security fixes Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2026

‘Force Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows Update Next Month

Microsoft will implement changes to Windows PC updates next month, requiring mandatory restarts for specific security component fixes in September and October. The September update will necessitate a "force restart," while the October update will follow the regular quarterly routine. These changes primarily affect managed PCs, and IT administrators are advised to inform users. Additionally, users are cautioned about the Windows 11 update KB5120998 due to issues like broken cursor styling and reset wallpaper settings, with some users successfully resolving problems by uninstalling the update. Windows 11 users are also experiencing a DISM error, 0x800f0915, when repairing the system image post-update, although reports of this issue are low.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Why does Windows constantly need to update?

Windows updates are released frequently to enhance performance, improve compatibility, fix bugs, and distribute critical security patches. Microsoft issues security updates every second Tuesday of the month, known as Patch Tuesday, which are cumulative, meaning the latest updates include all previous fixes. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issues warnings about vulnerabilities, and Microsoft maintains a security portal for documentation of these issues. Users on unsupported versions, like Windows 10 without Extended Security Updates (ESU), are at increased risk. In addition to security updates, Windows receives an annual feature update and occasional optional non-security updates that introduce new features and enhancements. An example is the Windows 11 February 2026 preview update, which added new features and improvements.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Why Does Windows Constantly Need To Update?

Windows updates are issued regularly, primarily for performance enhancement and security reinforcement. They address bugs, improve compatibility, and distribute security patches to mitigate vulnerabilities. Security vulnerabilities are frequently discovered, with alerts issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and documented in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program. Microsoft releases security fixes on Patch Tuesday, the second Tuesday of each month, and all updates are cumulative. Users of unsupported software versions, such as Windows 10, face increased security risks. Major feature updates occur annually, with optional non-security updates released periodically. For example, the Windows 11 February 2026 preview update introduced new features, although these are not part of the stable channel.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003: Game crashes caused by inpoutx64

Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the August security update KB5121003 for Windows 11, affecting versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users reported problems such as game freezing, unexpected closures, and system restarts after installing the update. The issues are linked to drivers and software for specific RGB-enabled peripherals or components, particularly involving the inpoutx64.sys driver. Games mentioned include ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and THE FINALS. Embark Studios has released a support guide suggesting users stop and remove the inpoutx64.sys service as a temporary workaround. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a definitive fix or patch timeline.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

Microsoft Scrambles To Patch ShieldBreak Zero-Day Flaw In Windows Defender

A new exploit named ShieldBreak, developed by Nightmare-Eclipse, targets Microsoft Defender by allowing privilege escalation and bypassing previous security fixes related to the RoguePlanet vulnerability. ShieldBreak operates on Windows 11 25H2, its Canary channel, and Windows Server 2025, achieving a "100% success rate." Windows 10 may also be vulnerable, but the exploit is specifically designed for Windows 11. There is currently no patch for ShieldBreak, and users are advised to disable Microsoft Defender, implement two-factor authentication, and exercise caution with suspicious online activities. Malwarebytes has recommended its Premium Security antivirus as a temporary solution.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Microsoft warns users to install Windows 11’s latest update within 3 days, 400+ security bugs fixed

Windows 11's August 2026 Patch Tuesday update has been released, addressing 421 security vulnerabilities, including 400 specific to the Patch Tuesday release. The update rectifies at least 37 remote code execution bugs and five elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities. Microsoft advises users to implement the update within three days for security. The update includes fixes for other Microsoft products like Entra, Office, and Teams. Users should verify their Windows 11 build number, with recommended versions being 26200.9168 for 25H2 and 26100.9168 for 24H2. The update is identified as KB5121003 and may require up to two reboots to apply fully. Key areas of focus in the update include the kernel, Remote Desktop, DNS, DHCP, SMB, and Windows Defender Firewall. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of timely updates and recommends limiting the deferral period for quality updates to less than three days.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Azure Arc-Enabled ESUs for Windows Server 2016 Now Available

Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows Server 2016, which will provide critical security patches until January 2030, after the end of extended support on January 12, 2027. Organizations can enroll their Windows Server 2016 instances via Azure Arc to receive these updates without migrating to Azure. The ESUs are available through a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing flexibility for on-premises servers and other cloud platforms. By using Azure Arc, organizations gain access to Azure management tools for improved visibility and compliance. IT administrators should connect eligible systems to Azure Arc to manage ESU enrollment and compliance effectively. ESUs are intended as a temporary solution while businesses modernize applications and plan migrations to supported platforms.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Windows 11’s August Patch Tuesday update brings several important changes, and I break down the biggest ones

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice. File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings. The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft Confirms WSUS Sync Issue Causing Update Delays and Timeouts

Microsoft has identified synchronization delays and timeout errors affecting Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which risks the timely delivery of Windows updates. WSUS is a management tool for distributing Windows updates across networks. Microsoft deprecated WSUS in September 2024 but continues to provide security fixes and updates. The synchronization issue has led to failures and delays in downloading update metadata, particularly impacting Windows 11 version 23H2 and later, Windows 10 version 1607, and Windows Server 2012 and later. This issue began around July 13, 2026, with mitigation efforts starting on July 18, 2026. Microsoft has released a partial fix for newly installed or rebuilt WSUS servers, while existing servers may still face challenges. The company is developing additional fixes and guidance. In previous years, Microsoft dealt with other WSUS-related issues affecting enterprise clients.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft rushes out Windows fix for Dell’s hot and bothered PCs

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, KB5121767, to resolve an incompatibility issue affecting certain Dell models, allowing them to receive the July 2026 Windows security patch. This update targets the Intel Innovation Platform Framework drive, which caused performance, power consumption, and system behavior issues. It is applicable for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. A separate hotpatch, KB5121768, is available for eligible Windows 11 Enterprise devices. Microsoft paused the Patch Tuesday rollout for the affected models to facilitate this update. The incompatibility was linked to the Intel driver and the Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface introduced in a June 23 preview update. Users experienced slowdowns, overheating, and unexpected shutdowns.