to fix shutdown issues

According to multiple reports, the first January security update caused shutdown and hibernation failures on a limited set of computers running Windows 11 23H2, specifically Enterprise and IoT editions with Secure Launch enabled. This update also prevented users from logging in via a remote desktop, while also causing Microsoft Outlook to crash.

However, Microsoft has now issued an out-of-band (OOB) update on January 17, 2026, to address these problems. The company’s release patch notes for Windows 11 23H2 described the shutdown issue as resolved through the OOB patch KB5077797, which is available via the Microsoft Update Catalog. The release notes also stressed that the bug did not affect data integrity or subsequent system performance.

As for the remote connection issue, Microsoft acknowledged this through its Known issues page, stating that credential prompt failures were responsible for this issue when users tried to log in remotely to affected Windows 10 and 11 devices. For Windows users, who are still not able to view this patch via Windows Update can manually download and install it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. However, if these issues do not affect your devices, there is no need to install the out-of-band updates, and you should effectively pause the Windows updates for the time being.