In a familiar turn of events, Microsoft has once again found itself navigating the complexities of software updates. The January Patch Tuesday update, released on January 13, 2026, aimed to address over 110 security vulnerabilities, some of which were deemed critical and had already been exploited in real-world scenarios. While the update successfully remedied several outstanding issues within Windows, it also inadvertently introduced a couple of bugs affecting Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server.
Identifying the Glitches
The first issue reported involves difficulties with sign-in when attempting to connect to a Cloud PC via Microsoft’s Remote Desktop. Users have encountered authentication failures across various Remote Desktop applications, including the Windows app. This glitch predominantly affects Windows 11 25H2, Windows 10 22H2 ESU, and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft acknowledged the problem, stating, “After installing the January 2026 Windows security update, credential prompt failures might occur in some remote connection applications.”
The second glitch pertains to systems with Secure Launch enabled, which are unexpectedly restarting instead of shutting down or entering hibernation mode. Secure Launch, similar to Secure Boot, is designed to protect PCs from bootkit malware and other threats that could compromise the system before Windows loads. However, this issue is specific to Windows 11 23H2, with Microsoft clarifying, “After installing the January 13, 2026, Windows security update for Windows 11, version 23H2, some PCs with Secure Launch are unable to shut down or enter hibernation.”
Emergency Patches Available
To address these glitches, Microsoft has released emergency patches. Users whose PCs are affected will find the updates available through Windows Update. For those using Windows 10, navigate to Settings and select Update & Security; for Windows 11, simply head to Windows Update. Organizations with managed PCs will need to wait for their IT administrators to deploy the necessary fixes.
- Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2 (KB5077744)
- Windows 11, version 23H2 (KB5077797)
- Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (KB5077796)
- Windows Server 2025 (KB5077793)
- Windows Server 2022 (KB5077800)
- Windows Server 2019 and Enterprise LTSC 2019 (KB5077795)
As users navigate these new challenges, the importance of timely updates and vigilance in maintaining system security remains paramount. Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing user experience continues to shape the landscape of its operating systems.
