Introduction

Windows Server 2025, Microsoft's latest server operating system, has recently encountered critical issues following recent updates. Administrators and IT professionals are reporting two significant problems:

  1. Firewall Profile Bug: Domain controllers are failing to apply the correct firewall profiles after a system reboot.
  2. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Session Freezing: RDP sessions are freezing shortly after connection, rendering remote management tools ineffective.

This article delves into these issues, providing context, technical details, implications, and recommended workarounds.

Firewall Profile Bug

Background

Domain controllers (DCs) are pivotal in managing network security and access within Active Directory environments. They enforce firewall profiles that dictate which ports and protocols are accessible, ensuring secure communication across the network.

Issue Details

After installing recent updates, Windows Server 2025 domain controllers fail to apply the domain firewall profile upon reboot. Instead, they revert to the standard firewall profile, which is less restrictive. This misconfiguration can lead to:

  • DCs becoming unreachable on the domain network.
  • Failure of applications and services dependent on these DCs.
  • Exposure of network ports and protocols that should be restricted, increasing security vulnerabilities.

Workaround

Microsoft acknowledges this issue and recommends a temporary workaround:

  1. Manually Restart the Network Adapter: After each reboot, administrators should restart the network adapter to apply the correct firewall profile. This can be done using the following PowerShell command:

``INLINECODE0 ``

  1. Automate the Process: To reduce manual intervention, create a scheduled task that executes the above command upon system startup.

It's important to note that this workaround must be applied after every reboot until a permanent fix is released. (learn.microsoft.com)

RDP Session Freezing

Background

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is essential for administrators to manage servers remotely. Stable RDP sessions are crucial for efficient server management and troubleshooting.

Issue Details

Following the February 2025 security update (KB5051987), Windows Server 2025 devices experience RDP sessions freezing shortly after connection. Symptoms include:

  • Mouse and keyboard inputs becoming unresponsive within the session.
  • The need to disconnect and reconnect to regain control.

This issue significantly hampers remote management capabilities. (bleepingcomputer.com)

Resolution

Microsoft has addressed this issue in the April 2025 cumulative update (KB5055523). Administrators are advised to:

  1. Install the Latest Update: Ensure that KB5055523 or later updates are installed on affected servers.
  2. Verify RDP Functionality: After updating, test RDP sessions to confirm that the freezing issue is resolved.

Regularly updating servers is crucial to maintain security and functionality. (learn.microsoft.com)

Implications and Impact

These issues have several implications:

  • Operational Disruption: Unreachable domain controllers and frozen RDP sessions can lead to significant downtime and hinder administrative tasks.
  • Security Vulnerabilities: Incorrect firewall profiles may expose the network to unauthorized access and potential attacks.
  • Increased Administrative Overhead: Implementing workarounds requires additional time and resources, diverting attention from other critical tasks.

Recommendations

To mitigate these issues, administrators should:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly monitor official Microsoft communications for updates and patches.
  • Implement Workarounds: Apply the recommended workarounds to maintain system functionality until permanent fixes are available.
  • Test Updates: Before deploying updates in a production environment, test them in a controlled setting to identify potential issues.
  • Document Procedures: Maintain clear documentation of applied workarounds and update procedures to ensure consistency and facilitate troubleshooting.

Conclusion

The recent firewall profile bug and RDP session freezing issues in Windows Server 2025 highlight the challenges associated with system updates. While Microsoft is actively working on permanent solutions, administrators must implement interim measures to maintain system stability and security. Proactive monitoring, timely application of updates, and adherence to best practices are essential in navigating these challenges.