April 2025 Microsoft Patch Tuesday: 126 Security Updates for Windows & Office

Microsoft’s April 2025 Patch Tuesday rollout has arrived, and with it comes a hefty dose of security updates across a wide range of Windows and Office products. This month’s release—boasting 126 security patches for various Microsoft applications alongside nine updates addressing non-Microsoft components like Chromium—aims to bolster the defenses of both Windows desktop and server systems. Whether you’re a regular Windows user or a seasoned system administrator, diving into the details of these updates is essential for safeguarding your environment and staying ahead of potential cybersecurity threats.

Executive Summary​

This month’s release is packed with critical fixes, vulnerability mitigations, and performance improvements. Key takeaways include:

• A total of 126 security updates for Microsoft products, supplemented by nine non-Microsoft patches.
• Updates addressing vulnerabilities in Windows clients (e.g., Windows 10 version 22H2, Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2) and various Windows Server platforms.
• Inclusion of an Excel spreadsheet downloadable from the publisher’s site, which provides a comprehensive list of all released patches for further review.
• Detailed statistics on vulnerabilities per product version, ranging from critical issues (such as remote code execution attacks via LDAP, TCP/IP, and Hyper-V) to important updates geared toward overall system stability.
• A mixed bag of known issues and workarounds, ensuring that system administrators know exactly what to expect—and how to address any side effects—once the updates are applied.

In this article, we’ll break down the security updates by product line, discuss vulnerabilities and fixes, analyze known issues and provided workarounds, and offer best practices for installation.

Windows Client Updates​

The security fixes for Windows client operating systems are robust. Microsoft has curated a detailed patch list for various editions, making it clear that every version—from Windows 10 to the latest iterations of Windows 11—has its own set of security challenges and corresponding updates.

Windows 10 Version 22H2​

• Total Vulnerabilities: 60
• Critical: 4 vulnerabilities, including:
• Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2025-26663)
• LDAP Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2025-26670)
• Windows TCP/IP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2025-26686)
• Windows Hyper-V Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2025-27491)
• Important: 56 residual vulnerabilities that have been addressed
• Updates and improvements include the addition of Noto CJK fonts for improved text rendering across Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages, and enhanced web search support for regions within the EEA.

Windows 11 Versions – 22H2 and 23H2​

• Vulnerability Breakdown: 66 total vulnerabilities for both versions:
• Critical: Two in the 22H2/23H2 builds, addressing core issues within network protocols and virtualization components.
• Important: 64 vulnerabilities receive updates that strengthen overall system security.
• Additional upgrades feature enhancements like a new gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard, improved Chinese voice access support, and refined interface elements such as Top Cards in the About section of System settings. These UI improvements aren’t just cosmetic; they contribute to a smoother user experience and better accessibility.

Windows 11 Version 24H2​

• Vulnerability Breakdown: Identical in number (66 vulnerabilities) but with a slightly different critical count:
• Critical: Three vulnerabilities take precedence in priority updates.
• Important: 30 vulnerabilities are also addressed.
• Unique to version 24H2 is the integration of “Copilot+” enhancements. These features leverage semantic indexing models to improve search results, offer natural language capabilities in photo management, and facilitate improved real-time translations—ensuring that the update not only patches security holes but also enhances productivity and usability.

Summary of Client Updates​

For regular users, these patches help secure everyday browsing, document handling, and network operations, ensuring peace of mind in a cyber landscape that grows increasingly sophisticated. For power users and system admins, detailed patch notes provide insight into which components have been fortified against known threats. This empowers administrators to make informed decisions—whether that means rolling out updates immediately or staging them according to internal maintenance windows.

Windows Server Security Updates​

Windows Server platforms are the backbone of many enterprise environments, and Microsoft’s latest updates reflect this by offering carefully tailored patches for several server versions. Let’s delve into what’s new for these systems.

Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2​

• Vulnerability Count:
• Windows Server 2008 R2 (extended support only): 39 vulnerabilities, including three critical issues and 36 important updates.
• These patches address the same LDAP and TCP/IP remote code execution vulnerabilities seen in client systems.
• Special attention is given to servicing stack updates—an important subset of patches that ensure smooth and reliable future updates.

Windows Server 2016 and Windows 2019​

• Both server versions receive extensive updates that mirror the security enhancements applied on Windows 10 and Windows 11 platforms:
• Windows Server 2016: 60 vulnerabilities (6 critical, 54 important).
• Windows Server 2019: 74 vulnerabilities (6 critical, 68 important).
• Notably, these updates also patch vulnerabilities affecting remote desktop services and Hyper-V components—areas often exploited by advanced persistent threat (APT) actors.

Windows Server 2022 and 2025​

• The updates extend further into newer server versions:
• Windows Server 2022: 76 vulnerabilities (5 critical, 29 important).
• Windows Server 2025 (the latest): 82 vulnerabilities (6 critical, 76 important).
• These releases reinforce the trust that enterprises place in Microsoft Server products, ensuring that even the latest systems are defensively postured against emerging threats.

Servicing Stack and .NET Framework Updates​

Alongside the security fixes for Windows operating systems, the April 2025 release also includes a variety of servicing stack updates and non-security quality rollups:

• Servicing Stack Updates are available for multiple versions—Windows Server 2016, Server 2012 R2, and even the legacy Server 2008 R2—to maintain system stability.
• Microsoft has released several cumulative updates for the .NET Framework, addressing libraries across versions (from .NET Framework 3.5 to 4.8.1) to ensure that application runtimes are secure and robust against exploits.

Installation and Direct Download Options​

For end users and IT administrators alike, staying on top of updates can sometimes be a logistical challenge. Microsoft has simplified this process in several ways:

Automatic Updates​

• By default, non-managed Windows systems will seek out and install security updates on their own. However, the updates may roll out in phases—so if immediate installation is desired, manual checks are recommended.

Manual Update Process​

For those who prefer a hands-on approach or are managing a network that demands tight update control, follow these steps:

• Backup the current operating system using trusted software (for instance, the free Paragon Backup & Recovery Free tool or another enterprise-grade backup solution).
• Open the Start menu, type “Windows Update,” and select the appropriate result.
• Click “Check for updates” to force a manual update scan. If updates are not automatically downloaded, select “Download & install all” to initiate the process.
• For administrators who prefer a curated installation process, Microsoft provides direct download links for each specific update:
• Windows 10 version 22H2: KB5055518 (2025-04 Cumulative Update)
• Windows 11 version 22H2/23H2/24H2: KB5055523 (2025-04 Cumulative Update)
• These downloads can be stored locally, tested, and then deployed across managed systems—ensuring a controlled update environment free from unexpected rollouts.

Best Practices for Installation​

• Always review the accompanying Excel spreadsheet provided with the update release. This document contains detailed metadata about each patch and can help streamline the update planning process.
• Validate that your system images and backups are current before proceeding with any update—this minimizes downtime in the event of unexpected issues.
• Coordinate with vendor support lines (such as Citrix for environments with integrated Citrix components) to ensure that any known conflicts are mitigated prior to installation.

Known Issues and Workarounds​

No update is without its quirks, and the April 2025 security patch notes clearly outline several known issues along with recommended workarounds. These insights are invaluable for system administrators who need to balance security with continuity of operations.

Windows 10 Version 22H2 – Event Viewer Alerts​

• Issue: Some users may encounter an error in the Windows Event Viewer related to the SgrmBroker.exe service post-update. The error logs Event 7023 with a message indicating that “The System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker service terminated.”
• Impact: According to Microsoft, the error presents no adverse effects on performance or overall functionality.
• Workaround: System administrators are advised to note this logging behavior as benign. No action is necessary unless additional issues are reported.

Citrix Integration Challenges​

• Issue: Devices with Citrix components have historically encountered difficulties when installing security updates.
• Status: For previous iterations (notably the January 2025 cycle), Citrix had to release a workaround. While similar warnings appear in the update notes for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 (22H2, 23H2), the current release reflects these issues as resolved for some versions but potentially ongoing for others.
• Advice: Administrators should consult Citrix support materials for the most recent workarounds if deploying updates on Citrix-integrated systems.

Windows 11 Version 24H2 – Windows Hello Sign-In Glitches​

• Issue: Users who reset their PCs and opt to keep files in a local install scenario might find themselves unable to sign in using Windows Hello facial recognition or their PIN.
• Workaround: To regain access, users must log in using a PIN via the “Set my PIN” option on the logon screen. Once the initial sign-in is successful, Windows Hello face logon can be re-enabled through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

ARM Devices and Application Issues​

• Issue: An additional concern has emerged for players on ARM devices regarding the inability to access Roblox via the Microsoft Store.
• Workaround: Users encountering this problem are advised to download the game directly from the developer’s website—a temporary fix until an official store update is released.

Summary of Remediation Measures​

• Ensure that backups precede any update installation.
• Follow manufacturer-provided workarounds exactly—especially in environments using specialized hardware or third-party integrations.
• In corporate environments, test updates on a small group of devices before wider deployment.

Other Considerations​

Microsoft Office and Other Applications​

• Beyond Windows OS updates, Microsoft is also updating Office products. Keep an eye on the Office update channels to complement your overall security posture.
• Cybersecurity advisories often cover a broad swath of software—in this case, non-Windows components like Chromium are also addressed. This holistic approach means that security is continuously enhanced across the entire Microsoft ecosystem.

Real-World Implications and Future Trends​

Why is this update significant? In a world where cyberattacks have evolved from simple viruses to highly targeted remote code execution exploits, keeping systems up to date is not just recommended—it’s essential. The granular detail provided in these patch notes reflects an ongoing commitment by Microsoft to address both legacy vulnerabilities and emerging threats. As more devices run on ARM architectures and as virtualization environments become a mainstay in enterprise deployment, staying current on these updates mitigates risk and supports seamless operations.
Furthermore, the integration of features like semantic search improvements and natural language commands under the “Copilot+” banner for Windows 11 indicates a broader shift toward enhancing user experience without compromising security. In a sense, these updates are a preview of the future of Windows: secure, intuitive, and increasingly capable of handling both everyday tasks and high-stakes business applications.

Conclusion​

Microsoft’s April 2025 security updates represent a comprehensive effort to fortify both Windows client and server environments against a host of vulnerabilities. With detailed patch notes, direct download links, and clear workarounds for known issues, the update cycle offers something for every type of user. Whether you’re managing an enterprise or simply using a personal machine, these patches underscore the importance of maintaining current security defenses in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Key action points include:

• Reviewing detailed vulnerability breakdowns for your specific Windows version (from Windows 10 version 22H2 to the latest Windows 11 updates).
• Testing updates in a controlled environment if you’re in a managed network.
• Keeping abreast of known issues and applying recommended workarounds promptly, especially in cases involving Citrix or Windows Hello glitches.

As cybersecurity concerns grow and update cycles become ever more complex, staying informed and proactive is your best defense. For more in-depth discussions on related topics—like advanced Windows 11 updates, best practices for Microsoft security patches, and the latest cybersecuring advisories—explore additional threads on WindowsForum.com. With vigilance and a well-informed approach, you can keep your Windows environment secure and running smoothly well into the future.

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Source: gHacks Technology News Microsoft Windows Security Updates for April 2025 are now available - gHacks Tech News