Windows Update: Unwanted side effects occurred

Microsoft has acknowledged new problems with the latest Windows updates for Windows 11. The update preview also has undesirable side effects. After installation, Windows logs firewall errors and certain computers no longer start after the update.

Microsoft has admitted in the Windows Release Health Notes that the update preview from Friday last week can lead to firewall error events ending up in the security logs. The error can be found in the Event Viewer with the event number 2042 for the Windows (Defender) Firewall with Advanced Security. The error message names the issue as “Config Read Failed”, the message text should read “More data is available”. “Although this event is logged in the Event Viewer each time the device is restarted, it does not reflect an issue with the Windows Firewall and can therefore be ignored,” explains Microsoft.

Firewall error: No intervention necessary

Microsoft assumes that the Windows Firewall is functioning normally and that no action is required to avoid or resolve this error event. The event is related to a function that the developers are currently programming, but which has not yet been fully implemented. There is no impact on Windows processes associated with the event. The error affects Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft intends to correct it with a future update.

Meanwhile, there is no indication from Microsoft that various old Fujitsu Esprimo PCs in particular have been unable to start after installing the regular Windows security updates on Microsoft Patchday in June. A discussion about this is unfolding on Reddit. The participants in the discussion mention difficulties with Fujitsu Esprimo P556, P756, Q956 and D756 PCs as well as other models such as Q556/2 D3403, D2990-A3 and others. These no longer start after the updates, the screen remains black.

Startup problems with Fujitsu PCs

The problems are apparently due to a DBX update – the database with bootloaders that are blocked when Smart Boot is activated. One of the Reddit users suspects that the BIOS of the older computers is outdated. The size of the DBX database in the BIOS would probably have to be increased, which has been done in BIOS versions for successor computers. In Microsoft's forums there are instructions in Italian, which can be easily translated with a browser, on how those affected can update the firmware to BIOS version 1.33 for the P556 PCs – with which the computers will supposedly start again with the June updates. Fujitsu also offers its update package including instructions for installation, which contains the latest BIOS versions of various PCs. However, none of these are user-friendly solutions – Those affected usually have to open the computer, move jumpers and observe waiting times. As Microsoft has not yet confirmed the problem, the company is apparently not yet working on a solution.

(dmk)