Microsoft Urges Windows 11 Users to Uninstall Latest Update Due to Widespread Issues

• Microsoft has issued an unusual warning for Windows 11 users to uninstall the January 2026 security update (KB5074109) due to system and application failures.
• The update, which rolled out on January 13, caused major problems, particularly for Outlook Classic users with POP email accounts or PST files in cloud-synced folders.
• Reported issues include Outlook freezing, 'Not Responding' messages, black screens after booting, reset desktop settings, and File Explorer malfunctions.
• Microsoft suggests temporary workarounds like using Outlook webmail or moving PST files out of cloud storage, but now recommends uninstalling the update as a last resort.
• While uninstalling resolves immediate issues, Microsoft warns it leaves systems vulnerable as the update contained over 100 security fixes; a comprehensive fix is pending.

Why It Matters: Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to uninstall the problematic January 2026 update (KB5074109) due to critical bugs.