Windows: Out-of-band update fixes login issues

Microsoft acknowledged problems logging into private Microsoft accounts overnight on Friday and attributed them to the Windows security updates from the March Patchday. The company released out-of-band updates overnight on Sunday.

In the Message Center of the Windows Release Health Notes, Microsoft announces the problem resolution with the unscheduled update. There, the developers explain again that after installing the March updates, some users may not be able to log into their Microsoft apps and services and receive a “No Internet” error message, even if an internet connection is definitely active. This prevents access to services and apps like Microsoft Teams Free or OneDrive. Only Microsoft account login scenarios are affected; Entra ID for app authentication, which is used in larger companies, for example, is not affected.

On March 21, 2026, i.e., late Saturday evening this week, Microsoft released an out-of-band update to resolve the issue. It is therefore a cumulative update that includes the protection and improvements already provided by the security update from March 10, 2026.

Emergency update for Windows 11

The emergency update is available for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2. It carries the KB number KB5085516 and brings the operating system versions up to levels 26200.8039 and 26100.8039, respectively. It is distributed as an optional update via Windows Update. Computers with the option “Get the latest updates as soon as they're available” enabled are already downloading it and prompting for a machine restart. Otherwise, it can be found in Windows Settings under “Windows Update”.

Those who uninstalled the March Windows security update due to the problem should install the now available emergency update promptly. It closes known security vulnerabilities in the operating system that would otherwise offer attack surfaces to malicious actors.

(dmk)