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 15 of 20 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle60 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88161Windows Local Security Authority (LSA)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Local Security Authority (LSA), 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-2026-95943Connected Devices Platform Service (Cdpsvc)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Connected Devices Platform Service (Cdpsvc), 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-2026-96209Windows Network File System
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. 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-2026-96215Windows 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 (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96216Windows 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 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96250Windows USB Print Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows USB Print 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96253Windows USB Print Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows USB Print 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96254Windows USB Print Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows USB Print 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96301Windows USB Print Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows USB Print 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96302Windows 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-2026-96304Windows USB Print Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows USB Print 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96305Windows 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-2026-96307Windows 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-2026-96310Windows USB Print Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows USB Print 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96313Windows Push Notifications
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Push Notifications, 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-2026-96319Windows USB Print Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows USB Print 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96322Windows Remote Desktop Protocol
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Remote Desktop 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 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-2026-96323Windows Update
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Update, 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 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96852Windows TCP/IP
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows TCP/IP, 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-2026-96868Windows 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, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96919Windows 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-2026-96923Windows Workstation Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Workstation 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-2026-96932Windows Embedded Mode Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Embedded Mode 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-2026-96937Microsoft 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96949Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. 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-2026-97787Windows Container Isolation FS Filter Driver (unionfs.sys)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. 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-2026-97793Windows Setup and Deployment
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Setup and Deployment, 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-2026-97808Windows 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-2026-97810Windows Container Isolation FS Filter Driver (unionfs.sys)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
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 7.0. 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-2026-97812Windows Update Orchestrator Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7
In Windows Update Orchestrator 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, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 14, 2026
CVE-2026-102188Windows Storage Port Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8 · Out of band
In Windows Storage Port Driver, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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-2026-102206Windows Portable Device MTP Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Portable Device MTP Driver, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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-2026-103578Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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-2026-59116Windows Remote Desktop
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Remote Desktop, an attacker with no account could get around a Windows security protection over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5099414, KB5099444, KB5099445) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69947Windows Overlay Filter
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Overlay Filter, an attacker with no account could run their own code with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69958Windows Overlay Filter
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Overlay Filter, an attacker with no account could run their own code with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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 6, 2026
CVE-2026-72999Windows USB Hub Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows USB Hub Driver, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83573Windows Kernel-Mode Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Kernel-Mode Driver, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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-2026-83776Windows Bluetooth Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Bluetooth Driver, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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-2026-83895Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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-2026-85323Network Device Enrollment Service (NDES)
Spoofing · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Network Device Enrollment Service (NDES), an attacker with an ordinary user account could impersonate a trusted user, site or file over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. 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-2026-96863Windows Storage Port Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.8
In Windows Storage Port Driver, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". 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-2026-69902Windows NTFS
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 6.7
In Windows NTFS, an attacker who already has admin rights could run their own code once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.7. 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-2026-83706Windows NTFS
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.7
In Windows NTFS, an attacker who already has admin rights could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.7. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5124008, KB5124012) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85333Windows Performance Monitor
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.7
In Windows Performance Monitor, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.7. 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-2026-88143Windows Storage Spaces Controller
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.7
In Windows Storage Spaces Controller, an attacker who already has admin rights could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.7. 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-2026-96938Windows Distributed File System (DFS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.7
In Windows Distributed File System (DFS), an attacker who already has admin rights could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.7. 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-2026-69635Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.6
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.6. 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-2026-85841Windows DHCP Server
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 6.6
In Windows DHCP Server, an attacker who already has admin rights could run their own code over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.6. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". 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-2026-102199Microsoft Windows Codecs Library
Denial of Service · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Microsoft Windows Codecs Library, an attacker with no account could crash or stall the affected service over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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-2026-103576Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Spoofing · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), an attacker with no account could impersonate a trusted user, site or file over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126655) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108127Role: DNS Server
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could read information they shouldn't see over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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-2026-108128Role: DNS Server
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could read information they shouldn't see over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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-2026-108129Role: DNS Server
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could read information they shouldn't see over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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 5, 2026
CVE-2026-69267Windows Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows Connected User Experiences and Telemetry, an attacker with an ordinary user account could read information they shouldn't see once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 5, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69940Windows Client for NFS
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Windows Client for NFS, an attacker with no account could read information they shouldn't see over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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-2026-69955Windows Client for NFS
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Windows Client for NFS, an attacker with no account could read information they shouldn't see over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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-2026-69968Windows libarchive
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Windows libarchive, an attacker with no account could change data or settings they shouldn't control over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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-2026-69973Windows libarchive
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5
In Windows libarchive, an attacker with no account could change data or settings they shouldn't control over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. 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-2026-70072Windows Netlogon
Denial of Service · Severity Important · CVSS 6.5 · EPSS 0.01
In Windows Netlogon, an attacker with an ordinary user account could crash or stall the affected service over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.5. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". EPSS score 0.01, the modelled probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days. 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.