IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGH
|Auth: varies by cve|Reboot: required|Est. 30–60 minutes including reboot|Manual only

KB5041160: Windows Server 2016 Cumulative Update (August 2025)

The August 2025 Patch Tuesday cumulative update for Windows Server 2016 addresses security vulnerabilities. Windows Server 2016 mainstream support ended January 2022 — if still running it, ensure you are current on extended support patches.

Published Aug 12, 2025 · Updated May 10, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

Windows Server 2016 systems missing current cumulative updates are exposed to all unpatched CVEs from the August 2025 cycle and any previous missed cycles. End-of-mainstream-support Windows Server versions attract increased attacker attention as organisations often deprioritise patching on systems scheduled for decommission.

How the attack works

KB5041160 is the August 2025 monthly security rollup for Windows Server 2016. Windows Server 2016 is in extended support until January 12, 2027. Organisations running Server 2016 should plan migration to Windows Server 2022 or 2025 while maintaining current patch status on existing 2016 systems.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

All Windows Server 2016 systems
Running Windows Server 2016 prior to KB5041160

Affected OS versions

Windows Server 2016
Fixed inKB5041160
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

An organisation running Windows Server 2016 on several file servers in a "stabilise and migrate" phase delays patching while planning migration. Threat actors specifically target organisations with aging Windows Server versions, using vulnerability intelligence feeds to identify exposure windows. The file servers are compromised via an unpatched local privilege escalation before migration is completed.

How to patch

Manual download

For air-gapped servers or out-of-band deployment. Microsoft Update Catalog returns every OS-version variant of this update.

↗ Microsoft Update CatalogKB5041160

Manual remediation steps

30–60 minutes including reboot

Check if KB5041160 is Installed

Get-HotFix -Id KB5041160

Check Windows Server 2016 Support Status

# Extended support ends January 12, 2027
(Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion').ProductName
# Plan migration to Windows Server 2022/2025

Apply

1
Download from https://catalog.update.microsoft.com/search.aspx?q=KB5041160
2
Install as Administrator and restart

Verify

Get-HotFix -Id KB5041160
PowerShell automationComing soon

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