October 2024 Windows Security Updates: Critical Fixes and Known Issues

As we move into October 2024, Microsoft has once again rolled out its cumulative security updates for Windows 10 and 11. In what marks a pivotal moment, Windows 11 version 22H2 is officially wrapping up its support lifecycle, making this month's updates especially critical for users still on that version. Here's a deep dive into the updates, highlighted issues, and everything else you need to know to navigate this essential patching period.

Overview of the October 2024 Security Updates​

Microsoft's latest security updates encapsulate a crucial release with a staggering 117 security updates for various Microsoft products, coupled with four updates addressing non-Microsoft issues, mainly concerning the Chromium project. The impact of these updates reaches across a broad spectrum of Windows versions, ensuring that vulnerabilities across the ecosystem are mitigated effectively.

Key Security Vulnerabilities Addressed​

Each supported version of Windows is affected differently. Here’s a brief overview:

• Windows 10 version 22H2:
  • Vulnerabilities addressed: 61
  • Critical: 1
  • Important: 59
  • Moderate: 1
  • Notable vulnerability: Remote Desktop Protocol Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2024-43582)
  []Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2:
  
  • Vulnerabilities addressed: 66 (22H2 & 23H2); 67 (24H2)
  • Critical: 1
  • Important: 64 (22H2 & 23H2); 65 (24H2)
  • Same notable CVE as Windows 10.

Furthermore, Windows Server products have also received significant updates, addressing several vulnerabilities critical for enterprise users.

Known Issues After the Update​

With the excitement of new features and security upgrades comes the inevitable reminder that not everything is perfect. Microsoft has acknowledged several known issues tied to these updates:

• Windows 10 version 22H2:
  • Users have reported difficulties changing their account profile pictures post-update.
  • Dual-boot systems may face booting issues with Linux, showing errors like “Verifying shim SBAT data failed: Security Policy Violation.”
  [

• ]Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2:
  • While most issues have been resolved with these updates, ARM device users in version 24H2 may face challenges playing games like Roblox via the Microsoft Store. A temporary fix is to run the game directly from the developer's website.

How to Update Your Windows System​

For the typical home user, the process to ensure you're protected is straightforward. Most unmanaged PCs will automatically receive these updates via Windows Update, a feature that's enabled by default. However, if you're keen to take a proactive approach, here's how you can manually initiate the update:

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Type in Windows Update and select the related option.
3. Click on Check for updates to manually run a check.

For those managing enterprise systems or preferring to manually install updates, Microsoft also provides direct download links for the updates. These can be found in the accompanying resources section of the updates advisory.

Additional Resources and Download Links​

For detailed patch notes and specific updates, here are the versions that received significant updates this October:

• Windows 10 version 22H2: KB5044273
• Windows 11 version 22H2: KB5044285
• Windows 11 version 23H2: KB5044285
• Windows 11 version 24H2: KB5044284

Conclusion​

As Windows users, staying ahead of security vulnerabilities is essential in today’s digital landscape. With the October 2024 updates, Microsoft not only enhances system security but also nudges users towards adopting newer versions of its operating system. Make sure to regularly check for updates, report any issues you encounter, and share your experience in the community to help others navigate this crucial update cycle. Your proactive approach helps keep the community informed and secure!
Feel free to leave comments or share your findings about the latest updates. Are there features you’re particularly excited about, or issues you've encountered post-update? Let's discuss!
Source: gHacks Technology News Microsoft releases the October 2024 security updates for Windows