Recent Windows updates have stirred up some trouble for users relying on Remote Desktop connections, particularly those running Windows 11 24H2 on the client side and older Windows Server versions on the host side. Microsoft has acknowledged that a bug introduced in the January 2025 Windows preview update (KB5050094) and subsequent updates is causing unexpected disconnections in RDP and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) sessions. If your remote sessions are cutting out after exactly 65 seconds when using UDP connections, you’re not alone.
In essence, after installing these recent updates, users are encountering abrupt session terminations that can hinder productivity and complicate remote work environments. The precise moment of failure—after about 65 seconds—suggests that the bug may be intricately tied to the handling of UDP-based RDP traffic on certain server configurations. In our experience, such phenomena can be highly disruptive, especially in enterprise environments where every minute of disconnection can mean significant interruptions.
• The issue was first observed with the January 2025 Windows preview update (KB5050094).
• Microsoft saw a prominent spike in user-reported disconnections after the rollout of the March 2025 security update (KB5053598).
• The problem specifically affects UDP connections between Windows 11 24H2 clients and RDS hosts running Windows Server 2016 and earlier.
• Users experience session terminations at around the 65-second mark after the connection is established.
From a technical standpoint, using UDP for Remote Desktop sessions is designed to enhance performance and smooth out network jitters. However, the bug apparently disrupts the expected behavior, turning a normally robust connection into a ticking time bomb that cuts out just over a minute into the session. For IT administrators, these glitches necessitate a quick fix because even continuous reconnection policies do little to alleviate the frustration of lost work or interrupted remote sessions.
Consider the scenario: an enterprise IT admin receives multiple calls from employees who find themselves abruptly kicked out of their remote sessions. Not only is it a technical bottleneck, but it also undermines user confidence in system stability. On top of that, the manual configuration required by the Known Issue Rollback process means that administrators must be both vigilant and responsive, tasks that are often challenging amidst the day-to-day pressures of IT support.
Moreover, this incident is a reminder of the ongoing balancing act between introducing new features, security enhancements, and maintaining legacy system compatibility. Windows 11 24H2 clients, designed to push the envelope in user experience and performance, are now inadvertently colliding with older server environments. This clash is a learning moment for both Microsoft and the IT community at large—highlighting the inherent risks of deploying updates across a diverse ecosystem of devices and operating systems.
• Updates, even those designed to improve security and performance, can introduce unforeseen issues.
• The complexity of modern operating systems means that changes in one area (such as the handling of UDP in RDP sessions) can have far-reaching consequences in another.
• For enterprise users, timely communication from Microsoft via the Windows Release Health Dashboard is crucial. It ensures that IT admins are not left in the dark when critical issues arise.
It’s fair to ask: Why is it that updates, which are intended to keep our systems secure and performant, sometimes cause more headaches than help? The answer lies in the intricate web of interdependencies across various system components. A seemingly minor adjustment in protocol handling can ripple through the entire system, manifesting as intermittent, yet highly disruptive, connection losses.
• Regularly monitor the Windows Release Health Dashboard for any advisories related to updates.
• Test preview and security updates in a controlled environment before rolling them out organization-wide. This preemptive approach can save hours of troubleshooting.
• Deploy the Known Issue Rollback group policy promptly if affected by the bug. Although it requires extra setup, it’s a vital temporary fix that will keep Remote Desktop services running smoothly.
• Communicate clearly with end-users regarding update-related issues and provide them with temporary workarounds if necessary. Transparency goes a long way in maintaining trust, especially when technical hiccups disrupt workflow.
These steps not only resolve the immediate disconnect issue but also serve as a robust protocol for managing future update problems. Sharing insights and solutions on platforms like Windows Forum can go a long way in building a resilient community that’s well-prepared to tackle update challenges head-on.
The incident also acts as a catalyst for broader discussions within the IT community about update management and the importance of thorough testing. With cybersecurity threats evolving every day, timely security patches are non-negotiable—but so is system stability. Navigating these priorities requires a nuanced, comprehensible strategy that keeps both innovative progress and mature reliability in view.
As we await the permanent fix in a future Windows update, maintaining open channels of communication within the Windows community becomes increasingly important. Whether you’re debating the merits of a new Windows 11 feature or tackling a tricky update-related bug, engaging with peers on platforms like Windows Forum helps spread best practices and bolster collective resilience against unforeseen update issues.
Ultimately, while remote disconnections are a temporary setback, the proactive measures taken by Microsoft and the IT community ensure that productivity and security remain at the forefront. Let this episode be a reminder that in the dynamic world of technology, adaptability is the key to staying ahead—turning a momentary glitch into a stepping stone for better, more resilient systems in the long run.
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft: Recent Windows updates cause Remote Desktop issues
Unraveling the Issue
Microsoft’s Windows Release Health Dashboard recently highlighted a significant surge in reports relating to these disconnects. The problem appears to affect scenarios where Windows 11 24H2 PCs establish UDP connections to RDS hosts running Windows Server 2016 or earlier. While Windows Server 2025 hosts remain relatively immune when acting as RDS hosts, even they might suffer when used as clients connecting to older servers.In essence, after installing these recent updates, users are encountering abrupt session terminations that can hinder productivity and complicate remote work environments. The precise moment of failure—after about 65 seconds—suggests that the bug may be intricately tied to the handling of UDP-based RDP traffic on certain server configurations. In our experience, such phenomena can be highly disruptive, especially in enterprise environments where every minute of disconnection can mean significant interruptions.
Technical Breakdown and Impact
Let’s break down the details:• The issue was first observed with the January 2025 Windows preview update (KB5050094).
• Microsoft saw a prominent spike in user-reported disconnections after the rollout of the March 2025 security update (KB5053598).
• The problem specifically affects UDP connections between Windows 11 24H2 clients and RDS hosts running Windows Server 2016 and earlier.
• Users experience session terminations at around the 65-second mark after the connection is established.
From a technical standpoint, using UDP for Remote Desktop sessions is designed to enhance performance and smooth out network jitters. However, the bug apparently disrupts the expected behavior, turning a normally robust connection into a ticking time bomb that cuts out just over a minute into the session. For IT administrators, these glitches necessitate a quick fix because even continuous reconnection policies do little to alleviate the frustration of lost work or interrupted remote sessions.
The Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to the Rescue
In a bid to salvage Remote Desktop usability, Microsoft has deployed a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) mechanism. This innovative solution is designed to reverse problematic non-security changes delivered via Windows Update. Essentially, KIR functions as an emergency patch: rather than waiting for a fully-fledged permanent fix, IT admins can deploy a rollback group policy that restores previous, stable settings.How to Deploy the Known Issue Rollback
For enterprise-managed devices, admins should take the following steps:- Install the Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 KB5053598 Known Issue Rollback group policy.
- Access the Local Computer Policy or, in domain-managed networks, the Domain Policy via the Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates, where the KIR setting resides.
- Choose the specific Windows version(s) targeted by the policy.
- Restart the impacted devices to apply the new settings.
Broader Implications for Enterprise and Remote Work
In today’s hybrid work environment, remote desktop connectivity is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. Organizations depend on reliable remote connections for everything from IT management to daily communication. The current disconnect issue not only frustrates end-users but also places additional pressure on IT departments who must now administer manual group policy changes.Consider the scenario: an enterprise IT admin receives multiple calls from employees who find themselves abruptly kicked out of their remote sessions. Not only is it a technical bottleneck, but it also undermines user confidence in system stability. On top of that, the manual configuration required by the Known Issue Rollback process means that administrators must be both vigilant and responsive, tasks that are often challenging amidst the day-to-day pressures of IT support.
Moreover, this incident is a reminder of the ongoing balancing act between introducing new features, security enhancements, and maintaining legacy system compatibility. Windows 11 24H2 clients, designed to push the envelope in user experience and performance, are now inadvertently colliding with older server environments. This clash is a learning moment for both Microsoft and the IT community at large—highlighting the inherent risks of deploying updates across a diverse ecosystem of devices and operating systems.
Expert Insights: Why It Matters
As a veteran IT journalist and anchorman in the Windows community, I’ve seen my fair share of update woes over the years. Yet, this incident underscores a few critical points:• Updates, even those designed to improve security and performance, can introduce unforeseen issues.
• The complexity of modern operating systems means that changes in one area (such as the handling of UDP in RDP sessions) can have far-reaching consequences in another.
• For enterprise users, timely communication from Microsoft via the Windows Release Health Dashboard is crucial. It ensures that IT admins are not left in the dark when critical issues arise.
It’s fair to ask: Why is it that updates, which are intended to keep our systems secure and performant, sometimes cause more headaches than help? The answer lies in the intricate web of interdependencies across various system components. A seemingly minor adjustment in protocol handling can ripple through the entire system, manifesting as intermittent, yet highly disruptive, connection losses.
Practical Advice for IT Administrators
For IT professionals facing these issues, here are some actionable takeaways:• Regularly monitor the Windows Release Health Dashboard for any advisories related to updates.
• Test preview and security updates in a controlled environment before rolling them out organization-wide. This preemptive approach can save hours of troubleshooting.
• Deploy the Known Issue Rollback group policy promptly if affected by the bug. Although it requires extra setup, it’s a vital temporary fix that will keep Remote Desktop services running smoothly.
• Communicate clearly with end-users regarding update-related issues and provide them with temporary workarounds if necessary. Transparency goes a long way in maintaining trust, especially when technical hiccups disrupt workflow.
These steps not only resolve the immediate disconnect issue but also serve as a robust protocol for managing future update problems. Sharing insights and solutions on platforms like Windows Forum can go a long way in building a resilient community that’s well-prepared to tackle update challenges head-on.
What’s Next?
While the Known Issue Rollback offers a stop-gap solution, Microsoft has assured users that a permanent fix is on the horizon. Future Windows updates are expected to address the underlying bug once and for all, eliminating the need for group policy interventions. In the meantime, administrators must remain agile and proactive in their troubleshooting approaches.The incident also acts as a catalyst for broader discussions within the IT community about update management and the importance of thorough testing. With cybersecurity threats evolving every day, timely security patches are non-negotiable—but so is system stability. Navigating these priorities requires a nuanced, comprehensible strategy that keeps both innovative progress and mature reliability in view.
In Conclusion
The recent Remote Desktop disconnections serve as a cautionary tale for the modern IT ecosystem. They illustrate how even well-intentioned updates can lead to significant operational disruptions, particularly in diverse computing environments with legacy components. For Windows 11 users and enterprise IT administrators alike, the immediate lesson is to stay informed, test updates rigorously, and be ready to deploy workarounds like the Known Issue Rollback when necessary.As we await the permanent fix in a future Windows update, maintaining open channels of communication within the Windows community becomes increasingly important. Whether you’re debating the merits of a new Windows 11 feature or tackling a tricky update-related bug, engaging with peers on platforms like Windows Forum helps spread best practices and bolster collective resilience against unforeseen update issues.
Ultimately, while remote disconnections are a temporary setback, the proactive measures taken by Microsoft and the IT community ensure that productivity and security remain at the forefront. Let this episode be a reminder that in the dynamic world of technology, adaptability is the key to staying ahead—turning a momentary glitch into a stepping stone for better, more resilient systems in the long run.
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft: Recent Windows updates cause Remote Desktop issues
