Microsoft: February updates “break” some Windows Server 2022 VMs

According to Microsoft, some Windows Server 2022 virtual machines (VMs) may not start correctly after installing updates from the recent Patch Tuesday release.

See also: Windows 11: Fixes one of the most annoying bugs

This known issue affects only Windows Server 2022 VMs with Secure Boot enabled that run on vSphere ESXi 6.7 U2/U3 or vSphere ESXi 7.0.x.

VMware and Microsoft are currently assessing the situation and will inform you shortly of any updates.

There is currently no comprehensive solution for affected VMs. However, VMware has created multiple short-term workarounds to assist administrators managing exposed hosts until a long-term solution is implemented.

See also: RedEyes: Uses M2RAT malware to steal data from Windows and phones

To effectively address the boot issues and find a reliable solution, you can follow one of the steps below:

1. Upgrade the ESXi Host where this virtual machine runs to vSphere ESXi 8.0
2. Disable “Secure Boot” on the VMs.
3. Do not install the updated KB5022842 code version on any Windows 2022 Server virtual machine until the issue is resolved.

The Secure Boot option can be disabled for each VM using the following procedure:

1. Disable the VM.
2. Right-click on the virtual machine and click Edit Settings.
3. Click the VM Options tab.
4. Under Boot Option, uncheck “Secure Boot enabled“

Unfortunately, if you have already installed the cumulative update KB5022842 Windows Server 2022 this month, its removal will not fix the problem.

The only way to ensure that your VMs can boot again is to update the ESXi host to vSphere ESXi 8.0 or disable Secure Boot.

Windows Server 2022 VMs are a type of virtualization solution that allows users to create multiple isolated operating systems on a single physical server. This provides greater flexibility regarding resource allocation, as well as improved scalability and cost savings compared to traditional physical servers. Additionally, because each VM instance is isolated from the others, it provides greater security for sensitive data.

Information source: bleepingcomputer.com