Microsoft’s January 2026 update is causing major issues, including Outlook crashes and missing items. Find out how to fix the problem and the risks of uninstalling the update.
Millions of Windows users are continuing to face significant problems caused by the January 2026 update, with no immediate signs of a solution. Despite multiple emergency patches, the update is wreaking havoc across various platforms, including Outlook and cloud services. Microsoft has acknowledged that the update is causing widespread disruptions, and many users are left wondering how to resolve the situation.
According to Windows Latest, Microsoft has officially admitted that the Windows 11 KB5074109 update is causing severe issues with Outlook POP and PST files, resulting in Outlook freezing or hanging. Microsoft has also explained that the problem stems from conflicts with cloud storage, leaving users struggling with missing sent items, crashes, and unresponsive emails.
What’s Wrong With the January 2026 Update?
The January 2026 update has proven to be a significant headache for Windows users, with many complaining about Outlook becoming unresponsive. The issue affects users with Classic Outlook profiles, particularly those with POP accounts and PSTs. After the update, users are noticing that Outlook freezes, displaying a “Not Responding” message, and in some cases, the email platform fails to open until users manually end its process in Task Manager or restart the computer.
Even after Outlook manages to reopen, sent items are missing, and emails are re-downloading. This issue is widespread, affecting several versions of Windows, including Windows 11 (versions 25H2, 24H2, 23H2) and Windows 10 (versions 22H2, Enterprise LTSC 2021, and Enterprise LTSC 2019).
Potential Workarounds for Outlook and Windows Users
While Microsoft works on a permanent fix, users are looking for temporary workarounds. One suggested solution is to move Outlook PST files out of OneDrive and store them locally. Another alternative is to switch to webmail while the issues with Outlook are addressed. However, these are not ideal long-term fixes, and many users may find them inconvenient.
If those workarounds do not work, Microsoft recommends uninstalling the latest update, though the company has been clear about the risks involved. As Microsoft warns, uninstalling a security update can expose users to vulnerabilities, leaving them at risk of cyberattacks, compromised personal information, and potential data loss.
The Importance of Caution When Uninstalling Updates
While uninstalling the update might resolve some of the immediate issues, it also comes with a significant risk. Users who decide to proceed with uninstalling the January 2026 update should be aware of the potential vulnerabilities they are opening themselves up to. Microsoft stresses that security updates are crucial for maintaining system safety, and uninstalling them can leave systems unprotected against potential threats.
What’s Next for Windows Users?
This January 2026 update is one of the most troublesome updates in recent memory, and it’s clear that Microsoft has a long road ahead in fixing the issues it has caused. As Windows users continue to face disruptions, Microsoft is working on guidance to help them troubleshoot and resolve the problems. For now, users may have to rely on temporary workarounds or consider uninstalling the update at their own risk.
While the Windows team is promising a fix, there’s still no clear timeline for when stability will return to affected systems. In the meantime, users are left navigating a frustrating landscape of crashes, missing items, and unreliable email services.
