Windows 11 January Update Sparks Widespread Shutdown Complaints
Microsoft has identified an issue with its latest security update for Windows 11, specifically affecting enterprise users. PCs equipped with the Secure Launch feature are experiencing difficulties in shutting down or hibernating properly. Instead of…
Microsoft has identified an issue with its latest security update for Windows 11, specifically affecting enterprise users. PCs equipped with the Secure Launch feature are experiencing difficulties in shutting down or hibernating properly. Instead of powering off, affected devices restart automatically, which disrupts workflows.
Secure Launch Devices Face Shutdown Failures
The issue is linked to the security update KB5073455, released on Tue, Jan 13, 2026, for Windows 11, version 23H2. Microsoft confirmed on Thu, Jan 15, 2026, that computers with Secure Launch enabled cannot complete shutdown or hibernation sequences.
Secure Launch is a virtualization-based security feature designed to protect systems from firmware-level threats during startup. As such, it is critical in enterprise and IoT environments that require advanced threat protection.
The problem affects only the Enterprise and IoT editions of Windows 11, version 23H2, as KB5073455 was distributed exclusively to these platforms. The restart behavior poses risks for data loss and power management, especially for mobile devices that rely on hibernation to conserve battery life when away from power sources.
Microsoft has identified an issue with its latest security update for Windows 11, specifically affecting enterprise users.
Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround for shutdown failures, but no solution currently exists for hibernation issues. Users can force a proper shutdown by opening Command Prompt and executing the command: shutdown /s /t 0 . This command triggers an immediate shutdown, bypassing the restart loop.
The lack of a hibernation workaround increases the risk of unexpected power depletion. Microsoft advises users to save their work frequently and fully shut down devices to prevent data loss from depleted batteries during what should be hibernation periods.
A resolution is expected in a future update, but a specific timeline has not been provided. IT administrators managing large Windows 11 deployments are advised to consider delaying the installation of KB5073455 until the issue is resolved, balancing security needs with potential operational disruptions.
Based on reporting by GBHackers.
