KB5073695: Overview with user sentiment and feedback
Last Updated February 28, 2026
Probability of successful installation and continued operation of the machine
Overview
This is a cumulative security update for Windows Server 2008 R2. It includes fixes and quality improvements that are part of the December 9, 2025 (KB5071501) and December 18, 2025 (KB5074977) monthly rollups. The update addresses changes in Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and removes certain modem drivers. There are no known issues with this update at this time.
General Purpose
The main purpose of this update is to provide security and quality improvements for Windows Server 2008 R2. Specifically, it introduces a change in behavior where WDS will stop supporting hands-free deployment functionality by default. Administrators should review the guidance and follow the instructions provided in the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Hands-Free Deployment Hardening Guidance. Additionally, this update removes certain modem drivers, including agrsm64.sys, agrsm.sys, smserl64.sys, and smserial.sys. Modem hardware dependent on these drivers will no longer work in Windows after installing this update.
General Sentiment
The general sentiment around this update appears to be neutral. While it addresses some important security and deployment changes, the removal of certain modem drivers may cause issues for some users. However, the update is a standard monthly rollup that is expected to provide overall improvements and security enhancements for Windows Server 2008 R2. As long as administrators are aware of the changes to WDS and modem driver support, this update should be manageable for most environments.
Known Issues
- WDS will stop supporting hands-free deployment functionality by default. Administrators should review the guidance and follow the instructions provided in the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Hands-Free Deployment Hardening Guidance.- The update removes the following modem drivers: agrsm64.sys (x64), agrsm.sys (x86), smserl64.sys (x64) and smserial.sys (x86). Modem hardware dependent on these specific drivers will no longer work in Windows.
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 2026-02-28 01:10 PM
