Microsoft releases emergency update for Windows 11 and Windows 10
Microsoft released an out-of-band emergency update on November 13, 2026, for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server to fix activation errors in the Software Licensing Management Tool. The issue affected enterprise systems running the slmgr.vbs script following the KB5132057 and KB5132265 updates.
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A major global outage once again put Microsoft at the center of social media attention. The software giant resolved the issue after extensive work. Emergency patches have now been released for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The US-based software giant released an unscheduled emergency update on November 13, 2026, due to an error locking operations performed via the Software Licensing Management Tool on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server operating systems.
The issue disrupting activation processes across enterprise networks began following updates KB5132057 and KB5132265 distributed as part of the November 2026 Patch Tuesday. Enterprise users installing these packages encountered error code 0x80041008, which signals an invalid parameter while performing operations with the Software Licensing Management Tool. The error directly affected organizations using the slmgr.vbs script for product key configuration and automated activation.
Affected versions and released KB packages
Due to the scope of the error, Microsoft prepared an out-of-band fix package without waiting for the Patch Tuesday schedule. Because the released packages are cumulative, systems that have not yet installed Patch Tuesday can also install this update directly.
The Windows versions receiving the emergency update and the corresponding Knowledge Base numbers are listed below:
| Operating System Version | Update Code |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2025 | KB5136489 |
| Windows Server 2022 | KB5136487 |
| Windows Server 2019 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 | KB5136490 |
| Windows 11, version 23H2 | KB5136483 |
| Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU and Enterprise LTSC 2021 | KB5136493 |
How to download the patch and deployment details
System administrators running Windows Server and Windows 10 versions can manually obtain the relevant fix packages via the Microsoft Update Catalog. Windows 11 version 23H2 users can download the package from the catalog or install it from the Optional Updates section in the Windows Update menu.
The emergence of the issue coincided with a shift in the company's licensing policies. Microsoft recently informed system administrators that they should switch to PowerShell tools instead of the legacy slmgr.vbs scripts for Windows activation and product key automation.
Situation in Turkey
Because the outage occurred worldwide, users in Turkey were also affected by the problem. Checking and applying Microsoft services or Windows operating system updates promptly is recommended.
What to do
System administrators encountering error 0x80041008 during volume licensing or product key deployment should follow these steps:
- If you are using Windows 11 23H2, go to the Windows Update section under Settings and install the KB5136483 package from the Optional updates tab.
- On Windows 10 or Windows Server editions, open the Microsoft Update Catalog website, search for the KB number matching your system, and install the package manually.
- Since updates are cumulative, you can apply this patch directly without needing to install Patch Tuesday packages separately.
This article was translated from Turkish. Read the original article in Turkish.
