BSOD on Windows Server 2019 and 2022 VMs on SLES15 SP3 host

This document (000020369) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3

Situation

When Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022 Virtual Machines installed on a SLES 15 SP3 host are left idle for some time, blue screen of death (BSOD) may be observed in the Virtual Machines.

Resolution

The kernel maintenance update (5.3.18-59.24.1) released September 2021 includes the patch to resolve the problem. Please install the recommended update.

Workaround:
Pass 'split_lock_detect=off' kernel command line parameter to the SLES 15 SP3 OS and then start the guest Virtual Machines.

Cause

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3 adds support for split lock detection.
Alignment Check (AC) exception is being delivered to Virtual Machines without checking if the Virtual Machine is capable of handling the Alignment Check (AC) exception, resulting in BSOD.

Disclaimer

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