In the world of software, updates are a routine part of maintaining security and performance. But sometimes, issues arise that can’t wait for the next scheduled release. That’s where Microsoft’s emergency updates—often referred to as “out-of-band” (OOB) updates—come into play.
What Are Microsoft Emergency Updates?
Microsoft typically rolls out security and feature updates on the second Tuesday of each month, known as Patch Tuesday. However, when a severe problem is discovered—such as a zero-day vulnerability being actively exploited in the wild or a bug breaking core system functions—the company doesn’t wait. Instead, it pushes out an OOB update to mitigate the risk as quickly as possible.
These updates can be security-focused, addressing exploits that could allow attackers to take control of systems, or non-security, fixing functionality issues introduced by previous patches. They’re cumulative in many cases, meaning they include all prior fixes, so you don’t need to install older updates first. The goal is rapid deployment to protect users, but they also underscore the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats.
Why Do They Happen?
Emergency updates are triggered by high-priority issues:
• Zero-Day Exploits: Vulnerabilities unknown to Microsoft until they’re already being abused by hackers.
• Post-Update Bugs: Sometimes, a regular update inadvertently breaks something critical, like system recovery tools.
• Widespread Impact: Problems affecting a large number of users or enterprise environments, where delays could lead to data breaches or downtime.
In 2025, with increasing cyber threats and the impending end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, Microsoft has been proactive in issuing these patches to ensure smooth transitions and robust security.
Recent Examples from 2025
This year has seen a flurry of OOB updates, reflecting both evolving threats and the complexities of maintaining massive software ecosystems like Windows and SharePoint. Here are some key instances:
August 2025: Fixing Broken Windows Reset and Recovery
One of the most talked-about emergency updates in recent weeks was released on August 19, 2025. This non-security OOB patch, KB5066189, addressed a major issue introduced by the August 2025 security update (KB5063875). After installing the security patch, users on affected Windows versions found that reset and recovery operations—such as “Reset this PC” or fixing problems via Windows Update—would fail with error messages. This impacted critical troubleshooting tools, potentially leaving users unable to restore their systems in case of other problems.
Affected versions include Windows 11 (versions 23H2 and 22H2), Windows 10 (version 22H2), and several Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions like Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 and 2019. Microsoft confirmed the bug affected client versions of Windows and recommended skipping the original August security update if it hadn’t been applied yet, opting instead for this cumulative OOB fix. The update requires a restart and is available through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.
This incident highlights how even security patches can sometimes cause unintended side effects, necessitating swift action to restore functionality.
July 2025: Urgent Patch for SharePoint Zero-Days
In a more security-centric example, Microsoft rushed out an emergency update on July 19, 2025, to patch two actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in on-premises SharePoint Server. Tracked as CVE-2025-53770 and CVE-2025-53771, these flaws involved deserialization of untrusted data, allowing unauthorized attackers to execute code remotely over a network. CVE-2025-53770 was a patch bypass for an earlier vulnerability (CVE-2025-49704), while CVE-2025-53771 bypassed CVE-2025-49706.
The vulnerabilities were rated critical, with evidence of active exploitation in the wild, prompting Microsoft to advise immediate patching for all supported SharePoint versions. This update was particularly urgent for enterprises relying on SharePoint for collaboration, as exploitation could lead to data theft or system compromise.
Other Notable OOB Updates in 2025
The year has been busy with additional fixes:
• July 13, 2025: KB5064489 for Windows 11 version 24H2, including quality improvements and security fixes from the July 8 update.
• June 11, 2025: KB5063060, another cumulative OOB for Windows 11 24H2, addressing post-Patch Tuesday issues.
• May 19, 2025: KB5061768 for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2.
• April 11, 2025: KB5058922 for Windows 10 version 1809, including servicing stack updates.
These updates often stem from feedback on preview releases or unexpected bugs in production environments.
How to Apply Emergency Updates and Stay Protected
To ensure you’re covered:
1. Check Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” OOB patches appear here promptly.
2. Microsoft Update Catalog: For manual downloads, visit catalog.update.microsoft.com and search by KB number.
3. Enterprise Tools: Use WSUS, Intune, or Configuration Manager for managed deployments.
4. Follow Official Channels: Monitor the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) blog, Windows release health dashboard, or subscribe to alerts.
Always back up your data before applying updates, and test in non-production environments if possible. With Windows 10’s end-of-support looming, consider upgrading to Windows 11 for continued patches.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s emergency updates are a vital lifeline in the ongoing battle against cyber threats and software glitches. The 2025 examples, from SharePoint exploits to Windows recovery woes, show how quickly the landscape can change—and how responsive Microsoft aims to be. By staying informed and applying these patches promptly, you can minimize risks and keep your systems running smoothly. Remember, in cybersecurity, procrastination can be costly. What’s your experience with recent updates? Share in the comments below!