After Microsoft accidentally mislabeled Windows Server 2025, the update began installing automatically, with potentially dire consequences.
Windows and updates often equal problems. This time it is not Windows 11 24H2 that is giving IT administrators gray hairs, but Windows Server 2025. Microsoft rolled out the new version of the server operating system at the beginning of November and to the (unpleasant) surprise of customers, the upgrade was installed automatically. as reported on Reddit.
Wrong label
It turned out that the cause of the problem was on Microsoft’s side. Microsoft assigns each update a KB number. Microsoft incorrectly flagged the update, causing third-party update management software to view the update as a regular security update rather than a system upgrade. Windows Server 2025 could also be installed unintentionally via a banner in the settings.
An automatic and unsolicited operating system upgrade can have very serious consequences in certain situations. Windows Server 2025 is a completely new operating system compared to Server 2019 and Server 2022. Assuming a server does not meet the hardware requirements to run the operating system or you do not have the correct license, servers may stop working.
Microsoft intervened on November 7 by reopening the update that triggered the upgrade. Microsoft says this resolved the issue, although the company says it is “working with third parties to optimize recommended practices.” Whether customers and partners will easily forgive Microsoft for this mistake is another matter.
It is currently unclear whether Microsoft will offer a tool to undo the update. Until that happens, companies that were unable to prevent the installation of Windows Server 2025 will be faced with an unsolicited and possibly even unwanted update. Microsoft will not be grateful for releasing an update that may incur additional costs since it is an optional update.
Newer and better
For those who want the upgrade, Windows Server 2025 brings numerous improvements in security, flexibility and performance compared to the previous version. Windows Server 2025 is supported until October 10, 2029, with security updates available for up to five years, ending October 10, 2034.