Microsoft encounters bugs in the "under development" code of Windows 11 Firewall with Advanced Security, prompting error messages; the tech giant expresses apologies for the issues.
The July 2025 Windows security update (KB5062553) has been causing a persistent error in the Windows Firewall, despite Microsoft's initial claims of resolution. The error, known as "Event 2042" for Windows Firewall with Advanced Security, has been causing annoyance for experienced users, particularly those monitoring system processes.
The error, characterised by messages like "Config Read Failed" and "More data is available," was first discovered in the June 2025 optional update (KB5060829). Microsoft initially stated that the issue was fixed in the July 2025 update, but subsequent feedback and further investigation revealed that the update not only failed to address the firewall error but also caused it to appear on more PCs that were not affected before.
Microsoft has since admitted its mistake and updated its documentation, acknowledging that the issue remains unresolved. They apologised for the confusion and confirmed that a proper fix is planned for a future update in the coming weeks.
The error affects the Windows Event Viewer by falsely flagging a critical firewall error. However, Microsoft reassures users that they can disregard the error without having to worry about any potential system failures. The issue seems to be persistent every time the device is restarted, continuously making entries of the errors in the Event Log.
The Windows Firewall is a crucial component of Windows 11's security suite, designed to protect users from unauthorized access and monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic. It blocks connections it deems harmful, whether via the internet or a local network, from bad actors like hackers.
Microsoft attributes the issue to a feature currently in development and not fully implemented. They expect the Windows Firewall to function normally without any hiccups on the system processes front. The error event related to Windows Firewall with Advanced Security is included in the "known issues" section of Microsoft's Release Health Dashboard.
The July 2025 Windows security update also ships with other improvements, as usual. Users are advised they can safely disregard the firewall error for now while Microsoft works on a permanent resolution in future updates. Installing the July 2025 Windows security update or later patches will fix the annoying bug and clear your Event Log.
Last week, Microsoft indicated that it was working on a permanent fix for the issue, and it has finally delivered on its promise: the issue is resolved in the July 2025 Windows security update (KB5062553) and later updates. Microsoft has updated its Release Health Dashboard, stating that the resolution for the issue is planned to be included in an update to be released in the coming weeks.
[1] Microsoft Support:
- The Windows security update for July 2025, KB5062553, initially failed to address a persistent error in the Windows Firewall, a crucial component of Windows 11's security suite.
- Despite Microsoft's initial claims, the error, referred to as "Event 2042" for Windows Firewall with Advanced Security, has caused issues for many experienced users who monitor system processes.
- This error, characterized by messages like "Config Read Failed" and "More data is available," was first discovered in the June 2025 optional update, KB5060829.
- After acknowledging its mistake, Microsoft confirmed that a proper fix for the Windows Firewall error is planned for a future update, likely to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
- In the meantime, users can disregard the error without worrying about potential system failures, as the Windows Firewall remains effective in protecting their PCs from unauthorized access.
- The July 2025 Windows security update also comes with other improvements, including advancements in technology like data-and-cloud-computing, and supports software like Xbox and games on PC and Microsoft's Surface Pro devices.
