Security Patch Archives

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Here’s everything new in Android Canary 2603: App lock, Bubbles, Wi-Fi & Mobile data toggles

Google has released Android Canary channel version 2603, which includes the March 2026 security patch for various Pixel devices. Key features of this update include a redesigned screen recording interface, enhanced system UI with increased blur effects, separate Quick Settings toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, and new options for App lock and Bubbles accessible through a long-press on apps. The screen recording feature allows users to record the entire screen or a single app, with options to manage audio and touch visibility. The update aims to improve usability and functionality for developers and users.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Android 16 Bug Silently Breaks VPNs, Say Providers

Multiple VPN providers, including Proton VPN, Mullvad, WireGuard, and TunnelBear, are experiencing a persistent bug in Android 16 that causes their services to disconnect unexpectedly after app updates. Google has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. The bug occurs when the network stack enters a problematic state during a VPN app update while still connected, leading to a "connecting" loop and potential loss of internet connectivity or exposure of non-VPN traffic. Restarting the VPN app does not resolve the issue; a device reboot or app reinstallation is required. This bug undermines Android's safety features like Always-on VPN and "Block connections without VPN." The issue affects a significant number of users, given Android's 70% market share and the 30-35% of internet users utilizing VPNs. Temporary workarounds include rebooting the device, manually disconnecting the VPN before updates, and pausing auto-updates. The bug poses operational risks for organizations enforcing always-on VPN policies, and developers are seeking app-side mitigations while emphasizing the need for a platform-level fix. Users are advised to monitor their VPN status after updates and report issues to assist in troubleshooting.

Winsage

February 14, 2026

Microsoft Fixes Critical Windows 11 Notepad Flaw

Microsoft has released a patch for a significant vulnerability in Notepad on Windows 11 that could allow attackers to execute code by opening a Markdown file and clicking on a malicious link. This vulnerability was due to how Notepad processed links within Markdown files, which could trigger unverified protocols to load remote content. The patch now includes a security warning before such links can be activated. Users are advised to check for updates via Windows Update and the Microsoft Store to ensure Notepad and related components are up to date. Security tips include inspecting URLs before clicking and keeping Microsoft Defender features enabled.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Some PCs can’t boot after latest Windows 11 security update, no fix in sight —mostly affects 24H2 and 25H2 versions

A segment of Windows 11 users has encountered an issue with the January 2026 security update, resulting in some devices displaying an “UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME” error and becoming unresponsive. Users see a black screen with a message prompting a restart. This follows previous complications from security updates, including problems with shutdowns, hibernation, and disruptions to cloud applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Microsoft has released emergency updates, but the unbootable error persists. Affected users can only temporarily resolve the issue by accessing the Windows Recovery Environment to uninstall the problematic patch. Additionally, the August 2025 security update disrupted recovery tools, and an October update rendered USB keyboards and mice inoperable in the Recovery Environment, complicating troubleshooting efforts.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

How to fix Nvidia GPU FPS drop due to the Windows January 2026 update?

Users with Nvidia GPUs are experiencing decreased gaming performance after the January 2026 Windows update (KB5074109), which was intended to enhance security and address vulnerabilities. Reported issues include drops in frames per second (FPS), black screen freezes, display hangs, and driver crashes related to nvlddmkm errors. Nvidia has released a new GPU driver to address these problems. A temporary solution for affected users is to uninstall the KB5074109 update, although it is a security patch that may need to be reinstalled later. Users can also update their Nvidia drivers to the latest hotfix version and use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode for better results. It is recommended to pause Windows updates until a fix is provided by Microsoft.

Winsage

December 12, 2025

Windows Defender Firewall Service Vulnerability

On December 9, 2025, Microsoft addressed a vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-62468, which allowed an authenticated local attacker to access sensitive memory within the Windows Defender Firewall Service due to an out-of-bounds read in the service's memory handling routines. This flaw could expose heap or process memory, potentially revealing sensitive information. The vulnerability requires local authenticated access, raising concerns for both home users and system administrators. Microsoft classified the vulnerability as important, emphasizing the need for prompt action. Users are advised to update their systems through Windows Update to mitigate the risk. There is no confirmed public exploit for this vulnerability, and it does not allow remote code execution, but it can lead to information disclosure.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Microsoft Silently Activates Critical Windows Security Update

Microsoft has enhanced its Windows security measures by addressing the CVE-2025-9491 vulnerability, which has existed for nearly eight years and was exploited by state-sponsored groups for cyber espionage and data theft. The vulnerability was previously identified as ZDI-CAN-25373 and ZDI-25-148 by Trend Micro. The November Patch Tuesday updates have fixed this issue, which was described as having been demoted from a vulnerability to a functional bug. The update modifies the Properties dialog of a .lnk file to display the entire Target command in a single line. Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the update but stated that it is continuously rolling out enhancements for security and user experience.

BetaBeacon

December 3, 2025

Google Pixel Phones Just Got a Game‑Changing Android 16 Update

- Google has introduced new screen customizations for Pixel phones in Android 16 QPR2. - Users can now customize app icons with new shape options on the home screen. - Pixel phone users can place widgets on the lock screen by swiping left, with limited options compared to the home screen. - Other lock screen changes include a new low-light mode for the screen saver and fingerprint scanning on the switched-off display. - Users can now disable or reduce blur effects in background elements, adjust HDR intensity, and schedule expanded dark mode. - The update also adds a more flexible split-screen layout, AI-powered notifications, and strengthened parental controls. - Android 16 QPR2 includes the December security patch to fix vulnerabilities and protect against threats.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 10 KB5072653 OOB update fixes ESU install errors

Microsoft released an emergency out-of-band update, KB5072653, on November 17, 2025, to address installation issues related to the November extended security updates for Windows 10. This update specifically targets the error code 0x800f0922 that prevented users from successfully installing the ESU update. To install this update, devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 and have the October 2025 KB5066791 cumulative update installed. Users can check for updates via Windows Update, where KB5072653 will be included. Microsoft plans to release a new Scan Cab with updated metadata to improve compliance update checks for organizations using WSUS and SCCM.