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Microsoft releases Windows 11 26H1, but it's not for existing PCs. Windows 11 26H2 is coming for all PCs
Winsage
February 11, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 11 26H1, but it’s not for existing PCs. Windows 11 26H2 is coming for all PCs

Microsoft has confirmed the existence of Windows 11 26H1, which will roll out exclusively on new PCs equipped with Snapdragon X2 chips starting in early 2026. This version is tailored for ARM-based devices and will not be available for download or installation on current PCs. Windows 11 26H1 does not introduce new features but focuses on performance and battery life improvements. It may also be optimized for Nvidia N1X chips, which are expected to release in Q1 2026. Windows 11 26H2 is set to roll out for existing hardware in October 2026 as a normal yearly update. It will be based on the same core platform as previous versions 24H2 and 25H2, while 26H1 operates on a different core, meaning there is no upgrade path from 26H1 to 26H2. Both versions will unify under Windows 27H2 in 2027.
Windows Defender Firewall Service Vulnerability Let Attackers Disclose Sensitive Data
Winsage
December 11, 2025

Windows Defender Firewall Service Vulnerability Let Attackers Disclose Sensitive Data

A vulnerability in the Windows Defender Firewall Service, designated as CVE-2025-62468, was disclosed on December 9, 2025, and has an Important severity rating. It results from an out-of-bounds read condition, allowing an authorized attacker with elevated privileges to access sensitive heap memory without user interaction. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.4, indicating moderate severity, and is characterized by a local attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, and no user interaction needed. Microsoft assessed the likelihood of exploitation as unlikely and has released security updates for affected products, including Windows Server 2025 and various versions of Windows 11. The vulnerability primarily affects organizations with strict access controls and monitoring protocols. Security researchers from Kunlun Lab are credited with responsibly disclosing this vulnerability.
Microsoft: Out-of-band update fixes Windows 11 hotpatch install loop
Winsage
November 22, 2025

Microsoft: Out-of-band update fixes Windows 11 hotpatch install loop

Microsoft has released the KB5072753 out-of-band cumulative update to fix a recurring issue with the November 2025 KB5068966 hotpatch update on Windows 11 systems, where the hotpatch was being reinstalled repeatedly. The update is being distributed to all Windows 11 25H2 devices and resolves the bug while also including improvements and security fixes from the earlier KB5068966 update. Users do not need to install prior updates before applying KB5072753, as it supersedes all previous updates. Additionally, Microsoft issued an emergency update for Windows 10 to address installation issues related to the November 2025 extended security updates, and resolved incorrect end-of-support warnings for Windows 10 users after the October 2025 updates.
Microsoft WSUS Patch Breaks Hotpatching on Windows Server 2025
Winsage
November 4, 2025

Microsoft WSUS Patch Breaks Hotpatching on Windows Server 2025

A recent Microsoft security update (KB5070881) aimed at fixing a critical vulnerability in the Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) inadvertently disrupted hotpatching for some Windows Server 2025 systems enrolled in the Hotpatch program. This disruption prevents affected servers from applying updates without requiring a restart, forcing administrators to revert to traditional cumulative updates until January 2026. The vulnerability, CVE-2025-59287, allowed potential remote code execution by exploiting weaknesses in WSUS. Microsoft has since released a new update (KB5070893) that addresses the vulnerability while restoring hotpatching capabilities for those who have not yet installed the problematic update.
Microsoft: Patch for WSUS flaw disabled Windows Server hotpatching
Winsage
November 3, 2025

Microsoft: Patch for WSUS flaw disabled Windows Server hotpatching

An out-of-band security update, KB5070881, has disrupted the hotpatching feature for some Windows Server 2025 devices. This update was released alongside reports of the CVE-2025-59287 remote code execution vulnerability. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has instructed U.S. government agencies to strengthen their systems against this vulnerability. Microsoft has acknowledged that the OOB update caused some Hotpatch-enrolled Windows Server 2025 systems to lose their enrollment status and has ceased distributing the update to these devices. Those who installed the update will not receive Hotpatch updates in November and December but will get standard monthly security updates. Administrators can install the KB5070893 security update to address the CVE-2025-59287 flaw without disrupting hotpatching. Microsoft has also disabled the display of synchronization error details in its WSUS error reporting system and resolved various issues affecting Windows 11.
Transforming security and compliance at Microsoft with Windows Hotpatch
Winsage
October 3, 2025

Transforming security and compliance at Microsoft with Windows Hotpatch

Security updates are crucial for system integrity, but traditionally require a reboot, causing productivity interruptions. Microsoft has introduced Windows Hotpatch, which allows critical updates to be applied without rebooting, enhancing compliance and user satisfaction. Hotpatch modifies in-memory code while the system is operational, leading to immediate updates without downtime. It is designed for efficiency with small payloads that minimize performance impact. Hotpatch updates undergo the same validation as standard updates and can address zero-day vulnerabilities without requiring a reboot. This technology is available for Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Windows Server 2022/2025 Azure Edition, with appropriate licensing. Hotpatch has evolved from internal server capabilities to support client machines and integrates with Autopatch, automating the update process for enterprise environments. Microsoft Digital plans to scale Hotpatch to 450,000 devices within four months, achieving high compliance rates quickly—81% within 24 hours and 90% within five days, compared to previous timelines of up to nine months. Since its general availability in April, Hotpatch has been deployed to over 4 million devices globally, enhancing user experience by making updates seamless and unobtrusive. Plans for further expansion and improvements in compliance visibility and reporting are underway.
Windows 11 KB5063878 & KB5063875 cumulative updates released
Winsage
August 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5063878 & KB5063875 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5063878 for version 24H2 and KB5063875 for version 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities and various issues. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or download them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. For Windows 11 Enterprise or Windows Server with Hotpatch, update KB5064010 is available, sharing the same fixes with a build number of 26100.4851. After installation, the build number for Windows 11 24H2 will be 26100.4946, and for 23H2, it will be 226x1.5768. Support for Windows 11 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025. The updates include new features and fixes in the Settings app, Windows Resiliency Initiative, Start menu, Snap functionality, Windows Search, input enhancements, File Explorer, desktop icons, and notifications. Microsoft has reported no known issues with this update.
Windows Blue screen of death axed after 40 years, but BSOD still remains — will be replaced by new black Windows 11 'unexpected restart screen'
Winsage
June 27, 2025

Windows Blue screen of death axed after 40 years, but BSOD still remains — will be replaced by new black Windows 11 ‘unexpected restart screen’

Microsoft has introduced a new black variant of the "blue screen of death" (BSOD) for Windows, which will provide essential information like stop codes and fault system drivers. This update is part of the "Windows Resiliency Initiative" aimed at improving product robustness. The sad emoticon face will be retired, and the new BSOD is scheduled for release in Windows 11 later this summer, featuring a user interface update and a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature. Other upcoming features include Connected Cache, Universal Print, Hotpatch Update, and Windows 365 Reserve. Users on older Windows 10 systems will still see the traditional BSOD with the frowning face emoji.
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