MC1199746 – Take Action: Out-of-band update to address MSMQ service issues leading to queue operations and resource-related errors

Product:

Windows, Windows Server

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Microsoft has identified an issue affecting Message Queuing (MSMQ) functionality in some enterprise environments after installing the December 2025 Windows security update (released December 9, 2025). Individuals using Windows Home or Pro editions on personal devices are very unlikely to experience this issue, as it primarily affects enterprise or managed IT environments.


To address this issue, an out-of-band (OOB) update has been released, today, December 18, 2025, on the Microsoft Update Catalog. For more information and installation instructions, refer to the appropriate KB article for each affected version of Windows listed below. For additional guidance, see How to download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog.


Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (KB5074976)
Windows Server 2019 and Enterprise LTSC 2019 (KB5074975)
Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 LTSB 2016 (KB5074974)
Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB5074978)
Windows Server 2012 (KB5074980)
Windows Server 2008 R2 (KB5074977)
Windows Server 2008 (KB5074979)

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-12-19

updated:
2025-12-19

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**

MSMQ Service Disruption
Out-of-band update may not be applied promptly, leading to disruptions in Message Queuing services, affecting application communication and data processing.
   - roles: System Administrator, Application Developer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/status-windows-10-22h2#message-queuing--msmq--might-fail-with-the-december-2025-windows-security-update

Increased Support Tickets
Users may experience issues with queue operations, resulting in a surge of support tickets and increased workload for IT support teams.
   - roles: Help Desk Technician, System Administrator
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/2b270f71-aaaf-4553-b7d8-111ee5da1093

Resource Allocation Issues
Failure to address MSMQ issues may lead to resource-related errors, causing applications to fail or slow down, impacting user productivity.
   - roles: System Administrator, Business Analyst
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/4dc1fb62-aa89-4859-ba1b-618404482c4d

User Experience Degradation
Users may face delays and failures in message delivery, leading to frustration and decreased satisfaction with IT services.
   - roles: End User, Project Manager
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/615b371a-de10-4350-9521-a5cb950052ba

Compliance Risks
Inability to process messages correctly may lead to compliance issues, especially in regulated industries where data integrity is critical.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/8908c178-0446-42b0-9b19-cd36e5a4d54f

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Monitoring for MSMQ Services
Implement a centralized monitoring solution for MSMQ services to proactively detect issues and performance bottlenecks. This will help in reducing downtime and improving the reliability of queue operations.
   - next-steps: Research and select a monitoring tool that integrates with existing IT infrastructure. Train staff on monitoring best practices and establish a response protocol for alerts.
   - roles: IT Administrators, System Engineers, DevOps Teams
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-network-monitoring-tools/, https://www.petri.com/best-network-monitoring-tools

Automated Update Management
Develop an automated update management process to ensure timely application of critical updates like the recent out-of-band update. This can reduce the risk of similar issues in the future and improve overall system stability.
   - next-steps: Evaluate current update management tools and processes. Implement a solution that automates patch management and schedule regular reviews of update statuses.
   - roles: IT Administrators, System Engineers
   - references: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-automate-windows-updates/, https://www.windowscentral.com/best-patch-management-software

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing
Create comprehensive documentation and knowledge base articles related to MSMQ issues and their resolutions. This will empower IT staff to quickly troubleshoot similar issues in the future and enhance the overall user experience.
   - next-steps: Gather existing documentation and compile a centralized knowledge base. Encourage IT staff to contribute and review the content regularly to keep it updated.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Support Teams, Knowledge Managers
   - references: https://www.atlassian.com/software-confluence/knowledge-management, https://www.helpscout.com/blog/knowledge-base/

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine your computer system as a busy post office. In this post office, Message Queuing (MSMQ) is like the mail sorting system that ensures letters and packages are delivered to the right addresses. Recently, a security update in December 2025 caused some issues with this sorting system in certain enterprise environments, much like if a new sorting machine was installed and it started misplacing or delaying mail.

To fix this, Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, which is like sending a team of technicians to quickly repair the sorting machine before the next mail delivery. This update is specifically designed to address the problems caused by the December update, ensuring that the MSMQ service functions correctly again.

This issue primarily affects enterprise environments, which are like large distribution centers, rather than individual home users who might be more like small local post offices. The update is available through the Microsoft Update Catalog, which acts like a warehouse where you can find and download the necessary tools to fix the problem.

For those managing IT in an enterprise setting, it's important to apply this update to ensure the smooth operation of your message queuing services, much like ensuring the post office can efficiently sort and deliver mail without errors. Detailed instructions and the necessary files can be found in the Microsoft Update Catalog, and it's advisable to follow these to implement the fix effectively.