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 9 of 20 · sorted by risk, then score
Normal cycle60 on this page · tap one for its risk review
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85796Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85800Windows 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 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-2026-85807Windows USB Video Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows USB Video 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 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-2026-85820Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Universal Disk Format File System Driver (UDFS), an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85822Windows exFAT File System
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows exFAT File System, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85829Windows Wired AutoConfig Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Wired AutoConfig 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 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-2026-85833Windows Modern Device Management (MDM)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Modern Device Management (MDM), 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 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-2026-85836Windows 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 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-2026-85837Windows 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 unlikely". 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-2026-85842Windows Image Acquisition
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Image Acquisition, 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126657) for 18 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85851Windows SmartScreen
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows SmartScreen, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85858Windows 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 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-2026-85860Windows Message Queuing Queue Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Message Queuing Queue 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 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-2026-85861Clipboard User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Clipboard User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85863Clipboard User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Clipboard User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 28 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85864Python
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Python, 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 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-2026-85867Windows Remote Access Connection Manager
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Remote Access Connection 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 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-2026-85869Microsoft 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 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-2026-85871Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers, 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 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-2026-85872Windows Storage VSP Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Storage VSP 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 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-2026-85874Windows Message Queuing Queue Manager
Remote Code Execution · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Message Queuing Queue 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-85911Windows 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 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-2026-85915Windows PCI Bus Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows PCI Bus 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 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-2026-85927Windows Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Device Host
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Device Host, 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 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-2026-85933Windows Print Spooler Components
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Print Spooler Components, 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 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-2026-87691Windows Management Services
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Management Services, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5127646) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-87694Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-87699Winlogon
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Winlogon, 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 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-2026-87700Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-87702Windows Resource Management (MRM)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Resource Management (MRM), 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 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-2026-87706Windows Storage Spaces Controller
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Storage Spaces Controller, 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 unlikely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-87707Windows Fax and Scan Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Fax and Scan 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 "n/a". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5122871, KB5122876, KB5122878) for 30 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-87711Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-87712Microsoft Windows QoS Scheduler Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Windows QoS Scheduler 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 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-2026-88070Windows BitLocker
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows BitLocker, 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 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-2026-88071Windows Hyper-V
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Hyper-V, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126653, KB5126655) for 12 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88072Windows Host Guardian Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Host Guardian 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 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-2026-88080Windows Installer
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Installer, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. Microsoft rates it "exploitation less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88091Windows Management Instrumentation
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · EPSS 0.02
In Windows Management Instrumentation, 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 less likely". EPSS score 0.02, the modelled probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days. Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88100Windows Storage Spaces Controller
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Storage Spaces Controller, 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 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-2026-88101Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME)
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME), 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 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-2026-88105Windows Broadcast DVR User Service
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Broadcast DVR User Service, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. 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-2026-88126WebDAV
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In WebDAV, 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 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-2026-88128Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 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-2026-88134Windows 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 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-2026-88135WebDAV
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In WebDAV, 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 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-2026-88168Windows Bind Filter Driver
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Bind Filter Driver, an attacker with an ordinary user account could take higher privileges once they can run code on the PC. Microsoft severity Important, CVSS 7.8. 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-2026-88177Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88179Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88180Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88181Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88182Microsoft 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 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-2026-88188Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88189Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 22 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-88193Microsoft Scripting Engine
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Microsoft Scripting Engine, 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 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-2026-88194Windows DWM Core Library
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows DWM Core Library, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 26 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96108Desktop 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 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-2026-96118Windows Graphics Kernel
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows Graphics 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 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-2026-96186Microsoft Windows Media Foundation
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8 · EPSS 0.02
In Microsoft Windows Media Foundation, 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 less likely". EPSS score 0.02, the modelled probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days. Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
- Normal cycleWindowsOctober 13, 2026
CVE-2026-96217Windows NTFS
Elevation of Privilege · Severity Important · CVSS 7.8
In Windows NTFS, 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 less likely". Fixed in the October 2026 Windows security update (KB5126646, KB5126651, KB5126653) for 32 supported Windows versions; a restart is required.
Why an MSP manages this
Reading the list is the easy part
Nobody running a business reads all of them, and nobody should have to. The work is deciding which ones matter today, testing the fixes, getting them onto every PC and Mac without breaking the workday, and proving it was done.
- 01
Triage that starts with the exploited ones
Most of these fixes can ride the normal monthly rollout. A handful need action the same day. Telling them apart, every month, on every machine, is the core of the work, and it is the part an office manager rarely has time for.
- 02
Testing before everyone gets it
Updates go to a test ring and a pilot group first, so a broken accounting package or design tool shows up on two machines instead of forty, and the rollout pauses until it is sorted.
- 03
Restarts that don't wreck the workday
Windows updates usually need a restart and macOS updates often do. Deadlines, maintenance windows and grace periods get the fix installed without forcing a reboot in the middle of a client call.
- 04
Macs managed as seriously as PCs
Windows patching tools don't patch Macs. macOS updates need their own install-by deadlines through device management, and major upgrades need the same compatibility testing a Windows feature update gets.
- 05
A plan for machines that can't update
Hardware that ages out and versions past end of support stop getting every fix. They need a decision, isolate, upgrade or replace, before they become the easiest way in.
- 06
Proof when someone asks
Cyber insurance applications, customer security questionnaires and frameworks such as the FTC Safeguards Rule all ask how you keep systems patched. A managed service keeps the inventory and the reports that answer them.
The ins and outs
What keeping Windows and Mac patched actually involves
Windows
Patch Tuesday, and the exceptions
Microsoft ships security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, and out of band when something can't wait. This log marks the out-of-band ones.
Cumulative updates
Each month's Windows update carries the earlier months' fixes, so a PC that missed one catches up with the next, as long as it actually installs.
Fixed first, announced later
Some fixes ship before the vulnerability is disclosed. This log flags them, because a PC that is already current is already covered.
Rings, deferrals and deadlines
Windows Update for Business and Intune let you delay updates for a test group, set an install-by deadline and give a grace period before a forced restart.
Known Issue Rollback and safeguard holds
Microsoft can quietly roll back a change that breaks something, and holds back feature updates from PCs it knows will have trouble. Both explain why two PCs on the same network can be on different builds.
Feature updates and end of support
Each Windows version is serviced for a fixed period. Windows 10 PCs past end of support only get security fixes through the paid Extended Security Updates program.
Mac
No fixed release day
Apple publishes security updates when they are ready, often several times a month around a major release, so Mac patching runs on alerts, not a calendar.
Updates versus upgrades
A point update (26.7 to 26.7.1) fixes problems. A major upgrade (Tahoe to Golden Gate) changes the system and needs the same app testing as a Windows feature update.
Older versions get some fixes, not all
Apple's deployment guide says not every security issue is fixed in previous major versions. Staying a version behind is a choice with a cost, not a safe default.
Install-by deadlines through device management
Without enforcement, a macOS update prompt can be put off again and again. Device management can set a deadline so the update installs on schedule.
Macs that age out
When a Mac can no longer run a current macOS version, it stops getting the full set of fixes. Inventory by model and macOS version shows which ones are next.
Apple Business for zero-touch setup
New Macs enrolled through Apple Business arrive already managed, so update policy applies from the first login instead of after someone remembers to enroll them.
Both platforms
Third-party apps aren't on these lists
Browsers, PDF readers, accounting software, VPN clients and plug-ins patch on their own schedules. A machine can be current on Windows or macOS and still exposed through an app.
Firmware and drivers
BIOS and UEFI firmware, docks and network gear get security fixes too, and they rarely update themselves.
Recovery keys before big changes
Before a feature update or a major macOS upgrade, confirm BitLocker and FileVault recovery keys are escrowed somewhere you can reach.
Laptops that are rarely in the office
Remote and travelling staff need updates delivered over the internet with the same deadlines as office machines, or they drift months behind.
You can't patch what you can't see
An up-to-date inventory of every PC and Mac, with its version and last update, is what turns a list like this one into a finished job.