Tonight, the October monthly security updates were released for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 21H2, Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 21H1, and Windows 8.1.
These updates on the second Tuesday of the month fix dozens of vulnerabilities in Windows, quite a few of which are critical. So a heavy update round. Windows 11 22H2, which came out in September, is getting its first security update.
1. Windows 10: 64 Leaks, 9 Critical
The cumulative security update for Windows 10 with number KB5018410 fixes as many as 64 vulnerabilities in various components of Windows. Nine of these are also serious ('critical'). A leak is already being actively attacked by internet criminals and is therefore a so-called zero-day leak.
If you didn't already have the optional preview update KB5017380 from September, you will also receive it with various bug fixes - including for problems with Explorer, printers and the search box.
Windows 10 version 21H1 two months of updates left
Windows 10 21H1 (from Spring 2021) will only receive two months of updates. In the near future you should be automatically transferred to a newer component update, such as version 21H2, or perhaps 22H2 if it has been released by then. Windows 10 versions are larger updates that were released every six months until 2021 and every year from 2022 (just like for Windows 11). They are numbered '22H2' (year, second half of the year). You will receive annual new versions and monthly updates for Windows 10 until 2025.
2. Windows 11: 66 leaks, 9 critical
For Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft has released security update KB5018427. KB5018418 has been released for Windows 11 21H2 from last year. This means that Microsoft will release different updates for the two Windows 11 versions. All Windows 10 variants get the same update with the same number every month.
The update for Windows 11 21H2 (the original Windows 11 release) patches 66 vulnerabilities. Nine are rated 'critical'. In Windows 11 22H2, 64 vulnerabilities are fixed and here too nine are critical. A leak in a Windows component is already being actively exploited by internet criminals and is therefore a so-called zero-day leak.
If you have not yet installed the optional preview updates KB5017383 (Windows 11 21H2) and KB5017389 (Windows 11 22H2) from September, you will also receive the bug fixes. For example - for the umpteenth time - printing problems in Windows 11 are solved. And issues with crashing apps and slow indexing for Windows Search. As a novelty, there is more content for the widgets plus badges for notifications.
3. Windows 8.1: Countdown to the End
In Windows 8.1, 49 vulnerabilities will be patched this month with update KB5018474. Eight of them are critical. Also a problem with Linux virtual machines is still being solved, as Windows 8.1 is nearing its end. From January 2023, the operating system will no longer receive updates and it will be End Of Support. So it's time to switch to Windows 10 or try out a free Linux operating system.
4. Other updates
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830) has been updated to version 5.106. The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool automatically checks your PC every month for a limited number of common malware instances. It is not a replacement for normal anti-virus. You can also manually start the Windows malware removal program via Run by typing mrt and clicking Enter (but that won't really add much value).
Service Stack Updates
Servicing stack updates (SSU) are also included in the monthly updates for Windows 10 versions 21H1 and 21H2 and Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2. These SSUs improve the Windows update process. Nowadays, SSUs are no longer offered separately, but packed in the monthly update and installed automatically.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge gets its updates outside of Windows Update since the web browser is based on Chromium. Some visitors to reported that Edge 106 wouldn't boot for them again - after the version 105 debacle.