You’ve probably seen reports about this already, but some Windows 11 apps are currently experiencing issues. Users are encountering error messages, crashes, and general problems with apps not functioning correctly.
You might think I reported on the same problem twice, but that’s not right. The reason some apps are freezing up seems to be different from the error that prevents apps from opening in the first place.
You might assume the recent emergency patches from Microsoft would fix the issue causing apps to freeze, especially since it started with the January updates. However, that’s not the case.
This seems to be a separate problem from the known Outlook bug that’s causing the app to crash. While some underlying factors might be similar, they aren’t the same issue. Microsoft specifically highlighted Outlook as being affected by this bug.
Windows 11 is off to a strong start this year.
Getting back to the problem, Microsoft confirmed it yesterday and explained what’s happening.
Following Windows updates released on or after January 13, 2026 (including KB5074109), some apps may freeze or crash when trying to open or save files stored in cloud services like OneDrive or Dropbox.
Sometimes, if you save your Outlook files (PSTs) to OneDrive, Outlook can freeze and become unusable. You might have to close it through Task Manager or restart your computer to fix it. Also, emails you’ve already sent might disappear from your Sent Items folder, and Outlook could re-download attachments you’ve already saved.
It’s a bit ironic that Microsoft is so heavily promoting OneDrive to Windows 11 users. The service is built right into the operating system, and they even advertise it within Windows 11 itself.
It’s worth noting this new issue isn’t limited to OneDrive; it also happens with Dropbox when opening or saving files. That might mean Microsoft isn’t entirely to blame.
I’ve noticed Microsoft recommends a solution for certain Outlook issues: they suggest moving your PST files – those files that store your emails – out of your OneDrive folder.
The company is working on a resolution and will share more information when it becomes available.
Windows 11 had a really rough 2025, and things haven’t improved at the start of 2026. Just three weeks into the new year, users are already facing urgent fixes, unresolved problems, and even essential programs like Notepad and Snipping Tool aren’t working properly.
Last April, Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, revealed that AI helps write as much as 30% of the company’s code. Some people are concerned that depending so much on AI and quickly written code – sometimes called “vibe coding” – is leading to lower quality software.
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2026-01-21 22:40