Microsoft Finally Fixes Decade-Old “Update and Shut Down” Bug in Windows 11

For over a decade, one of Windows’ most misleading buttons - the “Update and Shut Down” option - has tested the patience of millions of users worldwide. Instead of turning off as promised, PCs would often restart themselves during the night, draining batteries, interrupting work, and triggering countless complaints across forums and social media. Now, Microsoft has finally resolved the long-standing problem.

The tech giant has officially addressed the issue with the rollout of Windows 11 Build 26200.7019 for version 25H2 and Build 26100.7019 for version 24H2. With these updates, selecting “Update and Shut Down” will at last do exactly what it says: install updates and then power off the computer completely, without secretly rebooting or staying awake overnight.

It’s remarkable that such a basic function took ten years to perfect. During the Windows 10 era, “Update and Shut Down” often behaved no differently from “Update and Restart,” leaving users bewildered and exasperated. Thousands took to Microsoft’s Feedback Hub and Reddit to vent their frustration. Many resorted to holding down the power button or typing manual shutdown commands just to ensure their PCs actually turned off.

The problem stemmed from how Windows processed updates in the background. When users clicked “Update and Shut Down,” the operating system would begin replacing system files that couldn’t be updated while active, a process known as offline servicing. However, Windows misread the command and initiated a restart midway through, before carrying out the final shutdown. What seemed like a small oversight became one of the most persistent irritations in modern computing.

Microsoft has now confirmed that the bug has been fixed, with the corrected builds rolling out to all Windows 11 users and testers. The company assured users that “Update and Restart” will continue to reboot systems as intended, while “Update and Shut Down” will now fully power them down after updates. It’s a simple fix but one with far-reaching implications.

The update arrives at a crucial time. As Windows 11 evolves with new AI-powered tools, interface improvements, and performance upgrades, users have become more attentive to the everyday details that define their experience. While this fix may seem minor compared to the headline-grabbing features, it restores a sense of reliability to one of the most basic system functions.

For desktop users, it means predictability. For laptop owners, it prevents the dreaded overnight battery drain. And for everyone, it rebuilds a little trust in the humble power menu, a small but significant step in making Windows more dependable.

After ten years of confusion, workarounds, and online grumbling, Microsoft has finally closed the chapter on one of Windows’ most notorious quirks. The “Update and Shut Down” button, once a source of disbelief, can now live up to its name.