Microsoft fixes longstanding bug that caused computers to restart

This May 2021 file photo shows a sign for Microsoft offices in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Have you ever clicked “update and shut down” on your PC only to have it restart again?

According to the news site Windows Latest, the “decades-old bug” has finally been fixed with an update for Windows 11 computers.

Windows Latest says Microsoft never acknowledged the longstanding problem until releasing an optional update on Oct. 28. A support document for the update explains that part of it addresses an “underlying issue which can cause ‘Update and shutdown’ to not actually shut down your PC after updating.”

The bug affected both Windows 10 and 11 and was “one of the most reported issues” with the operating systems, according to Windows Latest. With more than 1.4 billion users, Microsoft says Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world.

It is unclear how long the bug affected Windows PCs. Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Microsoft recently announced that it was ending customer support and security updates for its Windows 10 operating system on Oct. 14. The company is encouraging users to upgrade to its newer Windows 11 operating system or face a “greater risk for viruses and malware.”

“It is important to upgrade to Windows 11 as the security updates will also end for most people,” digital and cybersecurity expert Ritesh Kotak recently told CTVNews.ca. “These updates are critical (for) protecting your computer and devices.”

Microsoft says users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but only computers that “meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade.”

“To check if your PC is eligible for the free upgrade go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.”

With files from CTVNewsToronto.ca Journalist Joe Van Wonderen