Microsoft says SQL Server linked-server connections can remain open after the October 13, 2026 update KB5127648, and that an out-of-band fix is due in the next few days.
Microsoft says connections created by SQL Server linked server queries might remain open after queries finish, once Windows updates released on October 13, 2026, or later, are installed on server devices. The company lists the issue as confirmed on its Windows 11, version 25H2 release-health page.
The originating update is KB5127648. Microsoft says that build is OS Build 26200.9711, released October 13, 2026. As more queries run, connections to external databases can accumulate instead of closing. Microsoft says that can slow or degrade server performance after a long run.
The issue hits OLE DB linked-server queries. Microsoft says Oracle and PostgreSQL connections are among those known to be affected. Administrators might see a rising number of open connections to external databases even when the related queries are no longer running.
Closing idle connections is only a temporary relief. Microsoft says idle connections can be closed by hand, and restarting the SQL service can temporarily restore stability. It says those steps can also interrupt active queries or transactions, and the problem can return after enough operating time.
A mitigation is available through Microsoft Support for business. Microsoft says it will address the issue with an out-of-band update in the next few days. The page was last updated on November 11, 2026, at 3:12 p.m. Pacific time, which is 7:12 p.m. AST.
Microsoft lists the affected platforms. On clients, it names Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, 24H2 and 23H2, plus Windows 10 version 1809 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019. On servers, it names Windows Server 2025, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server version 1809, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012.
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