Microsoft has issued a fix for a bug that led to misleading error messages being logged by Windows Firewall on some Windows 11 devices, following a recent update. Despite user concerns, Microsoft confirmed that the errors were benign and did not compromise system security.
Background
The issue stemmed from the Windows 11 June 2025 preview update, which introduced a new component related to firewall configuration. Following installation, users began encountering repeated entries in the Event Viewer (Event ID 2042) with the message: “Config Read Failed” and “More data is available.” These entries were logged every time the system was restarted, causing confusion among users and administrators.
Nature of the Bug
Microsoft clarified that these error messages were the result of an under-development feature in Windows Firewall that was not fully operational in the preview release. Although the system incorrectly generated error logs, firewall functionality and system security remained fully intact.
“The errors were not indicative of a problem with Windows Firewall or with any security component,” Microsoft stated in an updated support advisory.
Miscommunication on Resolution
The issue was initially marked as resolved during the July 2025 Patch Tuesday updates with the rollout of update KB5062553. However, users continued to report the presence of the Event 2042 logs. Microsoft later acknowledged that this resolution status was in error and apologized for the premature communication.
Permanent Fix Now Available
On July 23, 2025, Microsoft issued a preview cumulative update KB5062660 for Windows 11 version 24H2, which includes the permanent fix for the issue. Once applied, the inaccurate Event 2042 messages will no longer appear in the Event Viewer upon system restart.
This update will be formally included in the August 2025 Patch Tuesday release, ensuring broad availability across supported Windows 11 systems.
