Microsoft has released an emergency update for Windows 11 following reports of Microsoft Outlook crashing for some users. The issue appeared shortly after the January 2026 security update, affecting workplaces that rely on Outlook and cloud storage.
The problem mainly occurred when Outlook PST files were stored in folders synced with cloud services, including OneDrive. Corporate users often save files this way for backup and sharing, which made the issue more widespread.
Affected users reported that Outlook would crash when opening or saving files in cloud-linked folders. Some other applications also froze, displayed errors, or stopped responding, disrupting work and reducing productivity.
Microsoft acted quickly, releasing an out-of-band update outside the regular Patch Tuesday schedule. This is the second emergency update the company has issued in early 2026, after another patch fixed system shutdown failures, hibernation issues, and remote login problems on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Out-of-band updates are reserved for serious issues that cannot wait for scheduled updates. Microsoft confirmed the new update is cumulative, which means it not only fixes the Outlook crash but also includes corrections for other recent problems. Users need to install the latest package to receive all fixes, including those from the January security update.
Officials said the emergency update ensures stability for Outlook and other programs, especially in environments relying on cloud-synced storage. Users are strongly encouraged to install the update promptly to prevent further crashes and disruptions.
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This update highlights Microsoft’s commitment to maintaining Windows 11 reliability and addressing serious issues quickly. It also serves as a reminder for users to keep systems updated and apply emergency patches as soon as they are released.
