The Infinite Loop: Windows 11 Update KB5073455 Breaks Shutdown & Hibernation

Microsoft has confirmed that the January 2026 security updates inadvertently affect the stability of certain enterprise-grade hardware, specifically Windows 11 version 23H2 after installing the KB5073455 cumulative update. Following this update, some enterprise and IoT devices may be unable to shut down or enter hibernation via the physical power button, instead restarting immediately.

The issue does not appear to affect personal or residential devices, and it is limited to hardware using System Guard Secure Launch. According to Microsoft, after installing the January 13, 2026 Windows security update for Windows 11, version 23H2, PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate.

As a temporary workaround, IT admins are advised to shut down via the command line using shutdown /s /t 0, while noting that unsaved data may be lost and there is no immediate fix for those devices set to hibernate.