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 2 of 20 · sorted by risk, then score
This week60 on this page
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70104Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70106Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70108Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70117Windows Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70132Windows Portable Device File System Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Portable Device File System Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70151Windows Direct Composition
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Direct Composition, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70218Windows StateRepository API
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows StateRepository API, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70233Windows Common Log File System Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Common Log File System Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 14, 2026
CVE-2026-70245Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Out of band
In Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70255Desktop Window Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Desktop Window Manager, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70286Windows Graphics Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Graphics Component, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-70303Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 6, 2026
CVE-2026-71343Windows Remote Access Connection Manager
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows Remote Access Connection Manager, an attacker with an ordinary user account could run their own code once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Microsoft disclosed it on October 6, 2026, but the fix had already shipped in the September 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83669Windows Error Reporting
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Error Reporting, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83699Windows Client-Side Caching (CSC) Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Client-Side Caching (CSC) Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83704Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Windows Search Component, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83732Win32k
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Win32k, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83735Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83761Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83763Windows Input System
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Input System, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83768Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83769Microsoft OpenSSH for Windows
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft OpenSSH for Windows, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83830Windows COM+ Event System Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows COM+ Event System Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83840Windows Error Reporting
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Error Reporting, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83848Windows COM+ Event System Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows COM+ Event System Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83867Windows Push Notifications
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Push Notifications, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83896Windows Direct Composition
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Direct Composition, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83902Windows Direct Composition
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Direct Composition, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-83927Windows Registry
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Registry, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85804Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85832Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85843Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85848Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85849Windows AppX Deployment Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows AppX Deployment Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85850Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5127646) for 2 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85884Windows Health and Optimized Experiences Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Health and Optimized Experiences Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85901Windows Graphics Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Graphics Component, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85902Windows Direct Composition
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Direct Composition, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85906Windows Direct Composition
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Direct Composition, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85908Windows Graphics Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Graphics Component, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85945Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88074Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Critical · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Critical, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126653, KB5127646, KB5127648) for 10 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88093Desktop Window Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Desktop Window Manager, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 24 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88118Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88133Windows Portable Device Enumerator Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Portable Device Enumerator Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88147Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88152Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88191Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Windows Search Component, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96911Microsoft Windows Search Component
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Windows Search Component, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96929Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-97798Windows Error Reporting Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Error Reporting Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 20 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-97799Windows Audio Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Audio Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-97800Windows Mobile Broadband
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Mobile Broadband, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5127646, KB5127648) for 8 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108131Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Spoofing · Severity Critical · CVSS 7.5
In Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), an attacker with no account could impersonate a trusted user, site or file over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Critical, CVSS 7.5. 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.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69789Windows Reliable Multicast Transport Driver (RMCAST)
Remote Code Execution · Severity Critical · CVSS 7.5
In Windows Reliable Multicast Transport Driver (RMCAST), an attacker with no account could run their own code from the same local network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Critical, CVSS 7.5. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96222Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
Spoofing · Severity Critical · CVSS 7.4
In Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), an attacker with no account could impersonate a trusted user, site or file over the network without anyone clicking anything. Microsoft severity Critical, CVSS 7.4. 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.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-108399Windows Hyper-V
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Critical · CVSS 7.2
In Windows Hyper-V, an attacker who already has admin rights could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Critical, CVSS 7.2. 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.
- This weekWindowsOctober 14, 2026
CVE-2026-69366Windows Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.1 · Fixed earlier (September 2026)
In Windows Kernel, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.1. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more 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.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-69452Windows Enterprise App Management
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.1
In Windows Enterprise App Management, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges over the network, but only if someone opens a file, link or message. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.1. Microsoft rates it "exploitation more likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- This weekWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-102211Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Critical · CVSS 7
In Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Critical, CVSS 7.0. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
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.