By Sergiu Gatlan
Publication Date: 2026-01-16 08:35:00
Microsoft has confirmed a new issue that prevents Windows 11 23H2 devices with System Guard Secure Launch enabled from shutting down.
System Guard Secure Launch is a Windows security feature designed to protect the boot process from firmware-level attacks and malware such as rootkits.
According to a release health dashboard update on Thursday, this known issue affects only systems running Enterprise and IoT Windows editions with the KB5073455 cumulative update installed.
“After installing the January 13, 2026, Windows security update (KB5073455) for Windows 11, version 23H2, some PCs with Secure Launch are unable to shut down or enter hibernation. Instead, the device restarts,” Microsoft explained in a Windows release health dashboard update on Thursday.
“Secure Launch uses virtualization-based security to protect the system from firmware-level threats during startup. KB5073455 is only offered for Enterprise and IoT editions of Windows 11, versions…
