Microsoft Fixes Boot Errors in Windows Server 2025 with Latest Update

Microsoft has fixed a critical boot issue affecting Windows Server 2025 devices using iSCSI technology.

Published: Feb 18, 2025

Cloud Computing

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Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has released an update to resolve “boot device inaccessible” errors affecting Windows Server 2025.
  • The bug primarily affects server machines using iSCSI technology.
  • Microsoft urges users to install the KB5051987 update to address this problem.

Microsoft has released an update to fix a bug that caused “boot device inaccessible” errors on some Windows Server 2025 devices. This issue specifically affected servers using iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) technology.

The iSCI protocol in Windows Server enables the connection of storage devices over an IP network. It operates at the block level and transmits SCSI commands over TCP/IP, which leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure. This makes it a cost-effective solution for virtualization and clustering environments. iSCSI also ensures secure data transfers through CHAP authentication and IPsec encryption.

“This is observed on servers operating under NDIS Poll Mode booting from an iSCSI LUN. Under such configuration, the server will experience the error during startup, after the installation of Windows Server 2025 is completed,” Microsoft explained on the Windows Release Health Dashboard.

How to resolve Windows Server 2025 boot errors

Microsoft has recently rolled out the KB5051987 update to address this issue on affected Windows Server machines. The company recommends customers to install the latest updates as soon as possible to prevent disruptions and ensure system stability.

Microsoft announced the general availability of Windows Server 2025 alongside System Center 2025 in November 2025. The latest version brings new security features for Active Directory and adds new techniques to block attacks against server message block (SMB). Microsoft has also introduced a couple of new capabilities for cloud users, including hotpatching for hybrid and on-prem clouds. However, this feature requires an additional subscription fee.

Microsoft has also deprecated a couple of features in Windows Server 2025, including WordPad, the SMTP service, and Windows PowerShell 2.0 engine. The company offers a free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 through the Microsoft Evaluation Center. This trial allows users to explore and evaluate the new features and improvements before committing to a full deployment.

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