Recent Windows 11 updates from Microsoft have encountered significant challenges over the past two years. The January release, identified as KB5074109, disrupted operations for certain users by preventing essential applications from starting. A supplementary update released over the weekend has resolved this problem, as detailed in the official release information.
Not all installations of Windows 10, 11, or Server versions experienced the disruption, but it particularly impacted individuals storing important PST files in folders synced with cloud services such as OneDrive or potentially Dropbox. This led to the Outlook email and calendar application becoming non-functional. Earlier fixes in KB5074109 had already tackled issues like system instability, unexpected restarts, and problems with remote desktop access, though glitches in File Explorer remain unaddressed.
According to reports from BleepingComputer, the patch applies to all primary Windows versions, encompassing editions of 10, 11, and Server dating back to 2019. This incident represents a notable setback for a required system update, amid ongoing major glitches in Windows over the previous year and efforts to encourage adoption of the latest operating system. Such developments raise concerns about Microsoft's handling of its foundational user base, particularly as the company's leadership appears to waver in its commitment to an AI-centric strategy.
Users encountering difficulties with Outlook, such as failure to open or sporadic crashes, should navigate to the Windows Update area in the Settings application to install the appropriate fix. The subsequent primary update for Windows is set for February 10, marking a two-week interval from the current date.