Microsoft has issued an emergency out-of-band update, KB5074976, to resolve critical Message Queuing (MSMQ) failures caused by the December 2025 security patches. This disruption primarily impacts enterprise environments enrolled in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, causing application timeouts and service outages. Because MSMQ is vital for asynchronous communication and background task management, these failures can halt mission-critical business transactions. Unlike standard monthly releases, this specific fix is not automated and must be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The provided text outlines the technical symptoms of the problem, identifies which organizations are at risk, and offers step-by-step installation instructions. Finally, it advises businesses to utilize managed IT services to navigate these complex legacy support challenges and plan for future migrations. ... Read More