Security Alert: Microsoft Out‑of‑Band Updates for January 2026 Windows Issues

Microsoft has released emergency out-of-band updates to address critical issues introduced by the January 2026 Windows update, including problems that caused some devices with Secure Launch enabled to reboot instead of shutting down or hibernating and disrupted remote login via Remote Desktop and other connection apps.

These updates apply to the following systems:

• Windows 11: versions 25H2, 24H2, 23H2

• Windows 10: version 22H2 ESU, Enterprise LTSC 2021

• Windows Server: 2025, 2022, 2019, Enterprise LTSC 2019

Security Risks

The identified issues could disrupt remote access, prevent normal system shutdown, and impact Outlook and other application functionality, potentially affecting business operations and productivity.

Recommended Actions

The National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) recommends users and administrators:

1. Follow Microsoft guidance to apply the emergency out‑of‑band updates immediately on affected systems to resolve shutdown, hibernation, and remote access issues.

2. Apply the required and latest security updates as soon as possible.

 The released software versions for upgrade are:

• Windows 11: versions 25H2 and 24H2 (KB5077744)
• Windows 11: version 23H2 (KB5077797)
• Windows 10: version 22H2 ESU and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (KB5077796)
• Windows Server: 2025 (KB5077793)
• Windows Server: 2022 (KB5077800)
• Windows Server: 2019 and Enterprise LTSC 2019 (KB5077795)

3. Before any updating task, ensure you have a current, tested backup of your data.

References

• Microsoft releases OOB Windows updates to fix shutdown, Cloud PC bugs  
• Microsoft confirms Windows 11 January 2026 Update issues, releases fix for at least two bugs
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows-message-center   
• https://support.microsoft.com