Microsoft confirms Windows 11 January 2026 Update issues, releases fix for at least two bugs
Microsoft has confirmed that the Windows 11 January 2026 Update is causing at least three major issues, including a bug that prevents ‘Shut down’ from working on older PCs running version 23H2 with a special feature enabled. That issue is a rare case, but the other two problems (Remote desktop login failure and Outlook freezing) are widespread.
On January 13, Microsoft released the following Windows Updates as part of January 2026 Patch Tuesday:
- Windows Server 2025 (KB5073379)
- Windows Server 2023 (KB5073450)
- Windows 11 25H2 (KB5074109)
- Windows 11 23H2 (KB5073455)
- Windows 10 ESU (KB5073724)
Unfortunately, January 2026 Patch Tuesday updates ended up causing more problems, and Microsoft has stepped in with fixes.
Microsoft acknowledges three issues, rolls out fixes for at least two bugs in the January 2026 Update
There are several other officially confirmed issues in Windows 11 January 2026 Update that need our attention, and we’ve the details.
Microsoft has officially admitted to at least three problems so far:
- A bug where Remote Desktop Connections fail (fixed today).
- A bug where Windows 11 23H2 would not shut down (fixed today).
- A bug that crashes Outlook Classic (not fixed).
1. Microsoft broke Remote Desktop connections from the “Windows App” in the January 2026 update
After installing Windows 11 KB5074109 (25H2) and other updates, some users started reporting that Remote Desktop connections from the “Windows App” fail during sign-in. This happens when you click Connect, but the credential prompt flow breaks immediately, and you get an authentication failure.
Technically, the problem happens before a session is created, so your data is not affected, and it appears to be an issue with the Windows App, which is responsible for kicking off the RDP connection. After KB5074109, the Windows App can’t complete the credential prompt, and the connection is rejected.
In a statement to Windows Latest, Microsoft acknowledged the issue and confirmed it as credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections affecting the Windows App.
2. Windows 11 23H2 Shut down bug in January 2026 Update
After installing Windows 11 KB5073455 (23H2), some PCs that have System Guard Secure Launch enabled can’t complete a normal shutdown or hibernation. You can click Shut down or Hibernate, and Windows begins the power transition, but instead of entering the expected power state, it simply reboots.
This issue only affects Windows 11 23H2, which is no longer supported for consumers, so only enterprises will run into it.
Windows Latest understands that the Windows 11 shutdown bug affects a very small number of users still on version 23H2, so it’s not a big deal, as some people on the internet are claiming.
Microsoft shipped emergency updates for all affected Windows 11 versions on January 17
On January 17, Microsoft released an out-of-band update for all affected versions of Windows, including Server and even Windows 10, which is in ESU (Extended Security Updates).
These out-of-band emergency updates are offered via Microsoft Update Catalog only, so you need to manually find the KB ID and search it on Update Catalog for the .msi installer. But I’ve got you covered, and Windows Latest created a table that lists all affected Windows versions with their hotfix download links.
Update (KB)
Affected version
Issue fixed
Download
KB5077744
Windows 11 25H2 / 24H2
Fixes the failure of Remote Desktop connections
Microsoft Update Catalog
KB5077797
Windows 11 23H2
Fixes bug where the PC does not shut down properly
Microsoft Update Catalog
KB5077793 / KB5077800
Windows Server 2025 / Windows Server 2022
Fixes Remote Desktop connection failures
Microsoft Update Catalog
KB5077796
Windows 11 ESU / Enterprise LTSC 2021
Fixes Remote Desktop login errors
Microsoft Update Catalog
Outlook Classic crashes, PC affected with a black screen, wallpaper resetting, and other issues in Windows 11 remain unpatched
Microsoft also confirmed a third bug where Outlook crashes when you use POP accounts, but it’s not getting a fix today.
In our tests, Windows Latest found that Outlook Classic no longer opens with POP accounts. This issue does not affect those who only use Microsoft 365 (Outlook/Hotmail) accounts, but if you use any POP account or Outlook Classic, installing the January 2026 Update could break the app.
Outlook Classic does not open after Windows 11 KB5074109 because it’s already running in the background, but a bug blocks it from opening. That means if you open Task Manager and just kill the Outlook.exe process, you should be able to open Outlook again until you close it and repeat the steps again.
While Microsoft has confirmed an Outlook bug in the January 2026 Update, there are at least three unacknowledged issues that remain unpatched. I’ve put together a rundown of everything going wrong with KB5074109 in our exclusive report, but some of the issues spotted by Windows Latest include:
Microsoft hasn’t acknowledged the three issues above, so if you run into any of the problems, you’ll need to remove the update.
