Patch Tuesday Update Causes Windows PCs to Stall Shutdown
Microsoft’s January Patch Tuesday update has led to significant issues for some Windows 11 users. Following the installation, certain PCs may fail to shut down or enter hibernation mode, frustrating users who expect a normal power-off experience.
Details of the Shutdown Issue
This problem primarily affects Windows 11 23H2 users. According to Microsoft, devices with the Secure Launch feature activated are particularly prone to this issue. Secure Launch is designed to ensure that only trusted components load during boot using virtualization-based protections.
In practice, when affected users attempt to shut down or hibernate their machines, the computers continue running despite the command, leading to unnecessary battery drain. While Windows appears to operate normally, the shutdown functionality is disrupted.
Proposed Workaround
Microsoft suggests a temporary solution for users facing this problem. By entering the command:
shutdown /s /t 0
This command can force the PC to power off regardless of the usual shutdown process. Microsoft has advised users to save their work frequently to prevent unexpected power loss.
Additional Issues from January Update
Aside from the shutdown complications, Microsoft has acknowledged another concern with classic Outlook POP account profiles. These profiles may freeze or hang post-update, adding to the frustration for users reliant on stable email access.
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Shutdown Failure | PCs refuse to shut down or hibernate after January Patch Tuesday update. |
| Outlook Freezing | Classic Outlook POP account profiles may hang or freeze. |
Outlook for Solutions
Microsoft has not disclosed the number of affected devices nor provided a concrete timeline for a fix. The company did promise to address these issues in future updates, though details remain sparse.
Users and system administrators are advised to monitor Microsoft’s status pages for updates and potential resolutions. Despite these challenges, it’s crucial for users to continue applying updates for overall system security, even when encountering post-update bugs.
