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Windows Logs New Firewall Error — But It’s Harmless
Following Microsoft’s June 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 11 (KB5060829), system administrators and IT professionals have started noticing an unexpected error popping up in Event Viewer logs. The culprit? An event tagged with ID 2042, generated by “Windows Firewall With Advanced Security,” and carrying the cryptic message: “Config Read Failed — More data is available.” This error occurs specifically on devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 and appears every time the system is restarted.
For many, this sparked concerns about potential misconfigurations or security loopholes in the Windows Firewall. But Microsoft quickly stepped in to clarify the situation. The company confirmed that this error is linked to an in-development feature that hasn’t been fully implemented yet. Despite the ominous “error” label, it doesn’t affect the firewall’s actual functionality. Windows Firewall remains fully operational, enforcing all rules and policies correctly. Microsoft assures users and IT teams alike that no action is needed and the issue can safely be ignored.
The technical details of the issue highlight that the error is purely cosmetic — it doesn’t stem from a real problem. It’s logged in the Security section of Event Viewer with the usual error formatting but is merely a side effect of background development processes. For those who prefer tidy logs, Microsoft suggests either filtering out Event ID 2042 using a custom Event Viewer view or excluding it via PowerShell with a targeted command.
While Microsoft hasn’t provided a specific timeline for a fix, the issue will be resolved in a future update. Importantly, there’s no need to uninstall the June preview update or make system-level changes. The error affects only Windows 11 version 24H2 and has no impact on Windows Server systems.
What Undercode Say:
Understanding the Root of Event ID 2042
At first glance, any error related to a system’s firewall raises red flags — especially for IT teams responsible for keeping enterprise environments secure. However, the reality behind Event ID 2042 lies more in Microsoft’s development cadence than in actual system flaws. The message “Config Read Failed” and the vague hint that “more data is available” are simply placeholders generated by a partially implemented backend feature.
Transparency Versus Clarity in System Updates
Microsoft’s quick acknowledgment of the issue is commendable, but their messaging could have been clearer from the outset. Labelling the event as an “error” without immediate clarification led to unnecessary anxiety within the IT community. A more transparent changelog or developer note accompanying KB5060829 might have alleviated this confusion early on.
The Bigger Picture: Preview Updates and Their Risks
This event serves as a classic example of why preview updates should be approached with caution in production environments. While these updates are valuable for testing new features, they often contain code still in flux. IT administrators who apply them widely risk encountering incomplete or confusing behaviors, even if they’re ultimately harmless.
PowerShell Filters: The Unsung Hero for Clean Logs
Microsoft’s workaround — filtering Event ID 2042 via PowerShell — highlights the often-overlooked flexibility of Windows’ native tools. For large organizations with centralized monitoring systems, these filters can prevent unnecessary ticket generation and allow focus on genuine threats. It’s a reminder that log hygiene is as important as system security itself.
Implications for DevSecOps and Policy Automation
While this particular issue
No Impact, but Reputation Risk Remains
Though there’s no actual threat here, public perception matters. For users unfamiliar with the update process, recurring firewall errors can breed distrust. Microsoft must balance technical development with user communication to maintain credibility.
Future Updates Should Be More Granular
With increasing modularization in Windows architecture, Microsoft could improve transparency by isolating developmental logs from critical system alerts. Introducing a new category for under-development feature logs might avoid similar misinterpretations in future builds.
A Lesson in System Maturity
This incident isn’t a failure — it’s a lesson in evolving software systems. As Windows 11 continues to mature, its handling of preview rollouts, communication, and error reporting must evolve in parallel. Transparency, context, and user trust are just as vital as code stability.
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ Is Windows Firewall still functioning properly? Yes, it continues to enforce all rules and policies
✅ Is Event ID 2042 a sign of a security threat? No, it stems from an unfinished feature
✅ Should users uninstall the June update? No, Microsoft advises against any rollback
📊 Prediction:
Given Microsoft’s track record, it’s likely the Event ID 2042 issue will be resolved in the next cumulative update, potentially by August 2025. Until then, users should expect no functional disruptions and can safely ignore the log entry. IT teams might also see more development-related errors logged in future preview builds as Microsoft accelerates Windows 11’s modular evolution. 👨💻🔧
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
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