Windows · Microsoft · released August 11, 2026
Windows security updates, August 2026: every vulnerability, rated
Microsoft published 230 Windows vulnerabilities in August 2026, most of them on Patch Tuesday, August 11, 2026. 20 are rated Critical. 1 was already being exploited, so it goes to the top of the list. 41 more deserve attention this week; 188 can follow the normal monthly rollout. 21 were fixed by an earlier update and only disclosed this month, so a PC that is already current is covered. The updates that carry these fixes need a restart.
- CVEs
- 230
- Patch now
- 1
- This week
- 41
- Normal cycle
- 177
- Low
- 11
Fixed in: August 2026 Windows security update restart requiredMicrosoft release notes
Page 2 of 4 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle60 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 13, 2026
CVE-2026-50461Windows NTFS
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Fixed earlier (July 2026)
In Windows NTFS, an attacker with no account could run their own code once they can run code on the PC, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on August 13, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the July 2026 Windows security update (KB5099444, KB5099445, KB5099535) for 27 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 21, 2026
CVE-2026-50466Microsoft Brokering File System
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Fixed earlier (July 2026)
In Microsoft Brokering File System, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Microsoft disclosed it on August 21, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the July 2026 Windows security update (KB5099536, KB5101649, KB5101650) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 3, 2026
CVE-2026-50493DirectX Graphics Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Fixed earlier (July 2026)
In DirectX Graphics Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on August 3, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the July 2026 Windows security update (KB5099536, KB5099538, KB5099539) for 19 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-54984Windows Imaging Component
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Imaging Component, an attacker with no account could run their own code once they can run code on the PC, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-56174Windows Narrator Braille
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Narrator Braille, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 16 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 20, 2026
CVE-2026-56650Windows Network File System
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Fixed earlier (July 2026)
In Windows Network File System, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on August 20, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the July 2026 Windows security update (KB5099444, KB5099445, KB5099535) for 27 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 12, 2026
CVE-2026-58538Windows Bluetooth Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Fixed earlier (July 2026)
In Windows Bluetooth Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on August 12, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the July 2026 Windows security update (KB5099536, KB5099538, KB5099539) for 19 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-59127Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61353Windows Telephony Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Telephony Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61355Windows Sensor Data Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Sensor Data Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61356Windows Remote Desktop Services
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Remote Desktop Services, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61357Application Information Services
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Application Information Services, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120233, KB5120994) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 13, 2026
CVE-2026-61359Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Out of band
In Windows Storage, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61364Windows Remote Desktop Services
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Remote Desktop Services, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61365Windows Remote Desktop Services
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Remote Desktop Services, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61367Windows Remote Desktop Services
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Remote Desktop Services, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61923Windows Display Enhancement Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Display Enhancement Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61926Windows USB Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows USB Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61932Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120229, KB5120238, KB5120240) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61934Windows Bind Filter Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Bind Filter Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120233, KB5120240) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-61937Windows HTTP.sys
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows HTTP.sys, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62692Windows Remote Desktop Services
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Remote Desktop Services, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62695Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Storage, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62700Windows NTFS
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows NTFS, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62701Windows Telephony Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Telephony Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62707Windows Modern Device Management (MDM)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Modern Device Management (MDM), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62710Windows Device Association Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Device Association Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62711Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62717Windows Message Queuing
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Message Queuing, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62719Windows Message Queuing
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Message Queuing, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62732Windows Telephony Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Telephony Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62733Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62736Windows DHCP Client
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DHCP Client, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120233, KB5120240) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62747Windows Device Association Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Device Association Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62751Windows Projected File System
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Projected File System, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62752Windows Kerberos
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kerberos, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62754Windows Kerberos
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kerberos, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62758Windows Remote Access Connection Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Remote Access Connection Manager, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62761Windows DHCP Server
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DHCP Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62770Windows Shell
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Shell, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 17, 2026
CVE-2026-62771Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Out of band
In Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62772Windows Container Isolation FS Filter Driver (unionfs.sys)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Container Isolation FS Filter Driver (unionfs.sys), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5121000) for 2 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62777Windows License Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows License Manager, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62779Windows Schannel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Schannel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120233, KB5120994) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62797Windows NTFS
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows NTFS, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62811Windows HTTP.sys
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows HTTP.sys, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62812Windows DHCP Server
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DHCP Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62876Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62877Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62885Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-62894Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-65671Remote Access API
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Remote Access API, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-65672Remote Access API
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Remote Access API, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-65773Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-65774Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-65786Desktop Window Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Desktop Window Manager, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-65790Windows Message Queuing
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Message Queuing, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-65814Microsoft Windows Storage Port Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Windows Storage Port Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-70344Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsAugust 11, 2026
CVE-2026-70345Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
Why an MSP manages this
Reading the list is the easy part
Nobody running a business reads all of them, and nobody should have to. The work is deciding which ones matter today, testing the fixes, getting them onto every PC and Mac without breaking the workday, and proving it was done.
- 01
Triage that starts with the exploited ones
Most of these fixes can ride the normal monthly rollout. A handful need action the same day. Telling them apart, every month, on every machine, is the core of the work, and it is the part an office manager rarely has time for.
- 02
Testing before everyone gets it
Updates go to a test ring and a pilot group first, so a broken accounting package or design tool shows up on two machines instead of forty, and the rollout pauses until it is sorted.
- 03
Restarts that don't wreck the workday
Windows updates usually need a restart and macOS updates often do. Deadlines, maintenance windows and grace periods get the fix installed without forcing a reboot in the middle of a client call.
- 04
Macs managed as seriously as PCs
Windows patching tools don't patch Macs. macOS updates need their own install-by deadlines through device management, and major upgrades need the same compatibility testing a Windows feature update gets.
- 05
A plan for machines that can't update
Hardware that ages out and versions past end of support stop getting every fix. They need a decision, isolate, upgrade or replace, before they become the easiest way in.
- 06
Proof when someone asks
Cyber insurance applications, customer security questionnaires and frameworks such as the FTC Safeguards Rule all ask how you keep systems patched. A managed service keeps the inventory and the reports that answer them.
The ins and outs
What keeping Windows and Mac patched actually involves
Windows
Patch Tuesday, and the exceptions
Microsoft ships security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, and out of band when something can't wait. This log marks the out-of-band ones.
Cumulative updates
Each month's Windows update carries the earlier months' fixes, so a PC that missed one catches up with the next, as long as it actually installs.
Fixed first, announced later
Some fixes ship before the vulnerability is disclosed. This log flags them, because a PC that is already current is already covered.
Rings, deferrals and deadlines
Windows Update for Business and Intune let you delay updates for a test group, set an install-by deadline and give a grace period before a forced restart.
Known Issue Rollback and safeguard holds
Microsoft can quietly roll back a change that breaks something, and holds back feature updates from PCs it knows will have trouble. Both explain why two PCs on the same network can be on different builds.
Feature updates and end of support
Each Windows version is serviced for a fixed period. Windows 10 PCs past end of support only get security fixes through the paid Extended Security Updates program.
Mac
No fixed release day
Apple publishes security updates when they are ready, often several times a month around a major release, so Mac patching runs on alerts, not a calendar.
Updates versus upgrades
A point update (26.7 to 26.7.1) fixes problems. A major upgrade (Tahoe to Golden Gate) changes the system and needs the same app testing as a Windows feature update.
Older versions get some fixes, not all
Apple's deployment guide says not every security issue is fixed in previous major versions. Staying a version behind is a choice with a cost, not a safe default.
Install-by deadlines through device management
Without enforcement, a macOS update prompt can be put off again and again. Device management can set a deadline so the update installs on schedule.
Macs that age out
When a Mac can no longer run a current macOS version, it stops getting the full set of fixes. Inventory by model and macOS version shows which ones are next.
Apple Business for zero-touch setup
New Macs enrolled through Apple Business arrive already managed, so update policy applies from the first login instead of after someone remembers to enroll them.
Both platforms
Third-party apps aren't on these lists
Browsers, PDF readers, accounting software, VPN clients and plug-ins patch on their own schedules. A machine can be current on Windows or macOS and still exposed through an app.
Firmware and drivers
BIOS and UEFI firmware, docks and network gear get security fixes too, and they rarely update themselves.
Recovery keys before big changes
Before a feature update or a major macOS upgrade, confirm BitLocker and FileVault recovery keys are escrowed somewhere you can reach.
Laptops that are rarely in the office
Remote and travelling staff need updates delivered over the internet with the same deadlines as office machines, or they drift months behind.
You can't patch what you can't see
An up-to-date inventory of every PC and Mac, with its version and last update, is what turns a list like this one into a finished job.