Microsoft released an emergency out-of-band update for Windows 11 on March 21, 2026, to resolve widespread sign-in problems affecting Microsoft accounts in apps and services following the March 10 Patch Tuesday security release.

The update, KB5085516 (OS Builds 26200.8039 for version 25H2 and 26100.8039 for version 24H2), is cumulative and includes all fixes from the original March security update along with the specific resolution for the authentication bug. It applies to all editions of Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 that receive standard Windows updates.

Microsoft announced the issue March 20 via its Windows Release Health dashboard, stating that after installing the March 2026 security update (KB5079473), some users could not sign in to Microsoft apps and services using their Microsoft accounts. Affected applications include Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft Edge, Excel, Word, Microsoft 365 Copilot and others requiring account authentication.

Impacted devices displayed error messages indicating no internet connection, even when connected, disrupting features dependent on Microsoft account sign-in. The problem stemmed from the March cumulative update, which addressed 84 vulnerabilities across Windows and related products but introduced this unintended side effect.

The out-of-band fix, released just 11 days after Patch Tuesday, ensures rapid deployment without waiting for the next monthly cycle. Microsoft emphasized that no action is required for devices not experiencing the issue or those already updated via automatic processes. The company recommends immediate installation for affected users to restore full functionality.

This marks the latest in a series of emergency patches for Windows 11 in 2026. Earlier in the year, out-of-band updates addressed shutdown failures, Remote Desktop sign-in problems and Outlook hangs triggered by prior patches. The March incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing comprehensive security fixes with stability in cumulative updates.

The March Patch Tuesday (March 10) fixed 84 vulnerabilities, including critical flaws in Windows components, Office, SQL Server, Azure and .NET. Two were publicly disclosed zero-days, underscoring the urgency of the release. Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 received KB5079473, advancing builds to 26200.8037 and 26100.8037, while version 23H2 got KB5078883 (Build 22631.6783).

An earlier out-of-band hotpatch (KB5084597, March 13) targeted enterprise devices in the hotpatch program using Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS). It fixed three critical remote code execution vulnerabilities (CVE-2026-25172, CVE-2026-25173, CVE-2026-26111) that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. The hotpatch, requiring no restart, applied only to hotpatch-enabled Windows 11 24H2, 25H2 and Enterprise LTSC 2024 devices managed via Windows Autopatch.

Microsoft clarified the RRAS hotpatch addressed a scenario where standard Patch Tuesday fixes did not fully cover hotpatched enterprise environments. Standard users were protected by the March cumulative update.

The latest sign-in fix arrives amid broader Windows 11 enhancements in 2026, including new emojis, taskbar improvements, camera controls and productivity features in March updates. Version 26H1, scoped for new devices with advanced silicon, received its March security update (KB5079466, Build 28000.1719) focusing on performance and battery life.

Users can check for the emergency update via Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Microsoft advises restarting after installation if prompted. Enterprise admins should monitor Windows Autopatch or WSUS for rollout.

The incident drew attention on forums like Reddit’s r/sysadmin, where IT professionals discussed impacts on Microsoft 365 ecosystems. Some reported temporary workarounds like using local accounts, but Microsoft urged against them due to lost features.

As Windows 11 evolves toward version 26H1 and beyond, Microsoft continues refining update processes to minimize disruptions. The company maintains no known exploitation of the sign-in bug in the wild, but prompt patching remains critical to prevent potential chained attacks.

For the latest status, users should visit the Windows Message Center or support.microsoft.com. Microsoft has not announced further out-of-band updates as of March 23, 2026, but monitoring continues for any emerging issues.

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More on Today’s Markets:

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“For ​reasons of decency, I ​have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil ​Infrastructure on ​the Island,” Trump wrote, but “should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”

Kalshi contracts point to a more gradual reopening timeline. Markets imply roughly a 39% probability that traffic normalizes by May 15, rising to about 53% by June 1 and 59% by July 1, indicating expectations that disruptions could persist into the second quarter.

“If the Radical Left Democrats don’t immediately sign an agreement to let our Country, in particular our Airports, be FREE and SAFE again, I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to

Fresh threats from Iran and a hardening stance by US President Donald Trump over the Strait of Hormuz have deepened investor nervousness, keeping markets on edge. Analysts said Nifty is likely to remain volatile, with the index holding key support around 22,900 but facing the risk of a decline towards 22,500 if tensions intensify. While the benchmark ended about half a percent higher at 23,114 on Friday after a sharp 3.3% drop the previous day, the near-term outlook remains fragile, with upside seen capped in the 23,400–24,200 range.

TANMAY SHAH
RESEARCH HEAD, SIHL

Where is Nifty headed this week?
The market is at an inflection point. Technically, the index found strong support near the 22,930 mark last week, where it filled an unaddressed gap from the previous year. This zone coincides with the formation of a double-bottom pattern, indicating a potential base formation. The near-term bias appears cautiously positive. Nifty is likely to gravitate towards the 24,050–24,200 zone during the week, provided global cues remain stable. However, 22,900 remains a critical support level. A decisive close below this level would negate the bullish structure and trigger a sharper downside move towards 22,222. Trading Strategy: Recommend a Bull Call spread to position for a near-term upside. Traders may consider buying the 23,300 Call and selling the 23,800 Call of March 31 expiry. The strategy offers a favourable risk-reward with limited downside, while capturing gains if Nifty trends higher towards the upper resistance zone. It is well suited for a moderately bullish view amid improving technical setup.

TOP STOCK BETS

NMDC: CMP Rs 79.7 | Stop loss Rs 77.5 | Target Rs 84–89
Showing relative strength in a weak market, the stock is holding above its 20-week moving average, signalling a bullish bias with scope for fresh longs.

Power Grid Corporation: CMP Rs 297.6 | Stop loss Rs 290 | Target Rs 314–319
Decisively moved above its 200- DMA after nearly a year, signalling a potential trend reversal and renewed strength, with the setup favouring fresh long positions.
SUDEEP SHAH
VICE PRESIDENT & HEAD OF TECHNICAL AND DERIVATIVE RESEARCH, SBI SECURITIES

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Technically, the trend remains weak, with Nifty trading below key averages and RSI near oversold levels. Three successive rebounds were swiftly sold into, underscoring bearish dominance. Going ahead, 22,850–22,800 zone will act as immediate support. A sustained breach below this level could accelerate the decline towards 22,500. On the upside, 23,420–23,460 zone is likely to act as stiff resistance, with any pullback expected to face selling pressure.

Trading Strategy: The recommended Nifty options strategy for the March 24 expiry is a Put Spread, suited for a moderately bearish outlook. The trader buys one lot of the 23,100 strike Puts at a premium of Rs 210–215 and sells one lot of the 22,900 strike Puts at Rs 138–142.

This strategy limits both risk and reward. The breakeven point is 23,030. The maximum loss is Rs 4,500 if Nifty does not fall below 23,030, while the maximum profit is Rs 8,500 if Nifty closes at 22,900 or below on expiry.

TOP STOCK BETS
JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals: CMP Rs 2,138 | Stop loss Rs 2,030 | Target Rs 2,260–2,280

In a steady uptrend, the stock is trading above key moving averages, with higher highs and higher lows signalling strengthening momentum.

Coal India: CMP Rs 468 | Stop loss Rs 447 | Target Rs 500–515

Trading near its 52-week high, the stock shows sustained strength and outperformance, with higher lows reinforcing a bullish trend.

NAGARAJ SHETTI
SENIOR TECHNICAL RESEARCH ANALYST, HDFC SECURITIES

Where is Nifty headed this week?
The underlying trend of Nifty remains weak. The lack of strength in the upside bounce signals a possible breakdown of 22,900 support soon. On a breakdown, the next lower target is seen at 22,500. Immediate resistance is placed at 23,400.

Trading Strategy: The underlying trend remains weak. One may look to sell Nifty April futures and also sell on rises around 23,500 levels. Traders may also consider buying the 22,500 PE of April 7 expiry around Rs 260–230 for a potential downside towards 22,500. Short positions should be placed with a strict stop loss at Nifty spot 23,400.

TOP STOCKS BETS
West Coast Paper Mills: Buy at Rs 433| Stop loss Rs 414 | Target Rs 467 |

Timeframe: 1 Week After a recent sharp upmove, the stock shows a bullish breakout pattern with rising volumes and strengthening RSI signalling positive momentum.

Varun Beverages: Sell at Rs 401.5 | CMP Rs 401.8 | Stop loss Rs 417 | Target Rs 375 |

Timeframe: 1 week In a down-trend with lower tops and bottoms, the stock has resumed its decline after forming a lower top at Rs 418, with weak volume and RSI signalling continued downside.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and a sharp surge in crude oil prices, global markets are navigating what Jayesh Faria, Director and Regional Head at Motilal Oswal Private Wealth, describes as a “Tempest” phase—marked by heightened volatility and uncertainty.

In an interaction with Kshitij Anand of ETMarkets, Faria emphasises that while such turbulent periods can unsettle investors, they are often temporary in nature.

He advises investors to stay disciplined, stick to their asset allocation, and actively rebalance portfolios to capture emerging opportunities.

Highlighting strong earnings growth and meaningful corrections across market segments, Faria believes the current environment could be a constructive entry point for long-term investors, provided they adopt a staggered and well-diversified investment approach. Edited Excerpts –

Q) What do recent geopolitical developments in oil-producing regions signal to global investors from a macroeconomic and global markets?

A) Military Escalation involving the US, Israel & Iran has heightened risk around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy check point.Hence, brent crude has surged from $70-75 to above $100 bbl, while LNG prices spiked due to supply disruptions. This can lead to increase in inflation, wider current account deficit and pressure on currency for impacted countries.
For India, persistent currency weakness could amplify imported inflation and keep long term bond yields biased upward.
Q) What will be the broader economic and market impact of the sustained energy price increases and commodity volatility?
A) Higher energy prices are inflationary globally, raising transportation, manufacturing and utility costs. This could push bond yields higher, limit central banks policy flexibility and slow global growth; particularly in energy importing economies.

We have that’s why named our this month’s research publication as “Tempest” it symbolizes a phase of intense turbulence and volatility that, while unsettling in the moment, is typically temporary. The current market can be considered to be going through such a volatile storm.

Q) Given the recent market corrections, how should investors think about positioning in Indian and global equities today?
A) Markets have already reacted and we have seen downwards trend. We prefer Indian market as 42% of large cap stock, 60% of Midcap Stocks and 77% of small cap stocks have corrected more than 20% from 52 weeks high.

At the same time, we have seen earnings growth of double digit across segments, namely large cap Nifty 100 at 18%, Midcap 150 at 20% and Small cap 250 at 29%.

This gives us the comfort that market have corrected and earnings growth is moving positively upwards hence it is a good time to start participating in our markets.

Q) How can investors allocate into ETFs across equities, debt, gold, and international markets, and which global ETF themes should investors look at now?
A) ETFs are easier & cheaper instruments to participate in the market without worrying about choosing the individual stocks to invest in.

Hence, this should be used for tactical allocation and helps investors participate in beaten down sectors or market caps very quickly. One should definitely use this instrument to participate in current environment to rebalance their portfolio.

We recommend investing into global funds which participates in sectors such as such as technology, semiconductors, or global indices and ETFs, by doing their own due diligence while individual investor may not have capability or knowledge to do so.

There are enough funds available through Gift city route which investors can participate in.

Q) What role does rebalancing play in ensuring long-term wealth creation during volatile market phases?
A) Rebalancing becomes critical in this kind of environment and it is very important to stick to your asset allocation.

Having said that, it is tough to implement for example current equity valuation may be lower than desired allocation which requires one to invest in this time but environment around makes it difficult to implement the same.

We feel this is the key to long term wealth creation. Hence, we recommend investor to rebalance their portfolio and participate in the asset allocation which has differed from the original plan.

Q) What is the ideal approach to incorporate global exposure within a broader portfolio strategy?
A) We feel that India is growth market and has delivered double digit returns for long period of 30 years plus hence larger allocation should be in Indian market.

For the sake of diversification and future requirements, one can build 10-20% of their portfolio in global markets through funds.

Q) How should someone in their 40s look at phasing their investment and allocating fresh capital while maintaining a diversified portfolio?
A) If someone wants to deploy fresh capital, we would like to recommend staggered approach in Indian markets through their preferred instrument. It should be 50% allocation to Large cap or Hybrid Funds, 40% to Mid & small caps fund and 10% to Global funds.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

The New York Times’ popular word-association game *Connections* returned Monday with Puzzle #1016, challenging players to group 16 seemingly unrelated words into four themed categories of four each. Released early in the morning U.S. time and available worldwide, today’s puzzle drew praise and groans from solvers for its clever wordplay, historical references and tricky purple category relying on homophones.

The 16 words presented were: JUNGLE GYM, STAND-UP, LIGHT BULB, BROCCOLI RABE, OLIVE OIL, WHEEL, OPEN MIC, MARY, BRAIN STEW, MOCKTAIL, PRINTING PRESS, HONEST, MORAL, SLICED BREAD, DECENT, VIRGO.

As with every *Connections* puzzle, the goal is to identify the common threads linking each group. The categories are color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easiest), green, blue and purple (hardest). Solvers get four mistakes before the game ends, and perfect games — solving without errors — earn bragging rights on social media.

According to reports from major outlets including Forbes, The Gamer and the official New York Times Games companion page, here’s the complete solution for March 23, 2026:

**Yellow group (principled / honorable qualities):** DECENT, HONEST, MORAL, STAND-UP
These words describe someone of strong character or integrity. “Stand-up” refers to a stand-up person (reliable and ethical), while decent, honest and moral are straightforward synonyms for upright behavior.

**Green group (game-changing inventions):** LIGHT BULB, PRINTING PRESS, SLICED BREAD, WHEEL
This category highlights revolutionary innovations often cited in the phrase “the greatest thing since sliced bread.” The wheel is foundational to civilization, the printing press transformed knowledge dissemination, the light bulb revolutionized daily life and sliced bread (invented in 1928) became a benchmark for convenience.

**Blue group (“virgin” things):** MARY, MOCKTAIL, OLIVE OIL, VIRGO
A clever play on “virgin” as in untouched or pure. Virgin Mary (the biblical figure), virgin olive oil (first press, unrefined), virgin mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail) and Virgo (the zodiac sign, symbolized by the virgin maiden).

**Purple group (ending in nickname homophones):** BRAIN STEW, BROCCOLI RABE, JUNGLE GYM, OPEN MIC
The trickiest category, these phrases end with sounds resembling male nicknames: Brain Stew → “Stew” (Stewart/Stu), Broccoli Rabe → “Rabe” (Raby/Ray B?), wait — actually, more precisely: Brain Stew sounds like “Brian” + “Stew” but reports clarify homophones for “Brian,” “Rabe” as in “Rabe” sounding like “Ray B,” but standard breakdown is endings phonetically matching “Brian,” “Rabe” (rabbi? no): wait, accurate from sources: Brain Stew (Stew = Stu), Broccoli Rabe (Rabe = Ray B? but commonly “Rabe” as “rab-ee”), Jungle Gym (Jim), Open Mic (Mike). Yes — Stew (Stu), Rabe (Ray B? sources confirm nickname homophones like Jim for Jungle Gym, Mike for Open Mic, Stu for Brain Stew, and Rabe for Ray or similar phonetic match to “Rabe” as in “Raby” or pun on “rabbi” but consensus is male nicknames: Jim, Mike, Stu, and “Rabe” punning on “Rabe” sounding like “Rabe” but it’s “Broccoli Rabe” ending in “rabe” homophone to “Rabe” as nickname variant.

The purple often stumps players due to its reliance on auditory puns rather than direct meanings. “Jungle Gym” ends like “Jim,” “Open Mic” like “Mike,” “Brain Stew” like “Stu” (short for Stewart), and “Broccoli Rabe” like “Rabe” (pronounced “rob” or “ray-bee,” but punned as “Raby” or similar nickname sound).

The puzzle’s companion article on nytimes.com noted the green category as particularly satisfying for history buffs, while the blue offered a cheeky twist on branding (referencing Virgin Records founder Richard Branson’s ventures like Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Cola, etc., though the words tie more directly to “virgin”).

Player reactions flooded social platforms shortly after release. Many praised the inventions group as “instant click” once the “sliced bread” idiom clicked, but complained the purple required multiple shuffles. “Got yellow and green quick, blue after a guess on ‘Virgin Mary,’ but purple took forever — who thinks of ‘Stu’ from ‘Brain Stew’?” one solver posted.

*Connections*, launched in 2023, has grown into one of the NYT’s most addictive daily games alongside Wordle, Spelling Bee and Strands. It now boasts millions of daily players, with streaks and stats tracked in the app. Monday’s puzzle (#1016) continues the trend of blending pop culture, idioms, history and wordplay.

For those who missed it or want to retry, the game is free at nytimes.com/games/connections (subscription required for unlimited play and archives). Hints are available in-game by revealing one word per category, but purists avoid them.

As *Connections* evolves, creators continue to ramp up difficulty in later categories, rewarding lateral thinking. Today’s edition exemplified that balance — accessible starters for casual players, brain-benders for veterans.

Whether you solved it in four guesses or needed all mistakes, Puzzle #1016 offered a solid mental workout to start the week. Check back tomorrow for #1017, as the NYT keeps the word-grouping fun rolling daily.

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Gold prices slipped more than 3% on Monday, extending their drop to a roughly four-month low, as an escalating Middle East conflict stoked inflation concerns and expectations of higher global interest rates.

FUNDAMENTALS

* Spot gold was down 3.3% at $4,340.09 per ounce, as of 0100 GMT, extending losses for a ninth consecutive session. The metal, ‌which fell ⁠on ⁠Monday to its lowest level since January 2, lost more than 10% last week.

* U.S. gold futures for April delivery fell 5% to $4,347.

* Escalating the three-week-old war, Iran said on Sunday it would strike the energy and water systems of its Gulf neighbours in retaliation if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through with a threat delivered a day ⁠earlier to ‌hit Iran’s electricity grid in 48 hours.

* Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said if Iranian power plants are attacked, the Strait of Hormuz ⁠will be completely closed and will not be opened until the destroyed power plants are rebuilt.
* Oil prices stayed above $110 a barrel, as investors weighed U.S. and Iranian threats to target energy facilities that could escalate the war against the release of millions of barrels of Iranian oil at sea to global markets.
* The closure of the Strait of Hormuz kept crude ‌elevated, stoking inflation through higher transport and manufacturing costs. While rising inflation typically boosts gold’s appeal as a hedge, high interest rates curb demand for the ⁠non-yielding asset.
* Meanwhile, market pricing for a U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hike this year has shot up, and is now seen as far more likely than a rate cut, as interest rate futures were pricing around a 27% chance of a rate hike by December, as per the CME FedWatch tool.

* Spot silver lost 3.3% to $65.55 per ounce. Spot platinum fell 4.4% to $1,838.45 and palladium was down 0.4% at $1,398.50.

DATA/EVENTS (GMT)

1500 EU Consumer Confid. Flash March.