Microsoft rolled out a major Windows 11 patch on January 13, marking the initial Patch Tuesday event for the year under the KB5073455 designation. Yet, this update has led to shutdown difficulties on select machines.
The company has acknowledged this glitch in its records. Devices impacted by the patch tend to reboot rather than fully power down, with hibernation functionality likewise disrupted. A fix remains unavailable at present.
The issue targets Windows 11 23H2 installations featuring the System Guard Secure Launch feature, which safeguards the OS against startup vulnerabilities in a manner akin to Secure Boot.
Notably, support for Windows 11 23H2 ended in November 2025 for most users, excluding Enterprise and IoT variants. Despite this, sufficient installations persist to generate user complaints about the fault.
Microsoft indicates it is actively developing a resolution, though no formal update exists to address it so far.
In the meantime, users seeking a full shutdown on affected Windows 11 23H2 devices can employ alternative methods. Windows offers several command-line options for powering off that continue to function.
One such approach involves entering 'shutdown /s /t 0' via the Command Prompt to initiate a standard shutdown. For convenience, individuals can set up a desktop shortcut employing this command until the issue resolves.
This piece first appeared in our affiliated outlet PC-WELT, adapted and translated from its German version.
Laura, a dedicated gamer and enthusiast of films and television, pursued a degree in communication studies before joining PCMagazin and Connect Living. She now covers PC and technology subjects as a full-time contributor to PC-WELT, starting in May 2024.