Latest on the Windows 11 Restart Bug
📌 What’s the Bug About?A recent Windows 11 update — part of the january 2026 security patches — caused a weird behavior on some computers: when users tried to shut down or put the PC into hibernation, the system would restart instead of powering off. This made many machines loop back to the login screen or behave as if they were rebooting.This wasn’t just a minor glitch — on affected PCs the normal shutdown command simply didn’t work. Users saw their systems come back on immediately, even after clicking “Shut down.”🛠️ Why It HappenedThe issue was linked to a security feature called Secure Launch, part of Windows 11’s advanced protection stack. On devices (especially enterprise and IoT editions) with Secure Launch enabled, the update interfered with the shutdown process — causing the restart loop instead of a proper power‑off.Importantly, this bug did not affect most regular home or Pro users without Secure Launch enabled, but it was still significant enough that microsoft responded quickly.🩹 Microsoft Response & FixMicrosoft acknowledged the bug and issued emergency “out‑of‑band” updates (special patches outside the usual monthly cycle) on January 17 2026 to fix the problem. These patches — including KB5077797 — specifically address the bug so that shutdown and hibernation work correctly again.The company also released fixes for related issues introduced by the same january update (such as Remote Desktop login failures).🧾 What Users Should Know🔹 If your PC was restarting instead of shutting down — installing the latest emergency Windows Update via Windows Update should resolve the problem.
🔹 The bug mainly affected systems running version 23H2 with Secure Launch enabled and was not widespread on consumer machines.
🔹 Microsoft’s patches are available now, so checking for updates and installing them is the best way to fix the issue.🧠 In ShortA strange restart bug in Windows 11 surdata-faced after a january 2026 security update, causing some PCs to reboot instead of shutting down or entering hibernation. microsoft quickly acknowledged it as a bug and released an emergency patch to fix it — so updating your system should stop the restarts. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
🔹 The bug mainly affected systems running version 23H2 with Secure Launch enabled and was not widespread on consumer machines.
🔹 Microsoft’s patches are available now, so checking for updates and installing them is the best way to fix the issue.🧠 In ShortA strange restart bug in Windows 11 surdata-faced after a january 2026 security update, causing some PCs to reboot instead of shutting down or entering hibernation. microsoft quickly acknowledged it as a bug and released an emergency patch to fix it — so updating your system should stop the restarts. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.