On January 19, 2026, Microsoft took decisive action by releasing unscheduled security and stability updates for Windows 11. This move came in response to significant errors that emerged following the installation of routine updates, which severely hampered the functionality of affected systems. The company indicated that these issues necessitated a prompt response outside the typical patch cycle.
Reports from users indicated that many systems were unable to shut down reliably, with some experiencing failures when attempting to switch to hibernation mode. Additionally, users encountered authentication and connection challenges while utilizing Remote Desktop and other remote applications. In certain instances, remote access logins became impossible, creating notable disruptions, particularly in professional and administrative settings.
To address these pressing issues, Microsoft rolled out out-of-band updates identified as KB5077744 and KB5077797. These updates are being disseminated through Windows Update and are automatically offered to supported systems. According to Microsoft, the patches rectify various errors related to authentication and network communication in remote applications, impacting multiple platforms. This includes Windows 11 version 25H2, Windows 10 version 22H2 as part of the Extended Security Update Program, and Windows Server 2025.
Another critical aspect of the bug fixes pertains to Windows 11 version 23H2, particularly when the Secure Launch feature is enabled. On these systems, earlier updates could lead to improper shutdowns or unreliable hibernation. Microsoft assures users that these issues will be resolved with the newly released updates.
The recent incidents are part of a broader pattern of update-related challenges observed across various Windows versions in recent months. Previous reports highlighted malfunctions within the Task Manager, which continued to consume system resources even after being closed. Such recurring issues have sparked increasing criticism from users and administrators regarding the quality assurance processes surrounding Windows updates.
