Microsoft investigates boot failures after January 2026 Windows 11 update

January 28, 2026

Microsoft has acknowledged that the boot problems tied to the January 2026 Windows 11 update are isolated to business-focused PCs. The failures appear to stem from the December 2025 update not installing correctly, leaving affected devices in an improper state that prevents normal startup. The company is now investigating how those machines ended up in that compromised condition in the first place.

Officials describe the January 2026 update as the first Windows 11 release of 2026 and say the rollout has been messy for some users. Microsoft is coordinating with affected customers and is working on steps to restore normal boot behavior and prevent a repeat of the issue.

Reported by Tom Warren.

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