KB5061196: Overview with user sentiment and feedback

Overview

KB5061196 is a cumulative security update released on May 13, 2025 for Windows Server 2008 R2 Premium Assurance. This update addresses important security vulnerabilities and includes improvements that were previously released in update KB5058430. The update is particularly focused on addressing security concerns in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver (AFD) for WinSock, which is a kernel-mode driver that provides support for the WinSock API.

It's important to note that Windows Server 2008 R2 Premium Assurance support will end on January 13, 2026. Extended Security Updates (ESU) ended on January 10, 2023, and ESU support on Azure ended on January 9, 2024. Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to a later version of Windows Server to maintain security and support.

General Purpose

The primary purpose of this update is to address a critical security vulnerability in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver (AFD) for WinSock. The AFD component, contained in the afd.sys file, is a crucial kernel-mode driver that manages the Winsock TCP/IP communications protocol. The update specifically targets CVE-2025-32709, enhancing the security of network communications and protecting against potential vulnerabilities in the Windows networking stack. This security update is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of Windows Server 2008 R2 systems that are still under Premium Assurance support.

General Sentiment

The general sentiment towards this update appears to be neutral to positive, as it addresses a specific security vulnerability without introducing any known issues. However, there is an underlying concern about the approaching end of support for Windows Server 2008 R2. Microsoft's emphasis on upgrading to a newer version of Windows Server suggests that while this update is important for current users, it's part of the final wave of updates before complete end of support. Users should be planning their migration strategy as the January 2026 end of Premium Assurance support approaches.

Known Issues

Microsoft has indicated that there are currently no known issues with this update. However, users should note:

• The update requires the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU) KB5056456 to be installed first
• Language packs must be reinstalled if installed after this update
• Premium Assurance support is ending soon

Disclaimer: We take measures to ensure that AI-generated content is of the highest possible quality, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend that users do their own independent research. Generated on 2025-05-19 06:09 AM

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