Microsoft Fixes Long-Standing “Update and Shut Down” Bug in Windows 11
For years, Windows 11 users have been annoyed by a simple but frustrating issue — choosing “Update and Shut down” often didn’t actually shut the PC down.
Instead, it restarted.
Microsoft has finally confirmed a fix for this long-standing bug in recent Windows 11 preview builds.
The Problem
When users installed updates and selected “Update and Shut down”, the system sometimes did the opposite — it rebooted instead of shutting down.
This meant:
- The device came back to life after updates, often running fans or showing login screens.
- People who expected their computers to stay off overnight were surprised to hear them power up again.
- IT admins found that the issue also caused confusion in managed environments, especially when using Intune or Windows Update for Business (WUfB) policies.
This bug has been present since early Windows 11 builds in 2021, and users across forums and feedback hubs have complained about it for years.
The Fix
Microsoft quietly confirmed that it has patched this issue in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview builds.
The fix ensures that when a user selects “Update and Shut down”, the system actually shuts down after installing updates — not restarts.
This update is currently rolling out to:
- Windows Insider Beta Channel
- Release Preview Channel (expected soon)
After enough testing and validation, it will reach the main stable build of Windows 11 through regular cumulative updates.
Why It Matters
This bug might sound small, but it has caused real inconvenience:
- Laptops turning back on inside bags, draining batteries.
- Desktops left running overnight when users thought they were powered off.
- IT-managed devices restarting outside approved maintenance windows.
For businesses using Intune or Windows Autopatch, this fix brings reliability back to planned update cycles — especially for organizations that rely on automatic shutdown after patching.
What You Should Do
If you manage Windows devices or handle updates for your organization:
- Keep an eye on Insider releases.
The fix will move from preview to general release soon. - Test on non-production devices.
Verify that “Update and Shut down” now behaves correctly before deploying widely. - Monitor event logs.
After applying the fix, check that shutdown operations no longer trigger restart events. - Update your Intune and WUfB policies.
Make sure nothing overrides the shutdown behavior after updates.
When to Expect It
The fix is expected to appear in the next cumulative update once Microsoft confirms stability from Insider testing.
For most users, that means an automatic rollout via Windows Update within the next few weeks or months, depending on the servicing channel.
Summary
After years of frustration, Microsoft has finally resolved the “Update and Shut down” bug in Windows 11.
The fix restores proper behavior — your PC now truly shuts down after updates, just as the option says.
For IT admins and home users alike, this small change means fewer surprises, less wasted power, and smoother patch management.
