Microsoft has finally resolved the long-standing “Update & Shut Down” issue that has affected Windows users for over a decade. With the new Windows 11 25H2 Build 26200.7019 (and 24H2 Build 26100.7019) update, computers now shut down as expected when this option is used.
A decade-long problem comes to an end
This issue has persisted since the release of Windows 10, impacting millions of users. Previously, when selecting “Update & Shut Down,” the system would often restart instead of powering off, returning to the login screen.
The fix was confirmed in the release notes of the latest preview build. Microsoft stated that the update addresses “the underlying issue that could prevent your PC from shutting down after installing updates.” While the company did not provide detailed technical explanations, the problem was linked to the Windows Servicing Stack component.
Normally, “Update & Shut Down” is a two-step process: the system first installs pending updates and then shuts down the device. During this process, Windows must enter “offline maintenance” mode to modify locked system files, displaying the message “Installing updates, do not turn off your computer.”
Experts observed that after this critical stage, the system would restart instead of shutting down. The root cause was that the Servicing Stack either didn’t receive the shutdown command or lost it due to a timing conflict. Features like Fast Startup may also have indirectly contributed to the issue.
With this latest update, users finally gain the reliable shutdown functionality they’ve been waiting for.
A decade-long problem comes to an end
This issue has persisted since the release of Windows 10, impacting millions of users. Previously, when selecting “Update & Shut Down,” the system would often restart instead of powering off, returning to the login screen.
The fix was confirmed in the release notes of the latest preview build. Microsoft stated that the update addresses “the underlying issue that could prevent your PC from shutting down after installing updates.” While the company did not provide detailed technical explanations, the problem was linked to the Windows Servicing Stack component.
Normally, “Update & Shut Down” is a two-step process: the system first installs pending updates and then shuts down the device. During this process, Windows must enter “offline maintenance” mode to modify locked system files, displaying the message “Installing updates, do not turn off your computer.”
Experts observed that after this critical stage, the system would restart instead of shutting down. The root cause was that the Servicing Stack either didn’t receive the shutdown command or lost it due to a timing conflict. Features like Fast Startup may also have indirectly contributed to the issue.
With this latest update, users finally gain the reliable shutdown functionality they’ve been waiting for.
