Microsoft releases out-of-band update for Windows Server bug

Microsoft has released an emergency update to fix a Windows Server bug that caused a black screen or general speed issues for some users. It could also lead to Remote Desktop connectivity and performance issues.

The out-of-band patch was released Tuesday for Windows Server 2019 and 2012 R2, Microsoft reports. The remaining platforms affected by the bug, Windows Server 2022 and 2016, should receive the update in the coming days. The update is not installed automatically; users should specifically search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.

“Out-of-band” means that Microsoft sees the bug as so important that the fix will be released earlier than the usual second Tuesday of the month. The Windows Server bug caused some users with update KB5008218 to see a black screen, log in took a long time, or the computer was generally slow to respond.

Specifically, the Remote Desktop program often failed to connect to the Windows server. In some cases, the server stopped responding altogether, Microsoft says, which may be why the company wanted to release a patch as soon as possible.