Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 and Server 2025 Updates Disrupt RemoteApp Connections
Microsoft has officially acknowledged a significant issue affecting enterprise environments following the release of its November 2025 non-security preview update, KB5070311. This update, which includes OS builds 26200.7309 and 26100.7309, has been identified as the cause of RemoteApp connection failures within Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) setups.
Impact on Enterprise Users
The problem predominantly impacts organizations utilizing Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows Server 2025. Users have reported that RemoteApp streams, which are essential for publishing individual applications via AVD, fail to establish connections post-update. This disruption is attributed to modifications in the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) shell handling introduced by KB5070311 on December 1, 2025. Notably, individual users operating Windows Home or Pro editions are largely unaffected, as AVD deployments are uncommon outside enterprise settings.
Microsoft’s Response and Recommended Workarounds
In response to the widespread reports, Microsoft has proposed two primary workarounds to mitigate the issue:
1. Manual Registry Modification:
– Open an elevated Command Prompt.
– Execute the following command:
“`
reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\ShellPrograms\RdpShell.exe /v ShouldStartRailRPC /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
“`
– Restart the system to apply changes.
Caution: Before making registry changes, it’s imperative to back up the registry to prevent potential system instability.
2. Utilizing Known Issue Rollback (KIR):
– For devices receiving updates directly from Microsoft, the KIR fix is deployed automatically. However, it may take up to 24 hours from December 12, 2025, 6:00 PM PT, for the fix to propagate. Restarting the device can expedite this process.
– Enterprise administrators managing updates through IT policies can deploy a targeted Group Policy using the MSI package KB5072033_25121301401. After installation, configure the policy under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates, then restart the affected systems.
Additional Resources and Future Updates
Organizations can refer to the Azure Portal under Messages ID: Q_P4-HFG for tailored insights and further guidance. Microsoft has committed to delivering a permanent resolution in an upcoming update, after which the aforementioned workarounds can be safely removed.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the challenges associated with maintaining seamless functionality in hybrid cloud environments, especially as enterprises increasingly rely on AVD for secure application delivery. The disruption highlights the critical need for robust update testing and swift remediation strategies to minimize operational risks.
