Microsoft's recent Windows 11 24H2 cumulative updates, particularly the April 2025 Patch Tuesday release KB5055523 and the March preview update KB5053656, have once again demonstrated the complexity and challenges inherent in maintaining a modern operating system. While these updates bring essential security fixes and innovative features, such as AI-powered search functionality, they have unfortunately caused significant stability issues for some users, including unexpected blue screen crashes and disruptions in critical services like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). These incidents not only underscore the technical intricacy of Windows updates but also highlight Microsoft's ongoing efforts to rapidly address problems in real-time through mechanisms like Known Issue Rollback (KIR).
Following the installation and reboot after applying either KB5055523 or KB5053656 on devices running Windows 11 version 24H2, some users have reported waking up to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The specific error code thrown on these crashes is 0x18B, labeled as a SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR. This pertains to a security-related failure presumably triggered by kernel-level changes introduced in the patches.
Microsoft has issued limited details about the root cause of this issue, refraining from an in-depth public explanation, and has not yet released a permanent fix. Instead, its recommended approach involves the use of Known Issue Rollback, a rollback system introduced in 2021 that allows Microsoft to silently reverse faulty non-security updates without needing user intervention.
For end users running Windows 11 24H2 on personal or unmanaged devices, the recommended mitigation is straightforward: the KIR fix should be applied automatically via Windows Update, although it may take up to 24 hours to be pushed. A device restart is advised to expedite the installation of the recovery patch.
In enterprise and managed IT environments, the repair process is somewhat more involved. IT administrators must manually download a Group Policy Object (GPO) package (a .msi installer) from Microsoft's update support pages. After installing this package on the domain controller or local machines, the policy becomes available in the Group Policy Editor under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates. Enabling this policy triggers the rollback on affected devices, which then need to be rebooted to complete the process.
While this manual intervention introduces overhead for IT teams, it enables greater control in corporate settings, ensuring that critical business machines resume stable operation without waiting for the broad rollout of the fix.
This instability has further complicated the experience for remote workforces and IT administrators who depend on seamless remote access for maintenance, support, and daily work.
Similar to the BSOD scenario, Microsoft has deployed the Known Issue Rollback to reverse the offending changes for RDP connection stability. The fix is automatically applied to most home and unmanaged devices, but enterprise users must again rely on Group Policy deployment.
Normally, "inetpub" serves as the default directory for IIS content, such as websites and logs. The folder's empty presence on user machines puzzled many in the Windows community. Investigations revealed that the folder is created by the SYSTEM account during the update, but it remains empty without activating IIS or related services.
Industry experts speculate this could be an unintended side effect of update installation routines or a preparatory step for future features involving IIS or web-based tools. While the folder itself is harmless and safe to delete, security researchers caution against removing it prematurely as it may play a role in security mitigation—specifically related to a patched vulnerability (CVE-2025-21204) involving symbolic link resolution.
This update cycle echoes recent months where critical features such as USB audio, OneDrive sync, and system authentication have encountered bugs, some persisting for extended periods without resolution.
Microsoft's introduction and reliance on Known Issue Rollback is evidence of the company's recognition that some flawed updates must be reversed quickly without the disruption of new patch downloads by end users. This system, combined with transparent release health dashboards, reflects an adaptive strategy balancing continuous enhancement with operational resilience.
In enterprise environments, IT admins should remain vigilant, download the necessary KIR Group Policy package, and apply it swiftly to affected devices while monitoring Microsoft's official advisories.
Backing up systems and employing cautious rollout strategies (testing patches in controlled environments before widescale deployment) remain best practices to minimize unexpected disruptions.
Users perplexed by the sudden "inetpub" folder can safely leave it intact; experts suggest it poses no harm and may be linked to security features or future system components.
Thankfully, Microsoft's Known Issue Rollback mechanism provides a critical buffer to undo problematic changes quickly, whether for personal devices or enterprise-managed machines, and mitigates potential chaos.
The unexpected side effects, from mysterious folders to remote desktop frailty, serve as reminders that Windows remains a living platform—constantly adapting, improving, and occasionally faltering in its quest to usher users into the future. Staying informed, applying updates wisely, and engaging with community forums like WindowsForum.com are essential strategies for navigating this evolving landscape with confidence.
Microsoft’s commitment to patching vulnerabilities and enhancing Windows 11 security and functionality continues unabated, but users and IT professionals alike must be prepared for the occasional turbulence that accompanies progress.
This feature article was composed based on multiple detailed community discussions and technical analyses sourced from Windows forums and recent March-April 2025 update reports .
Source: March, April Windows 11 updates cause BSOD pain for users
Blue Screen Crashes Linked to Recent Windows 11 Updates
Following the installation and reboot after applying either KB5055523 or KB5053656 on devices running Windows 11 version 24H2, some users have reported waking up to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The specific error code thrown on these crashes is 0x18B, labeled as a SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR. This pertains to a security-related failure presumably triggered by kernel-level changes introduced in the patches.Microsoft has issued limited details about the root cause of this issue, refraining from an in-depth public explanation, and has not yet released a permanent fix. Instead, its recommended approach involves the use of Known Issue Rollback, a rollback system introduced in 2021 that allows Microsoft to silently reverse faulty non-security updates without needing user intervention.
For end users running Windows 11 24H2 on personal or unmanaged devices, the recommended mitigation is straightforward: the KIR fix should be applied automatically via Windows Update, although it may take up to 24 hours to be pushed. A device restart is advised to expedite the installation of the recovery patch.
Known Issue Rollback: Microsoft's Emergency Update Response
The Known Issue Rollback (KIR) system has become a critical safety net for Microsoft as it attempts to minimize downtime and user frustration during problematic update cycles. In this case, the rollback patch addresses both KB5055523 and KB5053656 related faults.In enterprise and managed IT environments, the repair process is somewhat more involved. IT administrators must manually download a Group Policy Object (GPO) package (a .msi installer) from Microsoft's update support pages. After installing this package on the domain controller or local machines, the policy becomes available in the Group Policy Editor under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates. Enabling this policy triggers the rollback on affected devices, which then need to be rebooted to complete the process.
While this manual intervention introduces overhead for IT teams, it enables greater control in corporate settings, ensuring that critical business machines resume stable operation without waiting for the broad rollout of the fix.
Remote Desktop Protocol Stability: A Parallel Challenge
The Windows 11 24H2 update cycle, beyond BSODs, has encountered other headaches such as disruption to Remote Desktop (RDP) sessions. Users have reported sudden disconnections, freezes, or session lockups occurring roughly 65 seconds after establishing an RDP connection over UDP to Windows Server 2016 or older Remote Desktop Services hosts.This instability has further complicated the experience for remote workforces and IT administrators who depend on seamless remote access for maintenance, support, and daily work.
Similar to the BSOD scenario, Microsoft has deployed the Known Issue Rollback to reverse the offending changes for RDP connection stability. The fix is automatically applied to most home and unmanaged devices, but enterprise users must again rely on Group Policy deployment.
The Curious Case of the "inetpub" Folder
Beyond immediate crash and connectivity issues, the KB5055523 update introduced an unexpected alteration to user file systems—the mysterious appearance of the "inetpub" folder at the root of the C: drive, even on systems without IIS (Internet Information Services) installed.Normally, "inetpub" serves as the default directory for IIS content, such as websites and logs. The folder's empty presence on user machines puzzled many in the Windows community. Investigations revealed that the folder is created by the SYSTEM account during the update, but it remains empty without activating IIS or related services.
Industry experts speculate this could be an unintended side effect of update installation routines or a preparatory step for future features involving IIS or web-based tools. While the folder itself is harmless and safe to delete, security researchers caution against removing it prematurely as it may play a role in security mitigation—specifically related to a patched vulnerability (CVE-2025-21204) involving symbolic link resolution.
The Ongoing Struggle Between Rapid Innovation and Stability
Microsoft's efforts to rapidly innovate and improve Windows 11—integrating AI enhancements, reinforcing security, and rolling out user-centric features—come with an inherent risk of unintended consequences. Hardware diversity and software complexity mean that even with extensive testing, issues like printer failures, BSODs, RDP instability, and odd file system changes can slip through.This update cycle echoes recent months where critical features such as USB audio, OneDrive sync, and system authentication have encountered bugs, some persisting for extended periods without resolution.
Microsoft's introduction and reliance on Known Issue Rollback is evidence of the company's recognition that some flawed updates must be reversed quickly without the disruption of new patch downloads by end users. This system, combined with transparent release health dashboards, reflects an adaptive strategy balancing continuous enhancement with operational resilience.
Practical Advice for Windows 11 Users and IT Professionals
For users encountering blue screen errors after applying the latest updates, patience combined with proactive steps offers the best remedy. Ensuring Windows Update is enabled and allowing the Known Issue Rollback to deploy—potentially expedited by restarts—is critical.In enterprise environments, IT admins should remain vigilant, download the necessary KIR Group Policy package, and apply it swiftly to affected devices while monitoring Microsoft's official advisories.
Backing up systems and employing cautious rollout strategies (testing patches in controlled environments before widescale deployment) remain best practices to minimize unexpected disruptions.
Users perplexed by the sudden "inetpub" folder can safely leave it intact; experts suggest it poses no harm and may be linked to security features or future system components.
Conclusion
Microsoft's spring 2025 Windows 11 update cycle illustrates the ongoing tension between delivering innovative features and maintaining the rock-solid reliability users expect. Blue screen crashes tied to patches like KB5055523 and KB5053656 highlight the challenges of updating complex software ecosystems amidst dynamic hardware environments.Thankfully, Microsoft's Known Issue Rollback mechanism provides a critical buffer to undo problematic changes quickly, whether for personal devices or enterprise-managed machines, and mitigates potential chaos.
The unexpected side effects, from mysterious folders to remote desktop frailty, serve as reminders that Windows remains a living platform—constantly adapting, improving, and occasionally faltering in its quest to usher users into the future. Staying informed, applying updates wisely, and engaging with community forums like WindowsForum.com are essential strategies for navigating this evolving landscape with confidence.
Microsoft’s commitment to patching vulnerabilities and enhancing Windows 11 security and functionality continues unabated, but users and IT professionals alike must be prepared for the occasional turbulence that accompanies progress.
This feature article was composed based on multiple detailed community discussions and technical analyses sourced from Windows forums and recent March-April 2025 update reports .
Source: March, April Windows 11 updates cause BSOD pain for users
