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 18 of 20 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle60 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70292Win32k
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-2026-70293Win32k
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-2026-70294Win32k
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-2026-70295Win32k
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 14, 2026
CVE-2026-72937Windows Storage Port Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows Storage Port 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 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 13, 2026
CVE-2026-81964Windows Update Orchestrator Service
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Update Orchestrator 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-2026-83571Windows Audio Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Audio 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83657Windows Modern Device Management (MDM)
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Modern Device Management (MDM), 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 (KB5126651) for 4 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83658Windows Error Reporting
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Error Reporting, 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-2026-83664Windows Portable Device File System Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Portable Device File System 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83668Windows WLAN Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows WLAN 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83686Microsoft 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-2026-83695Windows Event Logging Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Event Logging 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83714HTTP.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-2026-83719Servicing Stack Updates
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Servicing Stack Updates, 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-2026-83723Windows Event Logging Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Event Logging 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83733Windows Print Spooler Components
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Print Spooler Components, 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-2026-83736Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
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 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-2026-83747Windows Error Reporting
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Error Reporting, 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-2026-83755Win32k
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-2026-83760Microsoft Bluetooth Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Microsoft Bluetooth 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-2026-83764Windows Clipboard User Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Clipboard 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 (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83773Windows MIDI Service Module
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows MIDI Service Module, 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 (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83787Windows DHCP Server
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows DHCP 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 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-2026-83798Windows Update Stack
Spoofing · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Update Stack, 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, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83849Windows Hello
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Hello, 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-2026-83854Windows Notification
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Notification, 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-2026-83864Windows NTFS
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows NTFS, 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-2026-83870Windows Aggregated Data Platform Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Aggregated Data Platform 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 (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83884Windows Human Interface Device
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Human Interface Device, 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-2026-83892Windows Human Interface Device
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Human Interface Device, 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-2026-83893Windows Clipboard User Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Clipboard 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 (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83898HID 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-2026-83904HID 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-2026-83933Windows Update Orchestrator Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Update Orchestrator 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, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-84011Windows SMB Client
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows SMB Client, 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 14 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85320Windows Print Spooler Components
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Print Spooler Components, 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-2026-85336Windows 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, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85374Windows Installer
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Installer, 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-2026-85793Windows Sysmain Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Sysmain 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 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85794Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), 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-2026-85812Windows Bind Filter Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Bind Filter 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, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85815Windows 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, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85830Windows Installer
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Installer, 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-2026-85835Servicing Stack Updates
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Servicing Stack Updates, 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-2026-85852Windows Management Instrumentation
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Management Instrumentation, 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 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85865Windows DHCP Server
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows DHCP 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 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-2026-85909Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS)
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS), 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-2026-85910Windows StateRepository API
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows StateRepository API, 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-2026-85935Windows USB Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
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". 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-2026-85938Windows 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-2026-87698Windows Remote Access Service Infrastructure
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Remote Access Service Infrastructure, 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-2026-87709Windows Host Guardian Service
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Host Guardian 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-2026-88140Windows Key Storage Provider
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Key Storage Provider, 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-2026-88158Microsoft Digest Authentication
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Microsoft Digest Authentication, 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-2026-88162Windows Encrypting File System (EFS)
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Encrypting File System (EFS), 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-2026-95904Windows Event Logging Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Event Logging 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96183Windows Health and Optimized Experiences Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Health and Optimized Experiences 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 (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96218Windows Update Stack
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Update Stack, 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-2026-96247Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers, 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 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
Why an MSP manages this
Reading the list is the easy part
Nobody running a business reads all of them, and nobody should have to. The work is deciding which ones matter today, testing the fixes, getting them onto every PC and Mac without breaking the workday, and proving it was done.
- 01
Triage that starts with the exploited ones
Most of these fixes can ride the normal monthly rollout. A handful need action the same day. Telling them apart, every month, on every machine, is the core of the work, and it is the part an office manager rarely has time for.
- 02
Testing before everyone gets it
Updates go to a test ring and a pilot group first, so a broken accounting package or design tool shows up on two machines instead of forty, and the rollout pauses until it is sorted.
- 03
Restarts that don't wreck the workday
Windows updates usually need a restart and macOS updates often do. Deadlines, maintenance windows and grace periods get the fix installed without forcing a reboot in the middle of a client call.
- 04
Macs managed as seriously as PCs
Windows patching tools don't patch Macs. macOS updates need their own install-by deadlines through device management, and major upgrades need the same compatibility testing a Windows feature update gets.
- 05
A plan for machines that can't update
Hardware that ages out and versions past end of support stop getting every fix. They need a decision, isolate, upgrade or replace, before they become the easiest way in.
- 06
Proof when someone asks
Cyber insurance applications, customer security questionnaires and frameworks such as the FTC Safeguards Rule all ask how you keep systems patched. A managed service keeps the inventory and the reports that answer them.
The ins and outs
What keeping Windows and Mac patched actually involves
Windows
Patch Tuesday, and the exceptions
Microsoft ships security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, and out of band when something can't wait. This log marks the out-of-band ones.
Cumulative updates
Each month's Windows update carries the earlier months' fixes, so a PC that missed one catches up with the next, as long as it actually installs.
Fixed first, announced later
Some fixes ship before the vulnerability is disclosed. This log flags them, because a PC that is already current is already covered.
Rings, deferrals and deadlines
Windows Update for Business and Intune let you delay updates for a test group, set an install-by deadline and give a grace period before a forced restart.
Known Issue Rollback and safeguard holds
Microsoft can quietly roll back a change that breaks something, and holds back feature updates from PCs it knows will have trouble. Both explain why two PCs on the same network can be on different builds.
Feature updates and end of support
Each Windows version is serviced for a fixed period. Windows 10 PCs past end of support only get security fixes through the paid Extended Security Updates program.
Mac
No fixed release day
Apple publishes security updates when they are ready, often several times a month around a major release, so Mac patching runs on alerts, not a calendar.
Updates versus upgrades
A point update (26.7 to 26.7.1) fixes problems. A major upgrade (Tahoe to Golden Gate) changes the system and needs the same app testing as a Windows feature update.
Older versions get some fixes, not all
Apple's deployment guide says not every security issue is fixed in previous major versions. Staying a version behind is a choice with a cost, not a safe default.
Install-by deadlines through device management
Without enforcement, a macOS update prompt can be put off again and again. Device management can set a deadline so the update installs on schedule.
Macs that age out
When a Mac can no longer run a current macOS version, it stops getting the full set of fixes. Inventory by model and macOS version shows which ones are next.
Apple Business for zero-touch setup
New Macs enrolled through Apple Business arrive already managed, so update policy applies from the first login instead of after someone remembers to enroll them.
Both platforms
Third-party apps aren't on these lists
Browsers, PDF readers, accounting software, VPN clients and plug-ins patch on their own schedules. A machine can be current on Windows or macOS and still exposed through an app.
Firmware and drivers
BIOS and UEFI firmware, docks and network gear get security fixes too, and they rarely update themselves.
Recovery keys before big changes
Before a feature update or a major macOS upgrade, confirm BitLocker and FileVault recovery keys are escrowed somewhere you can reach.
Laptops that are rarely in the office
Remote and travelling staff need updates delivered over the internet with the same deadlines as office machines, or they drift months behind.
You can't patch what you can't see
An up-to-date inventory of every PC and Mac, with its version and last update, is what turns a list like this one into a finished job.