Microsoft has released an emergency fix for Windows 11 after a recent security update triggered widespread problems affecting shutdown functions, remote access and email services.
The issues followed a security update rolled out on 11 January, with users reporting that some Windows 11 systems failed to shut down or hibernate properly, instead rebooting unexpectedly. Other bugs prevented logins via Remote Desktop and caused Microsoft Outlook to crash.
In a statement, Microsoft said it had identified multiple problems linked to the January 2026 security update, noting that the shutdown and hibernation issue affected Windows 11 version 23H2 on devices using Secure Launch. An out-of-band fix addressing two of the bugs was released on 17 January.
The remote desktop issue impacts several versions of Windows 11 as well as some Windows 10 systems. Meanwhile, the Outlook crash problem remains unresolved, with no fix yet issued.
The disruption comes as Windows 11 continues to grow its user base, having overtaken Windows 10 as the world’s most widely used desktop operating system last year. Microsoft ended free support for Windows 10 three months ago, warning that unsupported devices would be more vulnerable to cyber threats.
Despite this, around 40% of Windows users are still running Windows 10, prompting consumer groups to caution against increased security risks. Microsoft has introduced a paid extended security programme for Windows 10 users, which is due to end in October this year.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports most of the highly liquid stocks listed on the Tashkent Republican Stock Exchange showed positive performance between January 9 and 16, helping the UCI fund index climb 3.43%.
