Windows Server 2025 Updates: Fixing High-Core Issues and BSOD

Microsoft recently rolled out essential updates for Windows Server 2025, addressing several critical issues primarily affecting high-core-count devices. The updates aim to assist systems equipped with 256 or more logical processors, a configuration prevalent in many enterprise environments, particularly those relying on virtualization and demanding workloads.

What Are the Issues?​

In the digital realm, a high core count is often synonymous with power and performance. However, for Windows Server 2025, this power came at a significant cost—performance issues that could render systems unresponsive. As reported, installations and upgrades frequently faltered, leading to frustrating experiences epitomized by the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Administrators discovered that launching or restarting these servers could take an excruciatingly long time—exceeding three hours in some cases.

Troublesome Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)​

The BSOD, a notorious blue banner highlighting critical system errors, manifested prominently during the startup of these affected systems. Along with installation failures, these glitches were compounded by another troubling phenomenon affecting environments using Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI), where users faced "boot device inaccessible" errors. This duality of issues threatened to stall operations, impacting productivity, as downtime directly correlates with lost revenue and operational inefficiencies.

How to Identify Affected Systems​

To determine whether a system was affected, Microsoft advised administrators to dive into the Windows Task Manager. By pressing CTRL + SHIFT + ESC and navigating to the Performance tab, they could easily identify if their device had a particularly high core count—specifically, more than 256 logical processors.
Quick:

• Open Task Manager using CTRL + SHIFT + ESC.
• Go to the Performance tab.
• Check the logical processors displayed.

The Fix: Update KB5046617​

Fortunately, the remedy came through updates released on November 12, 2024, identified as KB5046617. Installing this update not only resolves the critical performance issues but also optimizes system functionality, enabling users to experience the intended advantages of Windows Server 2025 without the accompanying headaches caused by the glitches.

Temporary Workaround​

For those unable to apply the KB5046617 update immediately, Microsoft outlined a temporary workaround: limit the number of logical processors to fewer than 256. Here’s how you can implement this workaround:

1. Restart the Server and enter the UEFI Setup.
2. Navigate through the firmware menus (the steps may vary by manufacturer).
3. Locate the option to adjust the number of cores per socket.
4. Set this value so that the total number of logical processors remains at or below 256. This can be calculated by multiplying the number of sockets by the number of cores per socket and then by the number of logical processors per core.
5. Restart the server to apply your changes.

Broader Implications​

Microsoft’s ongoing efforts in rolling out these updates underline their commitment to enhancing security and system performance. As businesses invest heavily in virtual infrastructures with high core counts for efficiency and scalability, it becomes paramount for vendors like Microsoft to ensure their software meets the demands of modern enterprise architectures.

Future Considerations​

As Windows Server 2025 continues to settle into the marketplace, the importance of keeping systems up to date cannot be overstated. Not only do updates patch critical vulnerabilities, but they also enhance overall system stability—a necessity in our increasingly interconnected world, where reliance on server uptime is a stark reality for most organizations.
In light of this event, users are urged to remain vigilant about updates not just for Windows Server but across their entire technological stack. In an age where cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated each day, our best defense remains proper maintenance and timely updates.

Conclusion​

In summary, Microsoft’s resolution of critical issues affecting Windows Server 2025 transforms a troublesome situation into an opportunity for enhanced system performance. Both administrators and users can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that help is at hand and the path to operational efficiency is clear. Regular updates remain an integral part of maintaining a healthy IT environment, and in this fast-paced digital landscape, staying informed and prepared is crucial for success.
So, the next time you come across a server hiccup or a performance snag, remember: an update might just be the magic touch needed to restore system harmony.

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Source: Tech Monitor Microsoft resolves critical issues in Windows Server 2025 update