Patch Tuesday Archives

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Microsoft fixes bug behind Windows Server 2025 automatic upgrades

Microsoft has resolved an issue that caused unexpected upgrades from Windows Server 2019 and 2022 to Windows Server 2025. This problem was first reported in September 2024 when administrators found their servers upgraded without the necessary licenses. Initially, Microsoft attributed the issue to misconfigured third-party update management software, while developers claimed it was due to Microsoft's procedural errors regarding update release speed and classification. Microsoft confirmed the resolution of the issue and re-enabled the upgrade offer through the Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft released an out-of-band update to address complications from a previous non-security preview update and deployed emergency updates to fix sign-in disruptions across various applications. Other updates were issued to resolve Bluetooth visibility issues and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service management tool.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5082200 extended security update

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5082200 extended security update, addressing vulnerabilities from the April 2026 Patch Tuesday, including two critical zero-day flaws. The update enhances security with new protections against phishing attacks using Remote Desktop Protocol (.rdp) files and provides updated indicators in Windows Security for new Secure Boot certificates. Users can install the update by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 will upgrade to build 19045.7184, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will transition to build 19044.7184. The update resolves a total of 167 vulnerabilities, including two significant zero-day issues, and includes fixes for signing into Microsoft apps, enhanced Remote Desktop security, dynamic Secure Boot status reporting, and issues affecting Intel-based devices with Connected Standby. Microsoft is also rolling out new Secure Boot certificates to replace older ones expiring in June 2026, with no known issues reported for this update.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083769 out with improved /scannow, direct download links for offline installers (.msu)

Windows 11 has started rolling out update KB5083769, which introduces the ability to disable Smart App Control and provides offline installers for direct download. The update will automatically download and install unless users have paused updates for up to five weeks. Upon installation, Windows 11 25H2 will advance to Build 26200.8246, while version 24H2 will progress to Build 26100.8246. Users can check their update status in Settings > System > About. The update includes several .NET Framework security updates (KB5082417, KB5086097, KB5086096). The size of the April 2026 Update is approximately 5.1GB for x64 systems and under 4.5GB for arm64. New features include the ability to toggle Smart App Control, enhanced integration of Microsoft 365 in Windows Settings, modernized dialogs in Settings, and improvements to the sfc /scannow feature for accurate status reports.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft’s April Windows update fixes 165 flaws, one exploited zero-day

Microsoft has released its April 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, addressing a total of 165 vulnerabilities, including one zero-day exploit that has been actively targeted by malicious actors. The update aims to enhance security and improve overall system performance. Users are encouraged to promptly install the updates to mitigate risks associated with these vulnerabilities.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Windows 11 cumulative updates KB5083769 & KB5082052 released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5083769 and KB5082052 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, incorporating the April 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches. Users can install these updates automatically or manually via the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build numbers will be updated to 26200.8246 for 25H2, 26100.8246 for 24H2, and 22631.6936 for 23H2. Key features include the ability to modify Smart App Control without reinstalling Windows 11, improved Narrator functionality, enhancements in Account Settings for Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, refined Pen settings, a redesigned About page in Settings, and various reliability improvements across File Explorer, Display, Printing, Safe mode, Voice Access, Start menu, Remote Desktop, and Audio. No new issues have been reported from this update, and Microsoft is planning a significant quality update for Windows 11 in 2026.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

Microsoft Ships Emergency Windows 11 Fix for Broken Patch

On March 31, Microsoft released emergency update KB5086672 in response to issues caused by the previous preview patch KB5079391, which left many Windows 11 devices in a loop with error code 0x80073712, blocking access to March security fixes. Microsoft withdrew KB5079391, which was launched on March 26, and replaced it with KB5086672, a cumulative update that includes all fixes from March 2026. KB5086672 supersedes previous updates, including KB5079473, KB5085516, and KB5079391. Users with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" setting will receive KB5086672 automatically, while others can manually check for updates or download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft has been issuing multiple emergency updates recently, raising concerns about the quality of its update pipeline, with a history of emergency patches for various issues affecting Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. The issues from KB5079391 may resurface in the upcoming April cumulative update.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

Microsoft now force upgrades unmanaged Windows 11 24H2 PCs

Microsoft has begun upgrading unmanaged devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions to the latest Windows 11 25H2 version. Support for Windows 11 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026. The 25H2 version rollout started in September and is delivered through compact enablement packages. The update is now available for all unmanaged devices running Windows 11 24H2, and those devices will stop receiving critical updates. Users can manually check for the update or pause it through the settings menu. Microsoft has provided a support document and guide for the upgrade process.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

New out-of-band Windows 11 update fixes March’s installation errors – how to get it

Microsoft faced backlash due to the March non-security preview update (KB5079391) for Windows 11, which caused installation errors for many users. In response, Microsoft paused the initial update and released an out-of-band update (KB5086672) on March 31, 2026, to address these issues. The new update includes all enhancements from the previous update and fixes the installation problems. Users set to receive preview updates will automatically download KB5086672, while others can manually check for it in the Windows Update settings. Users can also manage their preferences for optional preview updates through the Windows Update screen.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Microsoft veteran says some ‘broken by update’ PCs were already doomed

Many corporate customers believe that recent Microsoft updates have rendered their systems inoperable, but often the issues are not caused by the updates themselves. Instead, underlying problems, such as prior changes to drivers or group policies, become apparent after a system restart prompted by the update. The act of rebooting can trigger these hidden issues, leading to system failures. Additionally, Microsoft has faced scrutiny regarding the reliability of its updates, as administrators have expressed concerns about their stability.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Don’t blame Windows 11 updates for every problem, Microsoft veteran says

Corporate clients often report to Microsoft that Windows updates disrupt their systems, particularly after Patch Tuesday. A 2026 report from Omnissa indicates that Windows environments experience more application crashes and forced shutdowns than macOS. However, Raymond Chen, a Windows expert, suggests that many systems are already compromised before updates are installed. Engineers at Microsoft frequently find that issues persist even after rolling back updates, and similar failures can occur on machines that haven't received the update yet. The actual triggers for system failures often stem from changes made by IT departments prior to updates, such as new drivers or configuration modifications. These changes may not show immediate issues until a reboot occurs during Patch Tuesday, revealing existing instability. Best practices for IT admins include controlled change management, validating drivers and policies before deployment, using staged rollouts, rebooting after major changes, and maintaining logging and monitoring systems. Microsoft conducts extensive testing of updates to ensure system security and stability, and delaying updates can increase risks.