Windows · Microsoft · released October 13, 2026
Windows security updates, October 2026: every vulnerability, rated
Microsoft published 1,165 Windows vulnerabilities in October 2026, most of them on Patch Tuesday, October 13, 2026. 42 are rated Critical. 2 were already being exploited, so they go to the top of the list. 158 more deserve attention this week; 1,005 can follow the normal monthly rollout. 51 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
- 1,165
- Patch now
- 2
- This week
- 158
- Normal cycle
- 972
- Low
- 33
Fixed in: October 2026 Windows security update restart requiredMicrosoft release notes
Page 12 of 20 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle60 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-100201Windows Client License Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Client License Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-100203Windows Update Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Update Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-100216Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-100225Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102189Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 14 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102191Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 14 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102193Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126651, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102194Windows Graphics Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows 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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102195Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126653, KB5127646, KB5127648) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102197Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126651, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102207Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102208Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126651, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102209Microsoft Graphics Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Microsoft Graphics Component, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5127646) for 2 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-103554Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126651, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-103555Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) Miniport Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) Miniport Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-103565Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126651, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-105722Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126651, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108132Windows Kerberos
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108134Windows Autopilot
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Autopilot, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5127648) for 6 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108135Windows Backup Engine
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Backup Engine, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126653, KB5126657, KB5127646) for 16 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108396Windows Modern Device Management (MDM)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108461Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126651, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108464Software Protection Platform (SPP)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Software Protection Platform (SPP), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108465Windows Update Delivery Optimization
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Update Delivery Optimization, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108468Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-109453Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) Miniport Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) Miniport Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 6, 2026
CVE-2026-61927Windows Bind Filter Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7 · Fixed earlier (August 2026)
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 6, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120233, KB5120994) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 14, 2026
CVE-2026-68825Windows Bind Filter Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 14, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122880, KB5124008) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 6, 2026
CVE-2026-68840Windows USB Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 6, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69387Windows Error Reporting
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Error Reporting, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 6, 2026
CVE-2026-69401Audio Video Control Transport Protocol
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Audio Video Control Transport Protocol, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 6, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5124008, KB5124012) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 7, 2026
CVE-2026-69470Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Connected User Experiences and Telemetry, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 7, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69596Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69736Windows Credential Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Credential Manager, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69743Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69763Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69766Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69795Windows Clipboard Server
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Clipboard Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69840Windows Certificates
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Certificates, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69856Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69896Windows Error Reporting
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows Error Reporting, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 13, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5124008, KB5124012) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69915Windows NTFS
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69931Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69935Windows Storage
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69964Kernel Streaming Service Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Kernel Streaming 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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69970Kernel Streaming Service Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Kernel Streaming 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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69977Quality Windows Audio/Video Experience (QWAVE) service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Quality Windows Audio/Video Experience (QWAVE) service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70021Windows Direct Composition
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Direct Composition, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126655, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70026Windows Secure Kernel Mode
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Secure Kernel Mode, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70045Windows Work Folders
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70056Windows Update Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Update Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70066Windows DHCP Server
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126655) for 16 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70067Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70086Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70115Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5127646, KB5127648) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70118Windows Audio Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5127646, KB5127648) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70134Windows Event Tracing
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Event Tracing, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70136Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70140Windows Audio Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70150Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 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.