Some Windows 11 users experienced a critical issue after the latest security updates, preventing their computers from shutting down properly. Instead of powering off, affected systems would unexpectedly restart when the shutdown command was issued. The problem stemmed from a bug introduced in the January 13, 2026, update (KB5073455) specifically impacting devices configured with the Secure Launch security feature.
What Caused the Shutdown Failure?
The Secure Launch feature, designed to defend against malware, unexpectedly interacted with the recent update to trigger the restart loop. While Microsoft did not initially highlight this issue in the release notes, the company has since acknowledged the problem in its knowledge base. This highlights a common challenge in software updates: even rigorous testing can miss edge-case scenarios affecting specific configurations.
How Microsoft Fixed the Problem
Microsoft responded swiftly by releasing an out-of-band (OOB) update, KB5077797, to address the shutdown bug alongside another fix for Remote Desktop connection failures. This rapid deployment demonstrates how seriously Microsoft treats critical system issues, particularly those that impact basic functionality like powering off a device.
What Users Should Do Now
If your Windows 11 computer is stuck in a restart loop when you attempt to shut it down, installing update KB5077797 is the recommended solution. The update can be downloaded directly from Microsoft’s website.
This incident serves as a reminder that software updates, while generally beneficial, can sometimes introduce unexpected issues. Staying informed about security patches and promptly installing fixes is essential for maintaining a stable computing experience.
