⚠️ Notice: Legacy Agere Modem Driver Removed by Microsoft Windows Update
Date: January 2026
We are issuing this notice following customer reports that certain legacy dial-up modems may no longer initialize or function as expected after recent Microsoft Windows updates.
Microsoft’s January 2026 cumulative Windows updates removed legacy Agere Soft Modem driver components (including agrsm64.sys and agrsm.sys) from the operating system as part of Microsoft’s security response to CVE-2023-31096 – Windows Agere Soft Modem Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability.
As a result:
Windows systems updated with the January 2026 patches may no longer load the legacy modem drivers that were previously included with the operating system.
Devices that relied on these Windows-included drivers may not initialize or function after the update.
Based on customer reports, the following HiRO model may be impacted when used in environments that depended on the removed Windows-included Agere drivers:
HiRO H50113
The hardware itself has not changed. The behavior observed is associated with Microsoft’s operating system update and driver policy changes, which are outside of HiRO’s control.
Microsoft documents this issue in its Security Update Guide under CVE-2023-31096, reflecting the driver removal action taken in recent cumulative updates:
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-31096
Customers affected by this driver removal and requiring dial-up modem functionality may consider an external modem option that does not rely on legacy Windows-included modem drivers.
Suggested Model:
HiRO H50228 – V.92 56K External USB Data/Fax Modem
External USB form factor
Designed for use in newer Windows environments
Built-in driver functionality provided by the device, rather than legacy Windows-included drivers
Purchase options:
Manufacturer product page: https://www.hiroinc.com/product_details.php?item_id=72
Amazon listing: https://a.co/d/2dcnrMG
HiRO is a hardware manufacturer. We do not develop or control Microsoft Windows, operating system drivers, updates, or third-party software. Accordingly, HiRO makes no guarantees regarding compatibility or performance with any operating system version or update. Functionality may be affected if any component of the operating system, driver stack, or system environment changes. Customers are encouraged to validate compatibility within their specific environment prior to deployment.
If you have questions regarding this update, driver removal impacts, or evaluation options, please contact HiRO Support and include your modem model, Windows version, and case reference information.
HiRO Inc.
Service Department
service@hiroinc.com
