Microsoft has released a Microsoft Windows 11 emergency update after users reported widespread issues affecting major apps following its latest security patch.
According to Windows Latest, the March mandatory update caused “major issues impacting Internet connectivity in some apps”, disrupting services like Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and Office.
The fix is ​​being rolled out as an optional patch titled “2026-03 Update (KB5085516) (26200.8039)”.
However, according to Windows Latest, it “does not download automatically”, meaning users experiencing issues will have to install it manually.
Microsoft said the update is only required for affected users and includes “updates to previous security and non-security releases as well as an additional fix,” the company noted.
The issue doesn’t prevent apps from opening, but it affects online features like syncing, cloud access, and communication tools.
Reports suggest that the bug may affect a wide range of Microsoft services, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Copilot.
Windows Latest reported that it found “multiple reports that claim the bug affects nearly all Microsoft apps, including the Windows Store and even Feedback Hub.”
