Each month, the team at Readiness analyzes the latest Patch Tuesday updates from Microsoft and provides detailed, actionable testing guidance. This guidance is based on assessing a large application portfolio and a comprehensive analysis of the Microsoft patches and their potential impact on Windows platforms and application deployments.
For this March release cycle from Microsoft there are no reported functional changes. However, feature level testing will still be required, especially for system drivers and core libraries. We have grouped the critical updates and required testing efforts into different functional areas, including:
File System Components
- Common Log File System: Test by creating a BLF and multiple container files, appending logs using `ReserveAndAppendLog`, and deleting containers.
- Core System drivers (ntfs.sys, exfat.sys & fastfat.sys): Test mounting, dismounting, and performing file operations on ExFAT volumes.
Networking & Remote Services
- If using a Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) server, test `netsh` scenarios to confirm commands work as expected.
- FAX: Validate TAPI initialization, shutdown, and key functions like `lineInitialize` and `lineMakeCall`. Stress test for stability and error handling.
Storage & Device Interaction
- Focus on storage subsystem tests, including operations on virtual/physical disks and storage enclosures.
- Test how Search Connector files interact with various network paths (UNC, SMB, and file system paths).
- Validate all camera-related scenarios.
Audio, Video & UI Components
- Verify audio/video recording with internal and external devices.
- Test apps like Teams and Camera that use virtual features (e.g., Phone Link, Windows Studio Effects).
Affected Versions for this update cycle include the following Windows desktop and server builds:
- Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, Windows 10 1607, Windows 10 RTM.
- Windows Server 23H2, Azure Stack OS 22H2, Windows Server 2022
Due to the changes to low-level system (kernel) drivers, a full reboot/restart test will be required for all Windows UI elements including Explorer, desktop shell and Internet Explorer.
