Following the January 13, 2026 Patch Tuesday update, Microsoft confirmed a shutdown issue affecting Windows 11 23H2 users. PCs utilizing System Guard Secure Launch are particularly impacted. The glitch prevents proper shutdown and affects hibernation mode.
System Guard Affecting Shutdown
Microsoft's System Guard Secure Launch is designed to fortify Windows during startup, akin to Secure Boot. The problem primarily involves devices still running the Windows 11 23H2 version, notable for its deployment in Enterprise and IoT variants. This version's persisting usage has brought the bug's impact to light.
Mitigation and Solution Efforts
Currently, there is no official patch. Microsoft is actively working on a resolution. A temporary remedy involves executing the command prompt shutdown command 'shutdown /s /t 0'. Users are advised to use this command or create a desktop shortcut until an official fix is made available.
