Windows Updates Face Installation Issues on Virtual Machines

30 May 2025

Microsoft's latest round of Patch Tuesday updates has been met with unexpected challenges, specifically affecting Windows 11 installations, predominantly in virtual machine environments. The problem arises during the update process for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, leading to a system error that pushes affected machines into recovery mode.

When the issue occurs, users encounter a message stating a critical file is either missing or contains errors, preventing the successful booting of the system. Microsoft's report suggests that while this problem is more prevalent among enterprise users who commonly operate virtual machines, Windows 11 Home users generally remain unaffected due to less frequent VM usage in the non-enterprise sphere.

Windows updates installation issues on virtual machines

Engineering a Solution

While the exact number of customers facing this issue remains unconfirmed, Microsoft has acknowledged the glitch and their engineering teams are investigating the cause to develop a viable solution. Affected users are currently advised to consider uninstalling the problematic patches as a temporary workaround.

The current lack of a comprehensive fix underscores the complexities inherent in managing wide-scale updates across diverse system configurations. However, consistent communication from Microsoft indicates a commitment to resolving the situation efficiently. This disruption highlights ongoing challenges in delivering seamless updates and ensuring robust system performance, an area Microsoft continues to refine and evolve.

Enterprises relying heavily on virtual machines for operations may find themselves in a challenging position as these updates are crucial for maintaining security and system integrity. Given the nature of the issue, it underscores the importance of strategic update deployment and the potential risks involved with large-scale systems management.

As the story develops, users with affected systems are recommended to stay updated through official Microsoft channels for further instructions and solutions. While this specific error may cause temporary inconvenience, it also points to the larger narrative of technology's intricate dance between innovation, security, and reliability.

Close All Windows

Close All Windows download for free to PC or mobile

Latest update Close All Windows download for free for Windows PC or Android mobile

4
556 reviews
3234 downloads

News and reviews about Close All Windows

11 Oct 2025

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220 Released in Dev Channel

Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220, adding features like expanded search results and multi-file sharing.

Read more

10 Oct 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends October 14, 2025: Next Steps

Microsoft ends Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Users must upgrade or explore alternatives to stay secure.

Read more

10 Oct 2025

Microsoft Urges Windows Users to Upgrade Before Support Ends

Microsoft advises Windows users to upgrade or secure updates before October 14 as Windows 7's revival raises security concerns.

Read more

09 Oct 2025

FCKGW Key: The Notorious Leak That Shaped Windows XP

The FCKGW volume license key leak marked a pivotal moment in Windows XP history with significant repercussions for Microsoft's activation strategy.

Read more

09 Oct 2025

Microsoft to End Support for Windows 10 This October

Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14 might boost sales at Best Buy as users look to upgrade. Without Microsoft's updates and support, Windows 10 devices will become more vulnerable, pushing consumers to consider purchasing new devices.

Read more

09 Oct 2025

Windows 11 Update Enhances Start Menu and Command Line Features

Microsoft's Windows 11 Insider preview (build 27965) introduces Start menu enhancements and restores the Edit command-line editor. Improvements also include phone link support and Taskbar bug fixes.

Read more

09 Oct 2025

PC Shipments Surge Amidst Windows 10 End-of-Life Transition

PC shipments grow as Windows 10 support ends, sparking upgrades to Windows 11. Corporate refresh cycles and trade tensions impact market dynamics.

Read more

08 Oct 2025

Windows 11 Update Requires Microsoft Account for Setup

The upcoming Windows 11 update will remove local account setup. Users must use a Microsoft account to complete installation. Critics allege this move favors Microsoft's online services.

Read more

08 Oct 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending October 2025, Users Advised to Upgrade

Microsoft announced Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 for ongoing security enhancements.

Read more

08 Oct 2025

Windows Vulnerability CVE-2021-43226 Exploited in Active Attacks

CISA warns about the exploitation of CVE-2021-43226, a Windows vulnerability affecting CLFS driver, allowing privilege escalation. The flaw could be leveraged by ransomware actors, urging rapid patching and robust security practices to mitigate risks.

Read more