Windows 7 Patch Breaks Connection with VMware View Client

Two entries in Microsoft's February security update, released last week, block Windows 7 users from connecting to VMware's View Connection Servers, according to a VMware security bulletin.

Affecting both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft's newest OS, the error causes the connection between a user's PC and a VMware-hosted virtual console to fail.

Although VMware didn't provide details on how patches 2482017 (a cumulative security update for all versions of Internet Explorer) and 2467023 (an update that fixes an issue with how Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 loads and unloads system binaries) interrupts the PC and virtual console connection, it provided two options for fixing the situation:

  • Install a VMware View Client patch, build 353760.
  • Uninstall the two Microsoft patches.

The company also recommended downloading and installing the View Client patch before updating Windows 7 machines, if the newest Microsoft security update batch hasn't been installed.

While the incompatibility issue between the two companies' software and updates can be remedied, Gartner Research Vice President Chris Wolf used the incident to point out that flaws do occur between Microsoft updates and a "bring-your-own-device" (BYOD) delivery model.

"For organizations planning BYOD scenarios, this week's Windows 7 patch issue should make you consider the potential for a large-scale break created on Patch Tuesday," wrote Wolf in a Gartner blog post. "If we fast forward a couple of years, it's possible for an IT organization to have to deal with remediating this type of problem for thousands of users."

Wolf argued that as the virtualization model continues to spread through enterprises, it will be harder for IT pros to test new updates and to devise a common solution when an incompatibility issue occurs for multiple users running multiple unique virtualization environments.

While this week's problem looks to be resolved with VMware's patch, Wolf underlined one of the inherent issues of using third-party services and software for virtualization: "Sure, with BYOD, the user is supposed to 'support' their own device in theory. However, if hundreds or thousands of users can't connect to their apps, it becomes IT's support problem, like it or not."

About the Author

Chris Paoli (@ChrisPaoli5) is the associate editor for Converge360.

Featured

  • open laptop in a college classroom with holographic AI icons like a brain and data charts rising from the screen

    4 Ways Universities Are Using Google AI Tools for Learning and Administration

    In a recent blog post, Google shared an array of education customer stories, showcasing ways institutions are using AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to transform both learning and administrative tasks.

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Launches Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has introduced a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • three main icons—a cloud, a user profile, and a padlock—connected by circuit lines on a blue abstract background

    Report: Identity Has Become a Critical Security Perimeter for Cloud Services

    A new threat landscape report points to new cloud vulnerabilities. According to the 2025 Global Threat Landscape Report from Fortinet, while misconfigured cloud storage buckets were once a prime vector for cybersecurity exploits, other cloud missteps are gaining focus.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.