September’s Patch Tuesday has arrived, bringing with it essential updates for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. As Microsoft gears up for the transition to Windows 11 as its sole officially supported operating system starting October 14, the focus on Windows 10 has narrowed significantly. This latest update serves as a reminder for users to ensure their systems are secure and functioning optimally.
How to install September update
To initiate the September update, navigate to the Settings menu. For Windows 10, select Update & Security, then click on Windows Update. Windows 11 users can directly select Windows Update. The updates are mandatory, so the installation should commence automatically. If it doesn’t, simply click the Check for updates button to begin the process.
Windows 10 users will receive a cumulative update identified as KB5065429, while Windows 11 users will see KB5065426 installed. Once the updates are complete, a reboot will be necessary to finalize the installation.
What do Microsoft’s updates offer?
The September updates primarily address security vulnerabilities, with a total of 81 flaws being resolved across both operating systems. Notably, two zero-day vulnerabilities have been identified. The first, labeled CVE-2025-55234, impacts the Windows Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which is crucial for communication between PCs and network resources. This flaw poses a risk of credential interception, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments, though home users are also advised to apply the patch.
The second zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-21907, affects a specific open-source .NET library, potentially leading to service disruptions. In addition to these critical issues, the updates address various bugs affecting Windows features, such as unexpected User Account Control prompts and issues with audio casting.
As Windows 10 approaches its end of support, this update marks a significant moment, being the penultimate Patch Tuesday for the decade-old operating system. Users will receive one final major update on October 14, coinciding with the cessation of official support.
For those who wish to continue receiving security patches post-October, upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will be necessary. The ESU program offers an additional year of security updates for a fee, providing a temporary solution for users who are not yet ready to transition to Windows 11.
In contrast, Windows 11 users are treated to not only security patches but also a suite of new features. Enhancements include a personalized home page for the Recall feature, a redesigned Windows Hello authentication screen, and improvements to the Windows taskbar and File Explorer. These updates reflect Microsoft’s commitment to innovation within Windows 11, while Windows 10’s updates are limited to essential fixes.
What should you do with Windows 10 PCs?
As Windows 10 nears its end of support, organizations are encouraged to consider upgrading their hardware to Windows 11 before the impending deadline. Mike Walters, President and Co-founder of Action1, emphasizes the importance of this transition, noting that Windows 11 offers enhanced security features that significantly improve upon those available in Windows 10, even with the ESU patches in place.
For home users, the decision is more straightforward. The ESU program is primarily aimed at enterprise customers, so individual users should prioritize upgrading to Windows 11 where possible. Those with incompatible systems may need to consider replacing their devices, as running an unsupported operating system poses considerable security risks.
