Microsoft has introduced the optional KB5052077 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2, featuring nine bug fixes and enhancements. Among these updates is a resolution for a persistent issue that has disrupted SSH connections for some users.
The company first acknowledged this SSH-related problem in November, indicating that it impacts a “limited number” of devices operating on Windows enterprise, IoT, and education editions. Investigations are ongoing to determine if Windows Home or Pro editions are also affected.
According to Microsoft’s support documents related to the October 2024 security update, users reported that the OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) service fails to start, thereby hindering SSH connections. In response, Redmond began testing a fix for this issue on Thursday, coinciding with the rollout of the Windows 11 Build 26100.3321 (KB5052093) for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26100).
The KB5052077 cumulative update is classified as an optional non-security preview update, typically released at the end of each month. This update provides Windows administrators with the opportunity to test forthcoming fixes and enhancements that will be included in the upcoming March 2025 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates.
It is important to note that unlike the Patch Tuesday cumulative updates, preview updates do not include security enhancements. Users can install the KB5052077 update by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, and manually performing a ‘Check for Updates’.
As this is an optional update, users will be prompted to confirm their desire to install it by clicking the ‘Download and install’ link. Alternatively, the KB5052077 preview update can be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Windows 10 KB5052077 highlights
Upon installation, this preview release will elevate Windows 10 22H2 systems to Build 19045.5555. The February 2025 non-security optional update introduces several additional fixes and improvements, with the more significant ones outlined below:
- [Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe)] Fixed: Dwm.exe repeatedly stops responding.
- [Country and Operator Settings Asset] This update updates COSA profiles for certain mobile operators.
- Fixed: The Chinese IME stops responding when changing the font family or size.
- Fixed: The color contrast ratio of the Chinese IME search suggestion panel is less than expected.
Microsoft has also identified two known issues associated with KB5052077. One such issue involves certain Citrix components that may obstruct the installation of the January 2025 Windows security update. The company explains that affected devices might initially download and apply the January 2025 Windows security update correctly, but upon restarting the device to finalize the installation, users may encounter an error message stating, “Something didn’t go as planned. No need to worry – undoing changes.” Consequently, the device will revert to the previous Windows updates.
Additionally, KB5052077 is impacted by a System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker services issue that generates ‘Event 7023’ errors in the Event Viewer on systems that have installed Windows updates released since January 14, 2025.
Despite Windows 10 approaching its end of support in less than seven months, over 60% of all Windows systems globally continue to operate on Windows 10, while less than 37% have transitioned to Windows 11, according to Statcounter Global data.
However, Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases, such as Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, and Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) releases like Windows 10 2016 LTSB, which cater to specialized devices, will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025.
