Microsoft is currently addressing a significant issue that has emerged following a January security update for Windows 11. Reports have surfaced indicating that the classic Outlook desktop client is experiencing freezing and hanging problems, particularly for users with POP (Post Office Protocol) email accounts. While POP may not be as prevalent as IMAP or Exchange, it remains a favored choice among home users and small businesses alike.
Details of the Issue
This complication appears to be linked to the KB5074109 security update, which affects Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. Users affected by this glitch have noted that the classic Outlook application fails to exit properly and does not restart after being closed. Microsoft has acknowledged this as an emerging issue, stating, “We don’t have all the symptoms yet, but we will update the topic as we understand the issue better.”
The investigation is being conducted by teams from both Outlook and Windows, although the company has not yet provided a timeline for a resolution or workaround. As the situation develops, Microsoft plans to keep its advisory updated to reflect new findings regarding the scope and cause of the problem.
Temporary Workarounds
In the interim, users experiencing these difficulties can opt to uninstall the KB5074109 update as a temporary measure. This can be accomplished by navigating to the Settings app, selecting Windows Update, then Update history, and finally clicking the “Uninstall” link next to “Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5074109).” One affected user shared, “As soon as the January 14th update was issued, Outlook started freezing and crashing. I uninstalled KB5074109 and now Outlook works fine again.”
Another user noted, “No repairs or fixes listed worked except uninstalling the security update. I had to postpone updates to keep it from reinstalling.” However, it is crucial to consider that, as Microsoft has cautioned, removing security updates may expose Windows devices to malware and other threats, as these updates are designed to patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited in attacks.
