How to Fix Windows 10/11 January 2026 Update (KB5073724) Freezing Issues
Did your PC start freezing after the latest Windows update? You are not alone. Many users in Tier 1 countries are reporting system crashes, unresponsive apps, and shutdown failures after installing the January 2026 security patch (KB5073724). Here is the immediate fix to get your computer back to normal.
What is the KB5073724 Bug?
The latest Microsoft update was intended to fix security vulnerabilities, but it has introduced a "core system bug" that affects process termination. Users are reporting that they cannot close programs like Chrome or Excel, and the only way to turn off the PC is a forced hardware shutdown. This is a critical issue for professionals and gamers alike.
Step-by-Step Fix for KB5073724 Freezing
If your system is unstable, follow these steps to resolve the issue until Microsoft releases an official hotfix:
-
Uninstall the Update:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > View Update History.
- Click on Uninstall updates.
- Find KB5073724, right-click, and select Uninstall.
- Pause Windows Updates:
- To prevent the bug from reinstalling, go to Windows Update settings and select "Pause updates for 7 days".
- Run DISM Command:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This will fix any corrupted system files caused by the faulty update.
When Will Microsoft Release a Fix?
Based on previous "Patch Tuesday" bugs, we expect an emergency cumulative update (Out-of-band) within the next 48 to 72 hours. We are monitoring the Microsoft Community Hub and will update this page the moment a permanent solution is available.
Join the conversation