Windows · Microsoft · released September 8, 2026
Windows security updates, September 2026: every vulnerability, rated
Microsoft published 705 Windows vulnerabilities in September 2026, most of them on Patch Tuesday, September 8, 2026. 71 are rated Critical. 1 was already being exploited, so it goes to the top of the list. 119 more deserve attention this week; 585 can follow the normal monthly rollout. 27 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
- 705
- Patch now
- 1
- This week
- 119
- Normal cycle
- 543
- Low
- 42
Fixed in: September 2026 Windows security update restart requiredMicrosoft release notes
Page 6 of 12 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle60 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69608Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Windows Search Component, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69685Windows 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 less likely". Fixed in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69687Windows USB Audio Class driver (usbaudio.sys)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows USB Audio Class driver (usbaudio.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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69691Windows Spaceport.sys
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Spaceport.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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69707Windows USB Audio Class driver (usbaudio.sys)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows USB Audio Class driver (usbaudio.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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69709Windows NTFS
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows NTFS, an attacker with an ordinary user account could run their own code once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69720Windows MIDI Service Module Elevation of Privileges Vulnerability
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows MIDI Service Module Elevation of Privileges Vulnerability, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5124008, KB5124012) for 6 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69731HID Class Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In HID Class 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69738Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69758Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS), 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69785Windows Smart Card
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Smart Card, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69787Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69790Windows Credential Providers
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Credential Providers, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69801Windows Audio Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Audio 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69821Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS), 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122882) for 16 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69822Windows 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 21 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69841Windows Encrypting File System (EFS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Encrypting File System (EFS), 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69900Kernel Streaming WOW Thunk Service Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Kernel Streaming WOW Thunk Service 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 unlikely". Fixed in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122878, KB5122880) for 16 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-69907Windows Enterprise App Management
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Enterprise App Management, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-70564Windows Print Spooler Components
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Print Spooler Components, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-70569Windows Spaceport.sys
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Spaceport.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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122880, KB5122882) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-70572Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-70574Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) Miniport Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulernability
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) Miniport Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulernability, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-70581Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-71334Windows NFS Portmapper
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows NFS Portmapper, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-71337Windows Storage Management Provider
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Storage Management Provider, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122878, KB5122880) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-71345Windows Spaceport.sys
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Spaceport.sys, an attacker with an ordinary user account could run their own code once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72929Windows 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122880, KB5124008) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72941Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72944Role: Windows Fax Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Role: Windows Fax 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72946Microsoft Storage Port Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft 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 unlikely". Fixed in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5124008, KB5124012) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72953Windows 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122878, KB5122880) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72965Windows WebClient Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows WebClient 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72967Windows Network Connection Broker
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Network Connection Broker, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72988Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72990Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72991Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72992Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72993Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72994Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72995Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72996Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-72997Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73000Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73001Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73002Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73007Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73011Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73014Data Sharing Service Client
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Data Sharing Service 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 less likely". Fixed in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73015Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73020Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73021Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73024Windows Services for NFS ONCRPC XDR Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Services for NFS ONCRPC XDR 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-73026Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-77489Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-77904Windows Volume Manager Extension Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Volume Manager Extension 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 unlikely". Fixed in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-78447Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-78448Windows Biometric Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Biometric 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-80075Windows Work Folders
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Work Folders, 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsSeptember 8, 2026
CVE-2026-83942Windows 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 September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 22 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.