The PC shutdown bug is bigger than expected — Windows 10 machines are now affected

In what feels like yet another stumble for Microsoft, Windows 10 finds itself caught in an awkward limbo. The operating system was meant to have reached the end of full support, and at a consumer level, that did happen back in October 2025.

However, several versions of Windows 10 remain under extended support for a fee. Windows 10 is now being affected by the same shutdown bug that has also been frustrating Windows 11 users.

This is not a legacy issue being quietly left behind. It is the result of ongoing security updates being pushed to supported Windows 10 builds, even as Microsoft continues to roll out unstable updates across its wider Windows ecosystem. Never fear, though. Microsoft has recently backtracked on several recent decisions and has promised a renewed focus on Windows stability going forward.

Why Windows 10 is still getting broken updates

It now seems that, despite Microsoft’s push to move users toward Windows 11, Windows 10 is still feeling the strain of modern Windows updates. In a recent update last month, Microsoft confirmed that some Windows 10 systems are also failing to shut down properly, the same issue plaguing Windows 11 users.

What makes the situation particularly irritating for those on Extended Security Updates. ESU access is limited to paying customers and users in the European Economic Area, meaning some are paying specifically for stability and security, only to encounter a bug this fundamental.

As reported on by PC World, affected versions currently include:

• Windows 10 22H2
• Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019
• Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021
• Windows 11 23H2

The cause of the problem appears to be linked to the System Guard Secure Launch, which is meant to protect your PC from threats during startup, before turning off after startup, however, it is staying active, preventing computers from shutting down.

According to PC World, Virtual Secure Mode also plays a role here, and as of right now there is currently no known fix for the issue, but Microsoft are aware and working on a fix.

I’m genuinely impressed by how consistently Microsoft manages to stumble like this. As someone who has long supported the company and its products, it is becoming harder to ignore the missteps.

Even the parts of Microsoft I still actively enjoy, like Xbox, are increasingly soured by questionable decisions made at a company-wide level.

Have you been affected by the Windows shutdown bug on Windows 10 or Windows 11? Let us know in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:

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