Microsoft Security Update Disrupts Message Queuing on Older Windows Systems
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Quick Summary
Microsoft’s December 2025 security update has caused Message Queuing (MSMQ) failures on Windows 10 and older Windows Server versions. Affected systems may experience inactive MSMQ queues and misleading error messages, primarily impacting enterprise environments. The issue stems from changes to MSMQ’s security model and NTFS permissions, requiring write access to specific folders, which is typically restricted to administrators.
The Securityish Brief
Microsoft’s December 2025 security update has led to significant issues with Message Queuing (MSMQ) on Windows 10 versions 22H2 and earlier, as well as Windows Server 2012 to 2019. Users have reported that MSMQ queues can become inactive, and Internet Information Services (IIS) sites may fail with errors indicating insufficient resources. This is particularly problematic for enterprise environments where MSMQ is critical for application communication.
The root cause of these failures is linked to recent changes in the MSMQ security model and NTFS permissions for the C:WindowsSystem32MSMQstorage folder. Microsoft has indicated that MSMQ users now require write access to this folder, which is generally restricted to administrators, leading to resource errors when sending messages via MSMQ APIs.
This issue primarily affects organizations that rely on older Windows systems, as they often defer upgrades due to cost or operational concerns. While individuals using Windows Home or Pro editions are unlikely to encounter this problem, enterprises must address the implications of this update.
Understanding the Risks
The failure of MSMQ can halt various applications that depend on this messaging protocol, potentially disrupting business operations. Organizations should be aware that misleading error messages may obscure the true nature of the problem, complicating troubleshooting efforts.
Given the reliance on MSMQ in many enterprise environments, IT teams should monitor their systems closely for any signs of malfunction following the December update. Engaging with Microsoft support for workarounds may be necessary, although uninstalling the update could compromise security.
This situation highlights the importance of maintaining updated systems and understanding the implications of security updates. Organizations should consider reviewing their update policies and the potential risks associated with deferring upgrades.
Key Takeaways
- Check your Windows systems for MSMQ functionality after the December 2025 update.
- Review folder permissions for C:WindowsSystem32MSMQstorage to ensure proper access rights.
- Contact Microsoft support for potential workarounds if MSMQ issues arise.
- Consider the implications of uninstalling the update, as it may remove important security fixes.
- Evaluate your organization’s update policy to ensure timely upgrades to avoid similar issues in the future.
Key Terms & Concepts
- Message Queuing (MSMQ): In this article, MSMQ refers to a messaging protocol that allows applications to communicate by queuing messages until they can be sent and received.
- NTFS permissions: NTFS permissions are settings that control access to files and folders on Windows systems, determining who can read, write, or modify them.
Read the original article here: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/12/17/microsoft_admits_that_message_queuing/
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