Microsoft has recently acknowledged that the June security update has inadvertently introduced complications for users of its Windows Server systems. Specifically, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service is experiencing failures, leading to improper functioning of IP refreshes. This essential service plays a critical role in the automatic assignment of IP addresses to network devices, forming the backbone of network management in Windows environments.
Wide impact
The ramifications of this issue extend across multiple versions of Windows Server. Microsoft has reported that the DHCP service “may stop responding after installing this security update.” The affected versions include:
- Windows Server 2016 (KB5061010)
- Windows Server 2019 (KB5060531)
- Windows Server 2022 (KB5060526)
- Windows Server 2025 (KB5060842)
Users who have updated their systems—whether manually or through automatic updates—have quickly noticed the adverse effects. One administrator shared on Reddit that their 2016 server crashed within a mere 30 seconds of installing KB5061010, rendering the DHCP service inoperative. The only recourse was to uninstall the update and restart the system.
Historical problem
Issues with DHCP are not unfamiliar to Windows users. A history of similar problems stretches back over a decade, with numerous instances reported from 2012 to the present. For instance, in 2014, a user recounted how their DHCP server would inexplicably cease functioning daily, necessitating a complete restart each time.
In May, a previous Windows Server update caused a different set of challenges, disrupting keyboard and mouse inputs. Additionally, users faced sporadic authentication issues and difficulties with domain controllers becoming unreachable following system restarts throughout the past year.
Solution in development
In light of the current predicament, Microsoft is actively working on a solution. According to reports from BleepingComputer, the company stated, “We are working on releasing a fix in the coming days and will provide more information when it is available.” In the interim, affected administrators are advised to uninstall the update to restore network functionality.
This month, Microsoft has also been addressing other Windows Server concerns, including flaws related to authentication and domain controllers that emerged earlier this year.
