Windows 2026 Update Bugs: Fix Outlook Freezes and App Errors

In early 2026, Windows users encountered several bugs following the January update. Released on January 13, this update aimed to fix numerous security vulnerabilities but inadvertently introduced new issues affecting the performance of vital applications like Outlook.

Key Bugs Introduced by the January 2026 Update

The January update, part of Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday, addressed 114 security vulnerabilities. However, it also resulted in several frustrating bugs, some of which remain unresolved.

Remote Desktop Issues

One significant problem involved Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app. Users experienced authentication issues when attempting to connect remotely to a Cloud PC. This bug was evident in various editions, including Windows 11 25H2 and Windows 10 22H2 ESU. Microsoft released an out-of-band patch on January 17, targeting affected systems.

Secure Launch Restart Problems

Another glitch affected users with Secure Launch enabled. Instead of shutting down, some systems unexpectedly restarted. This issue, specific to Windows 11 23H2, is designed to protect managed PCs from bootkit malware. Like the remote desktop issue, it was addressed in the January 17 patch.

Classic Outlook Freezing

One of the most notable problems was with Microsoft Outlook. Users reported that the application would freeze, displaying a “Not Responding” message. This bug affected various Windows versions and was most prevalent among users with PST files stored in OneDrive.

• Impacted Versions: Windows 11 25H2, 24H2, 23H2, and several editions of Windows 10 and Windows Server
• Suggested Workarounds: Accessing the web version of Outlook or relocating PST files from OneDrive

Application Freezes with Cloud Storage

A related issue saw other applications freeze or encounter errors when interacting with cloud storage services like OneDrive or Dropbox. This bug coincided with the same Outlook problem and affected a wide range of Windows versions.

Errors When Opening Apps

Users reported difficulty opening applications such as Notepad and the Snipping Tool. They encountered error code 0x803f8001, indicating a potential issue with Microsoft Store license validation. Some users found this issue resolved following the January 13 update, allowing normal app usage.

Looking Ahead

As Windows 11 evolves, especially following the release of version 24H2 in October 2024, users have continuously reported new bugs emerging alongside fixes. Microsoft’s updates, aimed at improving system stability, sometimes create additional complications. With Windows 10’s official end of support, pressure is mounting on Microsoft to ensure a reliable experience for users of its latest operating systems.

For users experiencing these issues, monitoring future updates is crucial. Additionally, consulting support documentation may help mitigate some problems until resolutions are formally issued.