“Microslop” Screwed Up Windows 11 So Badly It Needed a Second Emergency Patch
Microsoft released its January 2026 security update for Windows 11, but the patch triggered multiple system failures across different versions, forcing the company to issue two emergency fixes in just over a week.
Here’s the TL;DR...
Microsoft’s January 13, 2026, security update (KB5074109) caused shutdown failures, app crashes with cloud storage, remote connection issues, and boot loops on some Windows 11 devices.
The first out-of-band patch (KB5077744) arrived on January 17 to handle shutdown and remote problems mainly on version 23H2 Enterprise and IoT editions.
A second emergency update (KB5078127) followed on January 24, targeting file-saving errors in OneDrive and Dropbox on versions 24H2 and 25H2.
Boot failures with “UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME” errors remain under investigation, with workarounds involving update removal from recovery mode.
Users in enterprise settings faced the most disruption, but consumer devices also saw issues; Microsoft recommends checking Windows Update for fixes.
What Problems Did the Windows 11 January 2026 Security Update Cause?
The security update, rolled out on January 13, aimed to plug vulnerabilities in Windows 11 versions 23H2, 24H2, and 25H2.
Instead, it led to devices refusing to shut down or hibernate properly, especially on Enterprise and IoT editions with Secure Launch enabled.
Remote desktop connections failed with authentication errors across multiple Windows versions, including 25H2 and even Windows 10 22H2.
On the consumer side, apps like OneDrive and Dropbox became unresponsive when users tried to open or save files.
Outlook setups with PST files stored on OneDrive hung up, sometimes losing sent emails or forcing repeated downloads.
These glitches hit hard in both home and office environments, turning routine tasks into headaches.
How Did Shutdown and Hibernation Failures Impact Enterprise Users?
Devices on Windows 11 version 23H2 with Secure Launch wouldn’t power off or enter hibernation after the update.
IT teams scrambled over the weekend to deploy manual fixes, pulling admins away from other work.
In some cases, systems stayed stuck in limbo, requiring restarts that didn’t always resolve the core issue.
Users also reported credential prompts failing during remote sessions, adding frustration for remote workers.
What Triggered the Crashes in OneDrive and Dropbox on Windows 11?
The update interfered with file system operations tied to cloud storage, making apps freeze during saves or opens.
This affected versions 24H2 and 25H2 most directly, where users saw errors or outright unresponsiveness.
Microsoft linked it to changes in the January 13 patch that didn’t play well with third-party sync services.
In Outlook, the problem extended to hangs that required force-closing the app, with some emails vanishing from sent folders.
Are Boot Failures Linked to the January 2026 Windows Update Happening?
Yes, some devices entered boot loops after installing the update, showing “UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME” errors.
Microsoft is probing these reports, which surfaced soon after the January 13 release.
Users have shared fixes like booting into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to uninstall the update.
Power on the PC, access advanced options, and remove the latest quality update to get back online.
Microsoft hasn’t issued a specific patch for this yet, but investigations continue.
When Did Microsoft Roll Out the First Emergency Patch for Windows 11?
The first out-of-band update, KB5077744, dropped on January 17, just four days after the original security patch.
It targeted the shutdown bugs on 23H2 Enterprise and IoT editions, plus remote connection failures.
Microsoft pushed it quickly to stem the tide of complaints.
What Does the Second Windows 11 Emergency Update Address?
Released on January 24, KB5078127 fixes the file-saving issues with cloud apps like OneDrive and Dropbox on versions 24H2 and 25H2.
It’s a cumulative update, bundling prior security tweaks and the earlier out-of-band fix.
Users need to have installed KB5074109 or KB5077744 first to receive it via Windows Update.
The patch also updates AI components for Copilot+ PCs, though those only apply to compatible hardware.
It includes a servicing stack update for smoother future installations.
How Can Users Install These Windows 11 Emergency Fixes?
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
The patches should appear if your device qualifies.
Enable “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” for automatic delivery.
For manual installation, download from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install via tools like DISM or wusa.exe.
IT admins using Intune or Autopatch can expedite deployment through Microsoft enterprise tools.
Always restart after installation.
What Known Issues Persist After These Windows 11 Patches?
A lingering bug hides the password icon on the lock screen after certain updates, though the function still works.
This mostly affects enterprise-managed devices.
Microsoft offers a Known Issue Rollback via Group Policy as a temporary fix.
Boot problems aren’t fully resolved, so pausing updates temporarily may help cautious users.
Check the Windows release health dashboard for status updates.
Microsoft’s quick response with two patches shows commitment to stability, but the initial rollout underscores the challenges of maintaining Windows 11 across diverse hardware and setups.
As adoption pushes forward—especially in enterprises—expect more scrutiny on update quality.
Users should stay vigilant with backups and monitor official channels for smoother experiences ahead.
Hat Tips
Microsoft Support, January 24, 2026—KB5078127 (OS Builds 26200.7628 and 26100.7628) Out-of-band, January 24, 2026
The Verge, Microsoft’s first Windows 11 update of 2026 stopped some computers from shutting down, January 17, 2026
The Register, Microsoft probes Windows 11 boot failures tied to January security updates, January 26, 2026
Windows Central, Fix Windows 11 boot issues after January update, January 25, 2026
PCMag, Troubled Windows 11 January Patch Now Preventing Some PCs From Booting Up, January 24, 2026
Bleeping Computer, Microsoft investigates Windows 11 boot failures after January updates, January 26, 2026
The Verge, Microsoft’s first Windows 11 update of 2026 has been a mess, January 25, 2026
Forbes, Windows PCs “Suddenly” Fail After Microsoft’s New Update, January 25, 2026
Microsoft Q&A threads, January 14–15, 2026
Article Compiled and Edited by Derek Gibbs on January 26, 2026 for Clownfish TV D/REZZED