Archive for July, 2019

Windows Server 2016’s June 2019 Update fixes a Server Core-specific issue

It’s uncommon for Microsoft updates to include a Server Core-specific fix, but the June 11, 2019 Quality update for Windows Server 2016 included one.

So let’s take a look.

 

About Windows Server 2016 Updates

Microsoft issues two major updates each month for Windows Server 2016. This was outlined in the Patching with Windows Server 2016 blogpost.
On the second Tuesday of each month (Patch Tuesday), Microsoft issues a cumulative update that includes security and quality fixes for Windows Server 2016. Being cumulative, this update includes all the previously released security and quality fixes.
In the second half of each month (generally the 3rd week of the month) Microsoft releases a non-security / quality update for Windows Server 2016. This update, too, is cumulative and includes all quality and security fixes shipped prior to this release.

This, however, no longer applies to Nano Server installations of Windows Server 2016. This specific installation option reached end of service on October 9, 2018.

 

About the June 11, 2019 update for Windows Server 2016

The June 11, 2019 Quality update for Windows Server 2016 (accompanied by KB4503267 and bringing the OS version to 14393.3025) includes many fixes. It includes fixes that address a serious Bluetooth vulnerability, a PXE issue and security updates to Edge, Scripting Engine, Internet Explorer, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows Input and Composition, Windows Media, Windows Shell, Windows Server, Windows Authentication, Windows Datacenter Networking, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Windows Virtualization, Internet Information Services, and the JET Database Engine.

It also mentions Server Core specifically:

Addresses an issue that may cause authentication to fail when using Windows Hello for Business on Windows Server 2016 with the Server Core option installed.

 

Concluding

This is the first time, a Windows Server 2016 Server Core-specific issue is addressed (and named) for an update.

If this sounds like an issue in your environment, than KB4503267 may solve it.

Further reading

Windows Hello for Business Frequently Asked Questions
June 11, 2019—KB4503267 (OS Build 14393.3025)