Microsoft has rolled out a fix for a critical "boot device inaccessible" error that was plaguing some Windows Server 2025 systems. The issue, which surfaced after the OS installation, specifically affected servers utilizing iSCSI under NDIS Poll Mode.
According to Microsoft's initial acknowledgment in late October, the bug manifested in scenarios where servers booted from an iSCSI LUN while operating under NDIS Poll Mode. This configuration, common in environments leveraging network-attached storage, led to startup failures accompanied by the dreaded "boot device inaccessible" error message.
For those in DevOps and data center management, iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) is a cornerstone technology. As a built-in Windows Server component, it empowers servers to seamlessly connect to remote storage devices across TCP/IP networks using standard SCSI commands. This capability is vital for abstracting remote storage, often within a Storage Area Network (SAN), making it appear and function as local disks. This makes iSCSI an indispensable tool for centralized storage strategies, robust virtualization deployments, and efficient operations within modern data center infrastructures.
The good news is that Microsoft has addressed this disruptive issue with the release of Windows updates released February 11, 2025 (KB5051987), and later. In a recent update to their Windows release health dashboard, the company stated, "This issue was resolved by Windows updates released February 11, 2025 (KB5051987), and later. We recommend you install the latest update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions, including this one."
Applying the KB5051987 cumulative update is now crucial for administrators managing Windows Server 2025 systems in iSCSI environments. Beyond the "boot device inaccessible" fix, this update also resolves other reported issues, including those affecting USB audio and camera functionality that emerged following the January 2025 security updates.
This patch is part of a series of recent fixes from Redmond aimed at enhancing the stability of Windows Server 2025. Previously, Microsoft tackled install, upgrade, and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors on high-core count servers in November. December saw a resolution for boot failures on specific Windows Server 2022 setups with two or more NUMA nodes. These rapid responses underscore Microsoft's commitment to ensuring a robust experience on their latest server operating systems.
Windows Server 2025, the current Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release, achieved general availability in early November. For those looking to explore its capabilities, a free 180-day trial is available through the
Recommendation: If you are operating Windows Server 2025 with iSCSI and NDIS Poll Mode, prioritize installing the latest updates, including KB5051987 or later, to prevent "boot device inaccessible" errors and ensure a stable server environment. Staying current with updates is a key DevOps best practice for maintaining system health and security.
Keyword Tags: Windows Server 2025, iSCSI, Boot Device Inaccessible, KB5051987, Microsoft, Patch, Fix, NDIS Poll Mode, Server, Update, DevOps, System Administration, Data Center, Virtualization, SAN, Storage, LTSC, Windows Update, Tech Blog, Boot Error
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