check before: 2026-01-17
Product:
Windows, Windows Server
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Microsoft has identified issues upon installing the January 2026 Windows security update. To address these issues, an out-of-band (OOB) update was released today, January 17, 2026.
Connection and authentication failures in remote connection applications: This issue affects multiple platforms including Windows 11, version 25H2; Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU; and Windows Server 2025. See the bottom of this message for the complete list of affected products.
Devices with Secure Launch might fail to shut down or hibernate: This issue only affects Windows 11, version 23H2.
The out-of-band (OOB) update was released today, January 17, 2026, in the Microsoft Update Catalog. If you have not yet deployed the January 2026 Windows security update and your IT environment includes the affected applications and features, we recommend applying this OOB update instead. For more information and installation instructions, refer to the appropriate KB article for each affected version of Windows listed below. For additional guidance, see How to download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
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)
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-18
updated:
2026-01-18
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Connection and authentication failures
Users may experience failures in remote connection applications, leading to disruptions in workflow and productivity.
- roles: IT Support, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-23H2#3764msgdesc, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-server-2025#3760msgdesc
Device shutdown and hibernation issues
Devices with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, causing potential data loss and user frustration.
- roles: System Administrators, End Users
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5077744, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5077797
Increased support tickets
The change may lead to a surge in support tickets as users encounter issues, overwhelming IT support resources.
- roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/windows-client/installing-updates-features-roles/download-updates-drivers-hotfixes-windows-update-catalog#step-3-download-updates
Compatibility issues with applications
Existing applications may become incompatible with the new update, leading to further disruptions in user experience.
- roles: Application Developers, End Users
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5077796, https://support.microsoft.com/help/5077800
User productivity loss
Overall user productivity may decline due to the issues arising from the update, affecting business operations.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-23H2#3764msgdesc, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-server-2025#3760msgdesc
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Update Management Process
Implementing a more robust update management process can minimize downtime and improve user experience by ensuring timely updates and reducing the impact of problematic updates. This can include automated monitoring of update statuses and immediate deployment of OOB updates when issues are identified.
- next-steps: Assess current update management processes and identify automation tools or platforms that can streamline the monitoring and deployment of updates. Consider integrating with existing IT management systems.
- roles: IT Administrators, System Engineers, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/waas-update-management, https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/management/automated-patching
User Communication Strategy
Establishing a proactive communication strategy regarding updates and potential issues can significantly enhance user experience. Informing users about known issues, workarounds, and timelines for resolution can reduce frustration and improve trust in IT services.
- next-steps: Develop a communication plan that includes regular updates on the status of known issues and resolutions. Utilize multiple channels (email, intranet, etc.) to ensure all users are informed.
- roles: IT Managers, Communications Officers, Help Desk Staff
- references: https://www.cio.com/article/243204/how-to-improve-it-communication-with-users.html, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/03/23/how-to-communicate-effectively-with-employees-in-times-of-crisis/
Training and Documentation for IT Staff
Providing comprehensive training and up-to-date documentation for IT staff on handling OOB updates and troubleshooting related issues can improve response times and resolution effectiveness, leading to a better overall user experience.
- next-steps: Conduct a skills gap analysis for IT staff regarding update management and troubleshooting. Develop training sessions and create or update documentation to reflect best practices and procedures.
- roles: IT Trainers, System Administrators, Help Desk Managers
- references: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-training-resources/, https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-create-a-training-plan-for-your-it-team/
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
When Microsoft releases updates for Windows, they aim to improve security and functionality. However, sometimes these updates can cause unexpected issues, much like when a new feature is added to a car and it doesn't work as intended, causing some problems with how the car runs. In this case, the January 2026 Windows security update has led to some issues, such as problems with remote connection applications and difficulties with shutting down or hibernating devices using Secure Launch.
To address these issues, Microsoft has released an out-of-band (OOB) update. Think of this OOB update as a quick fix or a patch that a car manufacturer might issue to address a problem with a new model, allowing the car to run smoothly again. This update is available in the Microsoft Update Catalog and is designed to fix the specific problems caused by the January update.
If your IT environment includes the affected Windows versions and features, it's recommended to apply this OOB update instead of the original January update. This is similar to taking your car in for a recall service to ensure it operates correctly without any of the issues introduced by the new feature.
For those responsible for managing IT systems, such as lawyers, managers, or HR staff, it's important to ensure that these updates are applied promptly to avoid disruptions in your organization's operations. Just as you would want your car to be safe and reliable, you want your IT systems to be secure and function properly. You can find more information and instructions on how to apply these updates through the provided links, much like following a step-by-step guide to fix a specific issue with your car.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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