Windows Server 2025 Update Issues: Firewall Profile Bug & RDP Session Freezing Explained

Windows Server 2025 administrators and IT professionals are currently grappling with a critical and nuanced issue that has emerged following the installation of recent updates, particularly surrounding domain controllers and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions. This problem has multifaceted implications for network security, server management, and operational continuity in enterprise environments relying heavily on Active Directory (AD) and remote access tools.

The Firewall Profile Bug in Windows Server 2025 Domain Controllers​

Microsoft has specifically warned that Windows Server 2025 domain controllers are experiencing a bug related to firewall profile application upon server restart. When these domain controllers reboot, instead of loading the appropriate domain firewall profile, the servers erroneously apply the standard (public) firewall profile. This misapplication causes a cascade of network and service disruptions unique to servers running the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role.

Impact on Network Operations and Security​

The incorrect firewall profile being loaded has immediate and severe consequences:

• Inaccessibility on Domain Network: Affected domain controllers become unreachable on the domain network, a critical failure in AD environments where continuous connectivity is essential.
• Service Failures: Applications and services dependent on domain controllers or communication with them fail or become unreachable. This includes services on remote devices and dependent infrastructure.
• Security Risks: Ports and protocols that should be tightly restricted by the domain firewall profile inadvertently remain open under the standard profile, exposing the network to potential attack vectors.

This issue does not affect Windows Server clients or earlier versions, and is isolated to Windows Server 2025 systems hosting AD DS.

Workaround and Mitigation​

Microsoft has recommended a temporary workaround: manually restarting the network adapter on affected servers after each reboot via PowerShell using the command:
Restart-NetAdapter *
Since this workaround requires repeated manual intervention after every reboot, Microsoft advises automating it with a scheduled task that triggers the network adapter restart automatically during startup. This stopgap measure restores proper firewall profile application until a permanent fix is released.

Root Cause and Broader Effects​

The root cause centers on a failure to select and apply the Domain Authenticated firewall profile after reboot. Instead, the domain controllers default to a Public profile that is less restrictive and not suited for AD operations. This disrupts critical AD-dependent functions such as:

• Group Policy application
• AD replication
• User and device authentication

Microsoft engineers have acknowledged the issue and are actively developing a fix, though a timeline has not yet been announced. Administrators are urged to monitor their domain controllers diligently, avoid unnecessary restarts, and prepare for potential downtime during reboot cycles to safeguard against disruption.

Remote Desktop Freezing Bug: Additional Server Management Challenge​

In parallel to the firewall profile glitch, another pressing issue impacting Windows Server 2025 involves Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) session freezing shortly after connection. Following the February 2025 cumulative update KB5051987, many administrators report that mouse and keyboard inputs become unresponsive within seconds of establishing an RDP session. The frozen sessions force repeated disconnects and reconnects, impairing remote management, an indispensable function for enterprise IT.

Technical Background and Comparisons​

This RDP freezing issue mirrors a previous problem experienced in Windows 11 version 24H2, where UDP-based RDP sessions disconnected after approximately 65 seconds. However, whereas the Windows 11 problem caused disconnection, the Windows Server 2025 bug leads to complete session lock-ups, causing abrupt and total input freezing.
The freezing likely stems from complex interactions between updated security protocols introduced in KB5051987 and existing RDP session management. The exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, but it significantly hampers administrator ability to manage servers remotely.

Recommendations for Temporary Relief​

• Monitor updates: Ensure servers have the latest cumulative updates installed; Microsoft released KB5053656 addressing a related Windows 11 RDP problem but has not confirmed resolution for the server bug yet.
• Disconnect-reconnect: Currently, the only way to restore functionality during a freeze is manually disconnecting and reconnecting the session.
• Fallback access: Employ alternative remote management tools or local console access for mission-critical tasks.
• Testing and rollback: Test updates in isolated environments before full deployment; consider rolling back KB5051987 where feasible, weighing security risks.
• Microsoft support: Engage with official support for potential hotfixes and monitor official advisories closely.

Implications for Enterprise IT and Security​

Both issues—the firewall profile bug on domain controllers and the Remote Desktop freezing glitch—highlight the delicate balance Microsoft must strike between security improvements and system stability in complex server environments. Key takeaways for IT administrators include:

• The necessity of phased update rollouts with robust pre-deployment testing across varied configurations to catch edge cases before impacting production.
• Importance of automation and contingency planning, such as scripted workarounds and backup management access paths to minimize disruption.
• Vigilance in monitoring server health and network connectivity, especially after updates, to quickly detect and mitigate adverse effects.
• Recognition that even well-intended security updates may introduce operational challenges when interdependencies among system components are intricate.
• The critical role of administrative communication and collaboration within IT teams and vendor channels to share insights and accelerate problem resolution.

Preparing for Future Fixes and Lessons Learned​

Microsoft engineers have indicated a commitment to resolving these issues imminently but have yet to provide specific timelines. In the interim, organizations managing Windows Server 2025 environments must:

• Apply temporary workarounds, including scheduled network adapter restarts on domain controllers and alternative remote management techniques.
• Delay unnecessary restarts or updates that could trigger the firewall profile problem or RDP freezing.
• Document and report occurrences to Microsoft support and industry forums for collective intelligence gathering.
• Maintain backup strategies and user communication to mitigate impact during maintenance windows.

These episodes underscore the reality that as enterprise platforms evolve with heightened security demands, maintaining operational reliability requires a prudent and measured pace of change. The critical functions of Active Directory and Remote Desktop reinforce their stature as linchpins of enterprise IT infrastructure, where any disruption cascades into a broader business impact.

Conclusion​

Windows Server 2025’s latest challenges exemplify the complex interplay between advanced security features and system stability. The domain controllers’ firewall profile misapplication after reboot introduces significant network risks and service interruptions, while the Remote Desktop freezing bug disrupts a vital remote management channel. Together, they pose a formidable challenge requiring vigilant monitoring, thoughtful workaround deployment, and close alignment with Microsoft’s forthcoming patches.
As organizations navigate these issues, the incident highlights broader lessons in update management, patch testing, and balancing security with usability—cornerstones of modern IT governance. For administrators, the path forward is one of cautious adaptation, automation of mitigations, and readiness for eventual fixes that restore both security and seamless functionality on Windows Server 2025.

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This coverage integrates known technical details and practical guidance published by Microsoft and community reports, offering Windows Server users a comprehensive understanding of these critical update-related disruptions .

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Source: Windows Server 2025 Restart Bug Breaks Connection with Active Directory Domain Controller