KB5052077 Update Review: Fixing SSH Issues & Enhancing Windows 10 Stability

Microsoft’s latest optional preview cumulative update—KB5052077—aims to resolve one of the most nagging issues that Windows 10 users have faced in recent months: broken SSH connections. In this in-depth review, we break down the technical details, key fixes, known issues, and practical installation guidance of this update, ensuring IT pros and everyday users alike understand the impact on their systems.

---

Introduction​

In today’s fast-paced IT landscape, remote administration and secure connectivity are non-negotiables. Last November, a longstanding bug emerged after the October 2024 security update (KB5045594) where the OpenSSH service failed to start on select Windows 10 systems. This hiccup disrupted SSH connections—a critical tool for system admins and power users who rely on remote command-line operations.
Enter KB5052077. Released as an optional non-security preview update for Windows 10 version 22H2 (Build 19045.5555), this update not only addresses the broken SSH connections but also brings along several other important fixes that enhance system stability and usability.
Key Points at a Glance:

• Primary Fix: Restores broken SSH connections by addressing issues with the OpenSSH service.
• Additional Fixes: Corrects Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) responsiveness, updates COSA profiles for specific mobile operators, and resolves issues with the Chinese IME.
• Known Issues: Citrix component conflicts during subsequent security updates and Event 7023 errors due to a System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker issue.
• Installation: Delivered as an optional preview update, allowing Windows admins to test corrections before the March 2025 Patch Tuesday release.

---

Technical Overview of the KB5052077 Update​

Microsoft’s KB5052077 update is not a typical security patch but a preview release designed to test and verify upcoming fixes. Here’s what’s under the hood:

1. Resolving SSH Connection Failures​

For many Windows 10 users, the OpenSSH service has been a lifeline for remote management. However, after the October 2024 update, some systems—particularly in enterprise, IoT, and education editions—experienced connection failures:

• The Problem: Installation of KB5045594 led to a scenario where the OpenSSH service would not start, effectively severing secure remote access.
• The Fix: KB5052077 targets this bug head-on, ensuring that the OpenSSH service initializes properly, thereby restoring reliable SSH connectivity. This is crucial for maintaining seamless remote server management and script automation.

2. Additional Bug Fixes and Improvements​

Beyond the SSH issue, KB5052077 includes multiple fixes that contribute significantly to overall system stability:

• Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe): Users reported that dwm.exe, the process responsible for rendering Windows’ visual effects, repeatedly stopped responding. This update mitigates that annoyance, helping to maintain a smooth and responsive desktop experience.
• COSA Profile Updates: For certain mobile operators, the update refreshes the Country and Operator Settings Asset, ensuring profiles are current.
• Chinese IME Improvements: The update fixes a couple of critical issues with the Chinese Input Method Editor:
• Prevents the Chinese IME from becoming unresponsive when changing the font family or size.
• Improves the color contrast ratio for search suggestion panels, enhancing usability.

3. Known Issues Still to Monitor​

Even the best updates occasionally come with a few bumps along the road. Microsoft has identified two known issues with KB5052077:

• Citrix Component Conflicts: Some Citrix components might disrupt the proper installation of the January 2025 Windows security update. In these cases, affected devices may initially download and apply the update correctly, only to face an error during the restart phase.
• System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker Errors: Systems updated past January 14, 2025, may experience repeated “Event 7023” errors in the Event Viewer—an issue tied to the System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker service.

Quick Summary: While KB5052077 fixes the critical SSH connection problem and several other bugs, it is important for IT admins to be aware of these residual issues and monitor their systems accordingly.

---

Step-by-Step Installation Guide​

For those ready to test drive this preview update, Microsoft has made the installation process straightforward. Here’s how you can install KB5052077 on your Windows 10 system:

• Navigate to Windows Update Settings:
• Open the Settings app.
• Click on Update & Security (or simply Windows Update in newer builds).
• Check for Updates:
• Click the “Check for updates” button.
• The system should detect the optional KB5052077 update as available.
• Download and Install:
• When prompted, click on the “Download and install” link.
• Alternatively, if you prefer manual installation, you can download the update directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Verify Installation:
• Once installed, ensure your system updates to Build 19045.5555 on Windows 10 22H2.
• Verify the fix by testing SSH connectivity or checking if the OpenSSH service is running as expected.

Tip for IT Administrators:
Before rolling out the update broadly, consider testing it in an isolated environment. This allows you to evaluate its compatibility with your current network infrastructure and specialized applications without risking disruption to your production systems.

---

Broader Implications for Windows 10 Users​

Even as Windows 11 gains traction, Windows 10 remains a critical platform for many organizations and users worldwide. In fact, statistical data suggests that over 60% of all Windows systems continue to run Windows 10. With official support set to expire in less than seven months for mainstream editions, the KB5052077 update serves as an essential stop-gap measure to ensure reliability and performance in the remaining lifecycle of Windows 10.

Understanding the Lifecycle:​

• General Availability: Mainstream Windows 10 editions are nearing their end-of-support phase. However, specialized releases—such as the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) versions—will continue to receive essential updates.
• Technical Support: For enterprises still reliant on Windows 10 for mission-critical applications, maintaining system stability is non-negotiable. The KB5052077 update helps bridge the gap between previous glitches (like the SSH connectivity issue) and forthcoming full patch releases.

Real-World Impact:​

Imagine managing remote servers via SSH only for your connection to suddenly drop amidst a critical update script execution. Such interruptions can delay deployments, affect system automation, and introduce unwanted downtime. By addressing these SSH-related bugs, KB5052077 not only restores functionality but also reinforces the reliability that system administrators demand from their operating systems.

---

Expert Analysis and Industry Perspective​

When it comes to operating system updates, especially non-security preview releases, a measured, cautious approach often yields the best results. Here’s our take on the KB5052077 update:

Balancing Act: Functionality Meets Stability​

• Restoration of Key Services: For IT professionals, particularly those who manage remote environments, the restoration of SSH connectivity is vital. Prior issues with the OpenSSH service could have led to significant workflow interruptions.
• User Experience Enhancements: Apart from the technical fixes, improvements like resolving the dwm.exe responsiveness and Chinese IME glitches contribute to a smoother user experience—proving that even non-security updates play a critical role in enhancing everyday usability.
• The Preview Update Strategy: By releasing KB5052077 as an optional preview, Microsoft allows administrators to test and provide feedback before the general rollout in the upcoming Patch Tuesday cycle. This approach not only fosters a collaborative improvement process but also helps catch potentially overlooked issues before they affect a broader user base.

Considering Potential Drawbacks:​

• Navigating Known Issues: While the update effectively patches several bugs, the known issues involving Citrix components and System Guard errors underscore the complexity inherent in managing an operating system ecosystem. Readers should weigh the benefits against the possibility of encountering these problems in their unique setups.
• Update Timing and Support Lifespan: With support for Windows 10 mainstream editions winding down soon, organizations might soon begin considering migration plans to Windows 11 or specialized LTSC/LTSB versions. In the meantime, updates like KB5052077 are critical to maintain continuity.

A Hypothetical Scenario:​

Consider a network administrator overseeing hundreds of servers distributed across varied geographical regions. Over the holiday weekend, they execute remote maintenance via SSH, only to find that several servers have lost connectivity following the previous security update. With KB5052077 installed, these servers regain stability, ensuring that crucial maintenance tasks can resume without causing system-wide delays. In this context, the update isn’t just a minor fix—it’s an operational lifesaver.

---

Conclusion​

Microsoft’s KB5052077 update is a timely intervention for Windows 10 users grappling with disrupted SSH connectivity and other minor bugs. While it is a non-security preview update, its focus on crucial stability enhancements—including addressing the OpenSSH service failure, improving desktop responsiveness, and rectifying specific regional input issues—cannot be understated. IT administrators and everyday users are encouraged to install the update, especially in test environments, to gauge its performance before pushing it to more critical systems.
Key Takeaways:

• Restores SSH Functionality: Experimental fixes ensure that remote connections via OpenSSH are re-established, thus maintaining system administration workflows.
• Improves Overall Stability: Additional fixes across various system components enhance the overall user experience.
• Be Aware of Known Issues: Although it fixes major bugs, some issues with Citrix components and System Guard errors remain, warranting careful monitoring post-installation.
• Plan Ahead as Windows 10 Support Nears End: With Windows 10’s mainstream support nearing its end, updates like these are vital for bridging the gap while planning for future migrations.

By keeping abreast of such updates and installing them judiciously, Windows 10 users can ensure enhanced performance and reliability during these critical final months of mainstream support. As always, staying informed and testing updates in controlled environments can make the difference between a seamless operation and unexpected downtime.
Feel free to share your experiences with KB5052077 on our forum and discuss any issues with your installations. Maintaining open communication with the community remains key to navigating the ever-evolving world of Windows updates.
Happy Updating!

---

Source: BleepingComputer https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-10-kb5052077-update-fixes-broken-ssh-connections/