Have you ever experienced downloading an update for your Windows 11 PC, letting it to “Update and shut down”, only to find it still on when you get back to it? This has been a persistent bug for the operating system, and one that’s reportedly “decades-old”. But it has finally been fixed following the release of Windows 11 25H2 Build 26200.7019.
Not much details were shared as to why the bug exists in the way that it is, nor what was done to fix it. But for now, the fix exists in the aforementioned Windows 11 build, which comes as an optional update. Windows Latest cites Microsoft as saying that the fix will be included in a general update coming 11 November.
The report also provides a possible explanation as to why the bug is the way it is. For one, the operating system cannot update files that are in use. Updates that change these in-use files require that Windows restarts. These changes happen in “an offline servicing phase, which is when you see the ‘working on updates’ on your screen”.
Because of the potential for multiple reboots happening during the update process, there’s the possibility that the “power off” task didn’t get carried over until the end. Which leads to your PC restarting anyway, and you are greeted with the login screen. Or a laptop on low power if it’s not plugged in. But if the fix truly works, then you won’t have to doubt if you’ve accidentally hit “Update and restart” instead.
(Source: Microsoft, Windows Latest)
