MC1138193 – Take Action: Out-of-band update to address an issue affecting reset and recovery operations

Product:

Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Microsoft has identified an issue where some attempts to reset or recover Windows devices might fail. This issue is observed after installing the August 2025 Windows security update on some client versions of Windows. For more information on this issue, see Reset and recovery operations on some Windows versions might fail.


A non-security out-of-band (OOB) update was released today, August 19, 2025, to address this issue. This is a cumulative update, so you do not need to apply any previous updates before installing this update, as it supersedes all previous updates for affected versions. If you haven't installed the August 2025 Windows security update yet, we recommend you apply this OOB update instead. If your device is not affected by this issue, you do not need to install this OOB update.


For more information and instructions on how to install this update on your device, consult the below resources for your version of Windows:
Windows 11, versions 23H2 and 22H2 - August 19, 2025-KB5066189 (OS Builds 22621.5771 and 22631.5771) Out-of-band
Windows 10, version 22H2 - August 19, 2025-KB5066188 (OS Builds 19044.6218 and 19045.6218) Out-of-band
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 - August 19, 2025-KB5066188 (OS Builds 19044.6218 and 19045.6218) Out-of-band
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019 - August 19, 2025-KB5066187 (OS Build 17763.7683) Out-of-band

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-08-20

updated:
2025-08-20

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Failed Reset and Recovery Operations
Users may experience failures when attempting to reset or recover their Windows devices, leading to potential data loss or inability to restore system functionality.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-23h2#3640msgdesc, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/57a2518a-df8b-440d-9f1e-d7cd4a4af4d8

Increased Support Tickets
The change may lead to a surge in support tickets as users encounter issues, overwhelming IT support resources and delaying response times.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/ce99f225-f523-4d85-8039-54965e97d0ff, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/decbec0f-fddb-4dc0-b91b-ed59001ce0d8

User Frustration and Downtime
Users may face frustration and downtime due to the inability to reset or recover their devices, impacting productivity and morale.
   - roles: End Users, Team Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-23h2#3640msgdesc, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/57a2518a-df8b-440d-9f1e-d7cd4a4af4d8

Potential Data Loss
If users are unable to reset or recover their devices, there is a risk of data loss, which can have serious implications for business continuity.
   - roles: End Users, Data Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/ce99f225-f523-4d85-8039-54965e97d0ff, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/decbec0f-fddb-4dc0-b91b-ed59001ce0d8

Incompatibility with Existing Systems
The out-of-band update may introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or systems, leading to further operational disruptions.
   - roles: System Administrators, Application Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-23h2#3640msgdesc, https://support.microsoft.com/topic/57a2518a-df8b-440d-9f1e-d7cd4a4af4d8

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine your computer is like a car. Every so often, it needs a tune-up to ensure everything runs smoothly. Sometimes, after a tune-up, you might find that a new issue arises, like the radio not working properly. In the world of computers, this is similar to what happened with the August 2025 Windows security update. After this update, some users found that trying to reset or recover their Windows devices was like trying to fix the radio in the car but finding it wouldn't turn on at all.

To address this, Microsoft released an out-of-band (OOB) update. Think of this OOB update as a special mechanic who comes in just to fix that radio issue without needing to redo the entire tune-up. This update is cumulative, meaning it includes all the previous fixes, so you don't need to worry about applying older updates first. It's like getting a complete car service package that covers everything, even if you missed a few previous check-ups.

If your computer isn't experiencing this specific reset or recovery issue, you can skip this update, much like you wouldn't need to see the mechanic if your car radio is working fine. However, if you haven't yet applied the August 2025 update, it's recommended to go straight for this OOB update to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For those who need to apply this update, Microsoft provides detailed instructions on their support pages, much like a car manual guiding you through the process of changing a tire. Each version of Windows has its own specific update, akin to different car models requiring different parts. By following the provided resources, you can ensure your device remains in top condition, just like keeping your car roadworthy.