Outlook won't open? Computer won't shut down? You aren't crazy—it’s the January 2026 Windows Update. Here is how Good As New Computer Repair Specialists can get your machine back to normal.  

    If you’ve turned on your computer this week and felt like throwing it out the window, you are not alone.

Since around January 13th, 2026, our phones at Good As New Computer Repair Specialists have been ringing off the hook with customers experiencing bizarre, frustrating issues with their Windows 11 PCs.

It’s not a virus. It’s not your hardware failing. It is, unfortunately, Microsoft’s latest automatic update.

The "Patch Tuesday" That Broke Everything

On the second Tuesday of January, Microsoft pushed out a massive update known as KB5074109. It was supposed to fix over 100 security holes. While it might have made your PC more secure, it also made it incredibly difficult to use for many people.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, your PC is likely a victim of this update buggy:

1. The "Zombie" Outlook Bug

This is the #1 complaint we are hearing. You open classic Outlook in the morning, check your email, and close it. Later, you try to open it again, and... nothing happens. It refuses to launch. Why? The update causes Outlook to keep running invisibly in the background after you close it, blocking you from opening a new window until you force-quit the hidden process.

2. The Infinite Reboot Loop

You click "Shut Down" at the end of the day, walk away, and come back ten minutes later to find your computer at the login screen again. Many users, particularly those on Windows 11 version 23H2, find their computers simply refuse to turn off, immediately restarting instead. This is forcing people to hold down their power buttons for a "hard crash," which isn't good for the machine.

3. The Black Screen Flicker & Vanishing Wallpaper

Does your screen suddenly go completely black for two seconds before returning to normal? Even more annoying, does your custom family photo wallpaper suddenly revert to a solid black background? This graphical glitch is another hallmark of the January 2026 update.

The Solution: Why DIY is Difficult Right Now

Microsoft realizes they messed up. They have taken the rare step of issuing emergency "Out-of-Band" patches to fix the messes created by the original update.

However, getting these fixes isn't always straightforward.

While some machines might eventually grab the fix automatically, many require you to manually navigate the "Microsoft Update Catalog," determine exactly which version of Windows 11 you are running (23H2, 24H2, or 25H2), download the specific file corresponding to your architecture, and manually install it.

Furthermore, if your PC is stuck in a reboot loop, it’s very difficult to get the update installed at all.

How "Good As New" Can Help Today

You rely on your computer for work, communication, and entertainment. You don't have time to hunt through technical forums or mess around with Windows Task Manager just to check your email.

At Good As New Computer Repair Specialists, we have already diagnosed this issue on dozens of machines and have the fixes ready to go.

Here is how we can get your PC back to working order, fast:

• Professional Patch Management: We will identify your exact Windows version and manually install the correct, verified emergency patches (such as KB5077797 or KB5077744) that Microsoft has issued to fix these specific bugs.
• Process Cleanup & Optimization: We will ensure the "stuck" Outlook processes are cleared out correctly so your email works every single time you click the icon.
• Graphics Reset: We will apply the necessary fixes to stop the black screen flickering and help you restore your personal desktop backgrounds.
• A General Health Check: While we have your machine, we’ll perform a complimentary check to ensure no other underlying issues were triggered by the faulty update.

Don't Struggle with a Broken Update

When we say we want your computer "Good As New," we mean it. Don't let a bad update ruin your week.

Contact us today to schedule a quick fix. We offer both in-shop drop-offs and secure remote support tailored to your needs.                                                                    

[email protected]

Call 07706049468