Microsoft investigates Windows 11 boot failures after January updates
Recorded: Jan. 25, 2026, 3 p.m.
| Original | Summarized |
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Microsoft is currently investigating a widespread issue affecting Windows 11 devices following the January 2026 Patch Tuesday security updates. The core of the problem involves devices failing to boot, displaying an “UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME” error and a subsequent “Your device ran into a problem and needs a restart” screen. This behavior is observed across both Windows 11 version 25H2 and 24H2 after installing the KB5074109 cumulative update released on January 13, 2026. Initial reports indicate the issue predominantly impacts physical devices, with no confirmed cases on virtual machines. The company received a limited number of initial reports detailing the boot failure. The symptoms include a complete inability to initiate the Windows operating system, necessitating manual recovery procedures to regain functionality. Microsoft is actively soliciting feedback through the Feedback Hub app, seeking to pinpoint the root cause and determine if the issue represents a regression introduced by the update itself. Currently, Microsoft’s investigation centers on determining a connection between the update and the observed boot failures. This investigation is ongoing, with Microsoft stating they will provide further confirmation if the issue is indeed a regression. The company’s response highlights the importance of rapid issue identification and resolution within the Windows update cycle. In addition to the boot issue, Microsoft had previously released an out-of-band (OOB) update to address a separate problem causing Microsoft Outlook freezes when PST files were stored on cloud services such as OneDrive or Dropbox. This issue specifically impacted the Outlook class, common in enterprise environments. The situation is being carefully monitored, and Microsoft is urging users and administrators to submit detailed feedback through the Feedback Hub, which will aid in the diagnostic process. As of the date of this report, the precise cause remains unclear, and Microsoft’s investigation is proceeding to establish conclusively whether the January 2026 security update is the source of the problem – or another contributing factor. The company’s commitment to providing updates and guidance as information becomes available suggests a proactive approach to addressing the emergent situation and mitigating potential disruption for Windows 11 users. |