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 17 of 20 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle60 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-97841Role: 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-2026-97842Role: 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-2026-97843Role: 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-2026-97844Role: 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-2026-105006HID Class Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.4
In HID Class Driver, an attacker with no account could take higher privileges with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.4. 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-2026-71347Windows Security Center
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 6.4
In Windows Security Center, an attacker who already has admin rights could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.4. 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-2026-85916Azure Active Directory
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 6.2
In Azure Active Directory, an attacker with no account could read information they shouldn't see once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.2. 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-2026-83500Windows BitLocker
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 6.1
In Windows BitLocker, an attacker with no account could get around a Windows security protection with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 6.1. 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-2026-69982Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.9
In Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), an attacker with no account could get around a Windows security protection over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.9. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126655) for 14 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70005Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.9
In Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), an attacker with no account could get around a Windows security protection over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.9. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126655) for 6 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 15, 2026
CVE-2026-85790Microsoft QUIC
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.9 · Out of band
In Microsoft QUIC, an attacker with no account could read information they shouldn't see over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.9. 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-2026-88099Windows Failover Cluster
Denial of Service · Severity Important · CVSS 5.9
In Windows Failover Cluster, an attacker with no account could crash or stall the affected service over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.9. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126655) for 6 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96300RPC Endpoint Mapper Service
Denial of Service · Severity Important · CVSS 5.9
In RPC Endpoint Mapper Service, an attacker with no account could crash or stall the affected service over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.9. 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-2026-85816Windows Wi-Fi Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.7
In Windows Wi-Fi Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could read information they shouldn't see from the same local network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.7. 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-2026-69978Microsoft Windows VMSwitch
Denial of Service · Severity Important · CVSS 5.6
In Microsoft Windows VMSwitch, an attacker with an ordinary user account could crash or stall the affected service once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.6. 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-2026-70097Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave
Spoofing · Severity Important · CVSS 5.6
In Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave, an attacker with an ordinary user account could impersonate a trusted user, site or file once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.6. 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-2026-83885Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave
Spoofing · Severity Important · CVSS 5.6
In Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave, an attacker with an ordinary user account could impersonate a trusted user, site or file once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.6. 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-2026-96865Windows Secure Kernel Mode
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.6
In Windows Secure Kernel Mode, 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 5.6. 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-2026-102187Windows Kernel
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Kernel, 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 5.5. 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-2026-103560Role: DNS Server
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could change data or settings they shouldn't control once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-103567Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, 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 5.5. 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-2026-108462Windows Kernel
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Kernel, 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 5.5. 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 6, 2026
CVE-2026-61936Windows Defender Firewall Service
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5 · Fixed earlier (August 2026)
In Windows Defender Firewall Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 6, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the August 2026 Windows security update (KB5120228, KB5120229, KB5120233) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-62687Windows Backup Engine
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Backup Engine, 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 5.5. 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-2026-62879Windows SmartScreen
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows SmartScreen, an attacker with an ordinary user account could change data or settings they shouldn't control once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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 14, 2026
CVE-2026-69351Windows Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Device Host
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Device Host, 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 5.5. 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, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 7, 2026
CVE-2026-69457Windows USB Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows USB Driver, 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 5.5. 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 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69905Windows AppX Deployment Service
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows AppX Deployment Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could change data or settings they shouldn't control once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-69914Windows AppX Deployment Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows AppX Deployment Service, 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 5.5. 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-2026-69919Windows Cryptographic Services
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Cryptographic Services, 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 5.5. 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-2026-69954Windows Overlay Filter
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Overlay Filter, 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 5.5. 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-2026-69979Windows AppX Deployment Service
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows AppX Deployment Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-69999Windows Update
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Update, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70044Microsoft Windows Media Foundation
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Microsoft Windows Media Foundation, an attacker with no account could read information they shouldn't see once they can run code on the PC, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70055Windows Cryptographic Services
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Cryptographic Services, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70057Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), an attacker with an ordinary user account could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70071Role: DNS Server
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could change data or settings they shouldn't control once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70083Role: DNS Server
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could change data or settings they shouldn't control once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70084Windows Projected File System
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Projected File System, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70085Role: DNS Server
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could change data or settings they shouldn't control once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". 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-2026-70087Role: DNS Server
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Role: DNS Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70128HID Parser Library
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In HID Parser Library, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70135Windows Remote POS Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Remote POS Driver, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70137Windows Remote Access Connection Manager
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Remote Access Connection Manager, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70173Microsoft Windows Search Component
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Microsoft Windows Search Component, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70199Windows Kernel
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Kernel, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70201Windows DHCP Server
Denial of Service · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows DHCP Server, an attacker with an ordinary user account could crash or stall the affected service once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70208HTTP.sys
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In HTTP.sys, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70211Win32k
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Win32k, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70216Windows Mobile Device Management
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Mobile Device Management, an attacker with an ordinary user account could change data or settings they shouldn't control once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70227Windows Device Association Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Device Association Service, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70232Windows Kernel
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Kernel, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70234Desktop Window Manager
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Desktop Window Manager, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70235Windows Event Tracing
Spoofing · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Event Tracing, an attacker with an ordinary user account could impersonate a trusted user, site or file once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70260Microsoft Trace Data Helper
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Microsoft Trace Data Helper, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70261Microsoft Trace Data Helper
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Microsoft Trace Data Helper, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70270Windows Container Isolation FS Filter Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Container Isolation FS 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 5.5. 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-2026-70277Windows Fast FAT File System Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Fast FAT File System Driver, an attacker with no account could read information they shouldn't see once they can run code on the PC, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.5. 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-2026-70284Win32k
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Win32k, 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 5.5. 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-2026-70288Win32k
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Win32k, 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 5.5. 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.
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.