In a recent turn of events, Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue impacting some Windows Server 2019 and 2022 systems. These systems were automatically updated to Windows Server 2025, a newer version, leading to confusion and frustration for administrators. The problem, as Microsoft explained in a statement on its Release Health Dashboard, stemmed from a miscommunication between the company and third-party patch management software.
While the update was intended to be marked as ‘Optional,’ the third-party software mistakenly interpreted it as ‘Recommended,’ triggering an automatic update. Microsoft emphasizes that patch management tools should treat ‘Feature update metadata’ as Optional, not Recommended.
However, the situation seems more complex than initially reported. Evidence suggests that the update was initially mislabeled by Microsoft, leading to the company pulling it. Furthermore, The Register reports a reader stating that a standalone server not using any third-party patch management software also experienced the automatic update. This indicates that the issue might go beyond the initial explanation.
This unexpected update presents administrators with a challenging dilemma. They are left with two options: rolling back the server to a previous version using a backup or paying for the Windows Server 2025 license. Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t provided any information regarding a potential rollback tool for affected systems.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role of proper communication and labeling in software updates. It highlights the importance of keeping a close eye on software updates, particularly when using third-party management tools, to avoid unexpected surprises. Administrators should take the necessary steps to understand the intended behavior of updates and maintain control over their server environments.
