Microsoft’s February Updates Break Some Windows Server 2022 VMs

Have you heard of Patch Tuesdays? They’re supposed to be beneficial – providing security updates for Windows operating systems. But sometimes, they can cause more harm than good. Case in point: the most recent Patch Tuesday release has caused some issues for Windows Server 2022 VMs (Virtual Machines). Microsoft has recently reported that after installing the latest Patch Tuesday release, some virtual machines running Windows Server 2022 may fail to start up correctly. So, while it’s important to stay up-to-date with security updates, it’s also important to be aware of the potential risks they can bring.

What’s in the News?

Heads up to all the Windows Server 2022 virtual machine users out there! The latest updates released during this February’s Patch Tuesday could cause your VMs to fail to boot up, if you have Secure Boot enabled and are running on vSphere ESXi 7.0.x. or vSphere ESXi 6.7 U2/U3. According to Microsoft, this issue is currently under investigation, but for now, make sure to exercise caution before installing any updates to avoid any unforeseen mishaps.

What Can We Do Now?

If you’re a Windows Server 2022 virtual machine user, beware of the KB5022842 update! Microsoft has issued a warning not to install it on your VMs until a permanent fix is available. If you’ve already been hit by the bug and are struggling to get your affected hosts up and running, don’t worry – there’s help on the way! VMware has come to the rescue with a number of short-term solutions that can help you manage your exposed hosts until a permanent fix is implemented. So, stay calm and explore your options, and you’ll be back in business in no time.

There are a few steps you can take to effectively deal with the issue. Here are some options you can explore:

1. If you’re dealing with a problematic virtual machine, one potential solution could be to upgrade the ESXi Host to vSphere ESXi 8.0.
2. Disable ‘Secure Boot’ on Virtual Machines.
3. Hold off on installing the KB5022842 patch on VMs until the issue at hand is resolved.

Read Also: Difference Between Windows & Windows Server

Here’s how to disable the secure boot option on VMs:

Step 1: Switch off the Virtual Machine.

Step 2: Right-click on VM and from the context menu select Edit Settings.

Step 3: Tap on VM Options.

Step 4: Remove the checkmark next to “Secure Boot enabled” in the Boot Settings.

Final Word On Microsoft February Updates Break Some Windows Server 2022  VMs

Uninstalling the most recent KB5022842 Windows Server 2022 update won’t fix the problem, which is bad news if you have already installed it. To get your virtual machines up and running again, your best bet is to update the ESXi host to vSphere ESXi 8.0 or disable the Secure Boot option. While it might take a bit of effort to make these changes, it’s the best way to ensure that your VMs can boot properly and avoid any further complications.

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Next Read: How to Disable Secure Boot In Windows 8/8.1/10