Windows 11 emergency update KB5085516 fixes false “no internet” sign-in errors in OneDrive, Teams Free, and more

Microsoft has released an out-of-band Windows 11 update, KB5085516, to fix a sign-in bug that falsely told some users they had no internet connection when trying to access Microsoft account-based apps. The issue affected Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 after the March 10 Patch Tuesday update, KB5079473.

The bug blocked sign-ins even when the PC was online. Microsoft says affected apps included Microsoft Teams Free and OneDrive, and outside reporting and user complaints also pointed to trouble in other Microsoft account-connected apps such as Edge and Copilot. Microsoft says the problem only affected sign-ins that used personal Microsoft accounts. Businesses using Microsoft Entra ID were not impacted.

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KB5085516 arrived on March 21, 2026, just 11 days after KB5079473 shipped on March 10. That fast turnaround shows Microsoft saw the bug as serious enough to justify an emergency release outside its usual monthly patch cycle.

What the update fixes

Microsoft’s release notes say KB5085516 directly resolves the Microsoft account sign-in problem introduced by updates released on or after March 10, 2026. The company describes the issue as a false “no Internet” error that prevented access to Microsoft services and apps during sign-in.

The update is cumulative, so it also includes quality improvements from KB5079473. Microsoft’s notes add that devices enrolled in Hotpatch can address the same issue through KB5085518, which does not require a restart.

Who needs KB5085516

This update applies to Windows 11 version 25H2 and version 24H2. Microsoft lists the patched builds as 26200.8039 and 26100.8039. The original March 10 security update that introduced the issue was KB5079473, with builds 26200.8037 and 26100.8037.

Here is the quick version:

How Microsoft is shipping the fix

Microsoft says KB5085516 is offered through Windows Update for devices already running KB5079473. PCs with the setting “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” turned on will receive it automatically. If that toggle is off, users can still install it manually from Settings > Windows Update > Download & install. Microsoft also says the patch is available from the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual deployment.

For IT admins, Microsoft points to expedited deployment paths through Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch. That matters for managed fleets where support teams want the fix installed quickly without waiting for a normal rollout window.

What else is inside KB5085516

Microsoft says the update also refreshes several AI components. Image Search, Content Extraction, and Semantic Analysis were all updated to version 1.2602.1451.0. The release also includes servicing stack update KB5083532, build 26100.8035, which improves the reliability of Windows update installation itself.

At the time of release, Microsoft said it was not aware of any known issues in KB5085516.

What affected users should do now

If your Windows 11 PC started showing “no internet” during sign-in for OneDrive, Teams Free, or other Microsoft account apps after the March 2026 security update, KB5085516 is the fix to install.

Recommended steps:

• Open Settings
• Go to Windows Update
• Check whether KB5085516 is available
• Install it and restart if prompted
• Retry sign-in for OneDrive, Teams Free, and other affected Microsoft account apps

If you manage a larger device fleet, use Intune, Autopatch, or the Microsoft Update Catalog to push the update faster.

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