WINDOWS 11 UPDATE ISSUE: WHAT IT MEANS FOR CPA AND ACCOUNTING FIRMS — AND HOW TO REDUCE RISK AS YOU GROW

Microsoft recently confirmed an issue with a Windows 11 update that prevented some computers from shutting down properly. While this may sound minor at first, situations like this highlight a bigger challenge for CPA and accounting firms: technology updates don’t always go as planned, and when they don’t, the impact can be felt quickly across the business.

For accounting firms, where deadlines, data accuracy, and client trust are critical, managing technology changes properly is about far more than convenience it’s about business continuity, risk reduction, and sustainable growth.

What Happened with the Windows 11 Update?

Following a recent Windows 11 update, Microsoft identified a bug that caused some systems to restart instead of shutting down or prevented hibernation from working correctly. While not every device was affected, organizations running specific configurations experienced unexpected behaviour that disrupted normal workflows.

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and provided a temporary workaround while working on a permanent fix.

For businesses without dedicated IT oversight, these types of issues can create confusion, lost time, and unnecessary frustration for staff. Data back-ups also often are set to run while devices are not being used so this type of update often causes a work around in order to keep protocals running smoothly.

Why This Matters for CPA and Accounting Firms

For CPA and accounting firms, technology reliability isn’t just an IT concern, it’s a risk management issue.

When updates go sideways, the impact can include:

• Disruptions during tax season or year-end reporting

• Staff unable to shut down or properly secure their devices

• Increased support requests pulling time away from client work

• Partners and managers stepping in to troubleshoot instead of focusing on growth

This is why many firms choose to work with IT support for CPA and accounting firms that understand how critical timing and reliability are in professional services environments.
👉 Learn more about our approach to IT support for CPA and accounting firms:
https://www.attitudeit.ca/accounting-it-services-in-ontario

How MSPs Support Growth and Reduce Risk for Accounting Firms

Working with a managed service provider (MSP) helps accounting firms balance growth with stability.

A strong MSP helps firms grow by:

• Keeping accounting technology stable and predictable as the firm scales

• Reducing downtime that directly impacts client service

• Supporting secure access for in-office and remote accounting teams

At the same time, MSPs help reduce risk by:

• Managing when and how software updates are applied, rather than reacting after issues occur

• Monitoring vendor announcements that affect accounting and tax software

• Providing fast, clear support so staff can stay focused on their work

Firms that rely on managed IT services for accounting firms are better positioned to grow without unexpected disruptions slowing them down.

Protecting Momentum During Peak Accounting Periods

As CPA firms grow, technology becomes more interconnected  from document management and collaboration tools to client portals and accounting software.

A single update issue can affect multiple teams at once.

Having IT support for accounting firms in Ontario that actively manages updates helps reduce the risk of:

• Downtime during filing deadlines or audits

• Staff losing confidence in the systems they use every day

• Leadership being pulled into technical issues instead of client conversations

The goal isn’t to avoid change — it’s to manage it in a way that protects momentum and client trust.

👉 See how we support firms with accounting IT services in Ontario:
https://www.attitudeit.ca/accounting-it-services-in-ontario

Technology That Supports Growth 

Well-managed accounting technology creates a strong foundation for growth. When updates are tested, timed appropriately, and supported properly, CPA firms can scale confidently while maintaining consistency, security, and control.

Issues like the recent Windows 11 update are a reminder that technology will always evolve. The difference is whether your firm is reacting to problems or has a plan in place to manage them

If your accounting team is growing, adding staff, or relying more heavily on digital tools, a short conversation can often uncover small improvements that reduce risk and free up time for your team. Call our team at 416-900-6047 we answer our phones live. Visit our website www.attitudeit.ca and email info@attitudeit.ca we can schedule a time to meet with your team and visit your office.