Another month has arrived, and with it comes the latest Patch Tuesday rollout from Microsoft, addressing a range of feature and security bugs. This February update is particularly noteworthy as it continues the crucial task of refreshing Secure Boot certificates, a vital step in safeguarding PCs against bootkit malware.
Secure Boot
Secure Boot is a security feature designed to prevent malicious bootkit malware from executing during the startup process. By utilizing certificates, it ensures that only trusted programs are allowed to run. With many of these certificates set to expire in June, Microsoft has initiated a series of updates, beginning with January’s Patch Tuesday and continuing now into February.
The new Secure Boot certificates cater to both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. However, those still operating on Windows 10 must be enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which guarantees continued access to essential security updates and patches until October 2026.
Feature Fixes
This month’s updates also bring a series of fixes for feature-related bugs. For Windows 11, users will benefit from resolutions to issues affecting full-screen gaming and connectivity problems with certain WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi networks. Meanwhile, Windows 10 users will see improvements addressing issues with Chinese fonts, specific graphics processing units, and custom folder names in File Explorer. Additionally, a bug introduced in January that caused some Secure Launch-compatible PCs to restart unexpectedly has been rectified.
Security Fixes
No Patch Tuesday would be complete without its share of security patches. This month, the number of fixes is notably lower than January’s, with only 55 vulnerabilities addressed compared to the previous month’s 114. Among these, two were classified as critical, and six were identified as zero-day vulnerabilities, emphasizing the urgency of this update, as noted by patch management provider Action1.
One of the vulnerabilities already exploited could allow attackers to gain system privileges on affected Windows systems, while another could disrupt network connectivity. A third vulnerability, also detected in real-world attacks, poses a risk of disabling security controls and accessing sensitive data. These factors underscore the importance of the February update.
Update Your PC
To ensure your Windows 11 PC is up to date, navigate to System, select Windows Update, and click the button to check for updates. For Windows 10, the process involves going to System, selecting Update & Security, and then checking for the latest updates.
Given the recent history of buggy updates from Microsoft, particularly the troublesome January rollout that necessitated two emergency patches, users may be cautious about installing this month’s update immediately. While it is advisable to address security vulnerabilities promptly, waiting a few days to gauge the stability of the February update could be prudent. Should you choose to install it and encounter issues, remember that uninstalling the update is always an option.
It is clear that Microsoft must prioritize quality control in its monthly updates to ensure they resolve issues rather than introduce new ones.
