KB5074974 (OS Build 14393.8692) Out-of-Band Update for Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 LTSB 2016

Summary

This is an out-of-band update - OS Build 14393.8692, released December 18, 2025 - for Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016. It addresses a regression in Message Queuing (MSMQ) functionality introduced by the December 9, 2025 cumulative update (KB5071543). No new security content is added beyond that prior release. See Microsoft Support for the official page.

Improvements and fixes

• Fixes a regression where installing the December 9, 2025 Windows updates caused problems with Message Queuing (MSMQ) functionality. Affected scenarios include clustered MSMQ environments under load, message queues becoming inactive, insufficient-resource error messages, applications unable to write to message queues, errors stating a message cannot be created, and messages reporting insufficient disk space or memory. This issue primarily affects enterprise and managed IT environments rather than personal devices running Windows Home or Pro.

Known issues

Microsoft lists no known issues for this update at the time of writing.

How to get this update

Prerequisite - Servicing Stack Update

Before installing KB5074974, you must have the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU) in place. Microsoft specifically requires SSU KB5070247 for systems installing updates released on or after January 14, 2025. Without it, this update may not be offered to your device, and installation may fail. The SSU is offered automatically through Windows Update and Windows Update for Business. WSUS administrators must manually approve both KB5070247 and KB5074974.

Installation channels

This out-of-band update is available through the following channels:

• Windows Update - available; KB5070247 SSU is offered automatically before this update.
• Windows Update for Business - available; KB5070247 SSU is offered automatically.
• Microsoft Update Catalog - available as a standalone package; download and install KB5070247 SSU manually before applying this update.
• Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) - available; administrators must approve both KB5070247 and KB5074974 in the console.

Because this is an out-of-band release, it is only available from the Update Catalog for most channels - it is not distributed through the standard monthly release pipeline. If you have already installed earlier updates in this servicing branch, only the new components in this package will be downloaded and applied.

Frequently asked questions

What problem does this update specifically fix?

It fixes a regression in Message Queuing (MSMQ) introduced by the December 9, 2025 update (KB5071543). Symptoms include inactive message queues, insufficient-resource errors, applications unable to write to queues, and messages about insufficient disk space or memory. Clustered MSMQ environments under load are also affected. The issue primarily impacts enterprise and managed IT environments.

Do I need to uninstall the December 9, 2025 update before applying this one?

No. The page does not state that KB5071543 must be removed first. KB5074974 builds on top of KB5071543 - it includes all fixes from that release plus the MSMQ regression fix. If earlier updates are already installed, only the new components in this package will be downloaded and installed.

Does this update apply to Windows 10 Home or Pro devices?

The page states that individuals using Windows Home or Pro editions on personal devices are very unlikely to experience the MSMQ issue this update addresses. The update itself applies to Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 only, not to mainstream consumer Windows 10 editions.

What are the end-of-support dates I should plan around for these products?

According to the page, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB both reach end of support on October 13, 2026. Windows Server 2016 reaches end of support on January 12, 2027. After those dates, Microsoft will no longer provide free updates, technical assistance, or security fixes through Windows Update.