Yes, Microsoft has indeed released emergency out-of-band (OOB) updates to address widespread issues with Message Queuing (MSMQ) functionality that emerged after the December 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates (specifically KB5071546 and related patches). These problems affected multiple Windows versions, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and various Server editions, causing MSMQ to fail with errors like “Insufficient resources to perform operation” or complete breakdowns in queue processing, which disrupted enterprise messaging, background jobs, and even IIS-dependent applications.
What Went Wrong?
• The December 9, 2025, updates introduced a regression in MSMQ, a legacy but critical Windows component used for reliable asynchronous messaging in distributed systems.
• Symptoms included failed message delivery, service crashes, and impacts on incident response tools or custom enterprise workflows reliant on MSMQ.
• Microsoft acknowledged the bug shortly after rollout and recommended workarounds like pausing updates or contacting support while preparing fixes.
The Emergency Fixes
• On December 19, 2025, Microsoft issued OOB updates, including:
• KB5074976 for Windows 10 (version 22H2 and earlier extended support editions).
• Additional cumulative patches for Windows Server 2019/2022 and Windows 11.
• These are available via the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual download and installation, as automatic deployment isn’t immediate.
• No rollback of the original December patches is required; the OOB updates can be applied directly on top.
Recommendations
• For IT admins: Test in a staging environment before broad deployment, as MSMQ is often used in mission-critical setups. Monitor Event Viewer for MSMQ-related errors (e.g., Event ID 2055).
• Affected users: If you’re on extended security updates (ESU) for Windows 10, prioritize this fix to avoid service interruptions.
• Microsoft hasn’t provided a full timeline for broader automatic rollout but is actively monitoring reports.
For the latest details or direct downloads, check the Microsoft Update Catalog or the official advisory on Learn.Microsoft.com. If you’re experiencing this issue, share more about your setup for tailored advice.