Microsoft releases emergency fix after Windows update disrupts shutdown and remote access

Microsoft has released an emergency update to resolve serious problems caused by its January 2026 Windows security update, after some users found they could no longer shut down or remotely access their devices. The issues affected both Windows 11 and, in some cases, Windows 10 systems, prompting the company to act outside its usual update schedule.

The fix was delivered as an out-of-band update, a type of patch Microsoft issues when problems are considered urgent and cannot wait for the next regular update cycle. According to the company, the emergency release addresses two separate but significant faults that were introduced by the original January security update.

For affected users, the problems were disruptive enough to interfere with everyday use, particularly for those relying on secure startup features or remote access tools for work. Microsoft acknowledged the issues through its official support channels and confirmed that the new update is designed to restore normal behaviour on impacted systems.

Shutdown and hibernation failures linked to Secure Launch

One of the most serious problems involved Windows 11 devices that were unable to shut down or enter hibernation mode. Instead of powering off, these machines would restart when users attempted to shut them down, creating confusion and frustration for those affected.

Microsoft explained that the issue was linked to Secure Launch, a Windows security feature designed to protect devices from firmware-level attacks during startup. Secure Launch ensures that a system boots only using trusted software, helping to block sophisticated threats that target a computer before the operating system loads.

While Secure Launch is intended to strengthen security, the January 2026 update has caused unintended side effects on some Windows 11 devices that had the feature enabled. As a result, standard power options such as shutdown and hibernation did not function as expected.

The emergency update corrects this behaviour, allowing affected devices to shut down and hibernate normally once again. Microsoft did not specify how many users were impacted. Still, reports from online forums suggest the issue was noticeable among a subset of Windows 11 users with newer hardware and advanced security settings enabled.

Remote login issues affect Windows 10 and 11 users

In addition to shutdown problems, the January security update also interfered with remote access on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Some users reported being unable to log into their devices using remote connection applications, a feature widely used by IT administrators and remote workers.

According to Microsoft’s Known Issues page, the problem occurred because credential prompts failed when users attempted to sign in remotely. In simple terms, the system failed to correctly handle login requests, preventing access even when the correct credentials were entered.

This issue was particularly disruptive for businesses and individuals who rely on remote desktop tools to access work systems from home or while travelling. In environments where physical access to a device is limited, the inability to log in remotely can bring work to a standstill.

The out-of-band update also resolves this remote login fault, restoring access for affected Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. Microsoft advised users experiencing these problems to install the emergency update as soon as possible to ensure systems return to normal operation.

Ongoing concerns and support for Windows 10 users

Despite the emergency fix, reports suggest that some users are still encountering other issues related to the January 2026 security update. The technology site WindowsLatest has reported ongoing problems, including blank screens after login and Outlook Classic crashing.

These lingering issues have added to users’ concerns about the stability of recent Windows updates. While Microsoft regularly releases security patches to protect users from emerging threats, occasional bugs can slip through testing and affect real-world systems.

This is not the first time Microsoft has had to issue an emergency update in recent months. In October, the company released a similar out-of-band fix to address issues with the Windows Recovery Environment in Windows 11, following reports that a previous update had caused failures during system recovery.

For users who remain cautious about upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft continues to offer Extended Security Updates for Windows 10. This programme allows individuals and organisations to receive critical security patches beyond the standard end-of-support date, giving them more time to transition to a newer operating system.

The latest incident highlights the challenges of maintaining security across a vast range of hardware and software configurations. While emergency fixes help to address urgent problems, they also serve as a reminder for users to stay informed about updates and known issues that may affect their devices.