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 19 of 20 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle52 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96311Windows Network List Service
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Network List 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 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96314Windows 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-2026-96315Windows Overlay Filter
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Overlay Filter, 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-2026-96316Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96321Remote Desktop Display Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Remote Desktop Display 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-2026-96846WebDAV
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In WebDAV, 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-2026-96848Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, 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 16 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96849Windows 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 (KB5127646) for 2 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96850Windows Modern Device Management (MDM)
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Modern Device Management (MDM), 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-2026-96851Windows 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96854Windows 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 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96855Windows 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 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-2026-96857Windows 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-2026-96859Windows Imaging Component
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Imaging 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-2026-96921Windows Message Queuing Queue Manager
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Message Queuing Queue 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-2026-96925Windows 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96926Role: 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 16 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96927Windows 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96930Windows 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-2026-96935Windows 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 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96944Windows Storage
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Storage, 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, KB5126655, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96948Windows Client Side Caching driver (csc.sys)
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Client Side Caching driver (csc.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-2026-97790Windows Container Isolation FS Filter Driver (unionfs.sys)
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Container Isolation FS Filter Driver (unionfs.sys), 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, KB5126655, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102198Windows Remote Desktop Protocol
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.3
In Windows Remote Desktop Protocol, 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 5.3. 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-2026-108466Windows Kernel
Denial of Service · Severity Important · CVSS 5.3
In Windows Kernel, 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 5.3. 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-2026-69640Windows Key Distribution Center
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.3
In Windows Key Distribution Center, an attacker with an ordinary user account could get around a Windows security protection over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.3. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126655) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85939Windows Kernel
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 5.3
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could get around a Windows security protection over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 5.3. 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-2026-83646Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Spoofing · Severity Important · CVSS 4.8
In Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), an attacker who already has admin rights 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 4.8. 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-2026-69506Windows Key Storage Provider
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. 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-2026-69974Desktop Window Manager
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. 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-2026-70063Windows Kernel
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. 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-2026-70077Windows Kernel
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. 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-2026-70195Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, 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 4.7. 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-2026-83504Windows SmartScreen
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows SmartScreen, 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 4.7. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5122880, KB5124008, KB5124012) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83656Windows Modern Device Management (MDM)
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. 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-2026-83697Windows Modern Device Management (MDM)
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83774Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, 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 4.7. 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-2026-83786Windows NTFS
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. 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-2026-83865Windows Internet (wininet.dll)
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Internet (wininet.dll), 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 4.7. 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-2026-83897Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, 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 4.7. 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-2026-83905Windows Shell
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Shell, 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 4.7. 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-2026-83909Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, 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 4.7. 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-2026-83925Windows Kernel
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
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 4.7. 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-2026-84009Windows Projected File System
Tampering · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Projected File System, 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 4.7. 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-2026-85866Windows ALPC
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows ALPC, 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 4.7. 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-2026-96853Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 4.7
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, 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 4.7. 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-2026-102221Secure Boot
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 4.4
In Secure Boot, an attacker who already has admin rights could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 4.4. 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-2026-70075Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 4.4
In Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave, an attacker who already has admin rights could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 4.4. 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-2026-70280Windows Hello
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 4.4
In Windows Hello, an attacker who already has admin rights could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 4.4. 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-2026-83926Windows Hello
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 4.4
In Windows Hello, an attacker who already has admin rights could get around a Windows security protection once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 4.4. 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-2026-70116Windows Resilient File System (ReFS)
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 4.2
In Windows Resilient File System (ReFS), an attacker with no account could get around a Windows security protection with physical access to the device. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 4.2. 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-2026-83766Windows Hyper-V
Security Feature Bypass · Severity Important · CVSS 4.2
In Windows Hyper-V, an attacker who already has admin rights could get around a Windows security protection from the same local network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 4.2. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 27 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
Low8 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69644Windows iSCSI
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows iSCSI, 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69675Windows Network File System
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows Network 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126655) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69721Windows iSCSI
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows iSCSI, 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69967Windows 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69971Windows 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5127646, KB5127648) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70011Windows IP Over USB Service
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows IP Over USB 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70017Windows Secure Kernel Mode
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
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 5.5. 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.
- LowWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70041Windows CD-ROM Driver
Information Disclosure · Severity Important · CVSS 5.5
In Windows CD-ROM 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 unlikely". 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.