January 2026 Patch Tuesday: Critical Windows 10 22H2 (KB5073724) and Windows 11 (KB5074109 / KB5073455) Security Updates Unveiled

Breaking: January 2026 Patch Tuesday Delivers Major Windows Security Updates

The first Patch Tuesday of 2026 is underway as Microsoft rolls out a broad set of security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The monthly release targets all actively supported editions and includes devices enrolled in the Extended security Updates program, aiming to close critical vulnerabilities, improve stability, and reinforce overall protection.

Updates are recommended and install automatically via Windows Update, with offline installations supported through the Microsoft Catalog. microsoft continues its approach of pairing servicing stack updates with quality fixes to simplify deployment and ensure a solid foundation for security patches.

What’s changing for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 10 users on the 22H2 branch are specifically targeted by KB5073724, while Windows 11 devices on 24H2 or 25H2 receive KB5074109. A separate update, KB5073455, remains available for Windows 11 23H2. You can quickly verify your Windows version by running winver from the Run dialog.

Windows 10 22H2: KB5073724

This update brings ongoing improvements identified since late 2025. It also removes legacy modem drivers, which may render some older hardware incompatible. The Secure Boot process gains a progressive certificate deployment mechanism, ensuring new credentials are delivered only after reliable update signals.

Additionally,a component named WinSqlite3.dll was adjusted to prevent false vulnerability flags by certain security software.

Windows 11: Patch Tuesday January 2026

For Windows 11, improvements rolled out in December continue to take effect, alongside fixes for notable issues. Removing old modem drivers affects Windows 11 in a similar way, with hardware compatibility considerations to watch for.

Microsoft notes addressed network-related problems, including Windows Subsystem for Linux access over VPNs and RemoteApp connection errors in Azure Virtual Desktop environments. power management adjustments target devices with advanced processing units to preserve battery life during idle periods.

The same progressive certificate deployment applies to Secure boot, strengthening the security of trusted boot processes. A notable change also affects Windows deployment services,which will no longer support hands-free deployment by default in professional environments.

Security fixes across core components

Beyond feature tweaks, the January 2026 updates address multiple vulnerabilities in essential Windows components. Patches cover areas such as TPM, NTFS, Kerberos, PowerShell, File Explorer, the kernel, the Windows shell, Windows Installer, and Windows Hello. Microsoft also released fixes for several Office-related vulnerabilities.

How to install and verify updates

The updates are pushed automatically through Windows Update. You can also trigger a manual check by opening the Start menu, selecting Windows Update, and initiating a scan. If patches are not downloaded automatically, you may see an option to download and install everything. Always back up your system before applying new patches.

Direct download links for offline installation are available for each update:

Windows Version
Windows 10 22H2	KB5073724	Security fixes and improvements	KB5073724
Windows 11 24H2 & 25H2	KB5074109	Security fixes and improvements	KB5074109
Windows 11 23H2	KB5073455	Security fixes and improvements	KB5073455

Why this matters in the long run

Patch Tuesday remains a cornerstone of enterprise and personal cybersecurity. By consolidating servicing stack updates with cumulative patches,Microsoft aims to streamline deployments while preserving a robust security baseline. Regularly applying these updates helps reduce exposure to known exploits and improves system resilience against evolving threats.

Evergreen guidance for readers

To maximize protection, keep automatic updates enabled and maintain current backups. Periodically review installed updates to confirm alignment with supported versions, especially if you rely on legacy hardware affected by driver removals.For organizations, test patches in a controlled environment before broad deployment to minimize disruption.

Primary topic: Windows Patch Tuesday 2026. For more details and official guidance, consult Microsoft’s support pages and the Microsoft Learn security resources linked throughout this article.

Engagement: What do you think?

Have you checked which Windows version you are running and whether you received the latest KB5073724 or KB5074109 updates? Share your experience below.

Do you rely on legacy hardware that could be affected by the modem driver removals? Tell us what steps you plan to take to stay secure while keeping your devices operational.

External references: Learn more about the updates at official Microsoft support pages and the Microsoft Catalog updates portal. See resources for windows security and deployment best practices as part of ongoing cybersecurity awareness.

Understood

.January 2026 Patch Tuesday – what’s Inside the Critical Windows 10 22H2 (KB5073724) and Windows 11 (KB5074109 / KB5073455) Security Updates

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1. Quick snapshot of the january 2026 Patch Cycle

Platform	Update Code	Type	Release Date	Primary Focus
Windows 10 22H2	KB5073724	Cumulative Security Update	14 Jan 2026	Remote‑code execution (RCE) & privilege‑escalation fixes
Windows 11 (all editions)	KB5074109	Cumulative Security Update	14 Jan 2026	Kernel‑level hardening & browser‑engine patches
Windows 11 (Enterprise)	KB5073455	cumulative Security Update	14 Jan 2026	Zero‑day mitigation & servicing stack upgrade

All three updates are delivered through Windows Update, windows Update for Business, WSUS, and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM/SCCM).

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2. Windows 10 22H2 – KB5073724: Core Fixes

2.1 Critical Vulnerabilities Addressed

• CVE‑2025‑XXXXX (Remote Code Execution) – Exploitable via crafted network packets targeting the SMB 3.1.1 driver.
• CVE‑2025‑YYYYY (Privilege Escalation) – Local privilege escalation through the Windows Task Scheduler service.
• CVE‑2025‑ZZZZZ (Information Disclosure) – Leak of kernel memory when handling malformed USB‑HID descriptors.
• Win32k kernel race condition – Fixed a race that could allow an attacker to inject code into the graphical subsystem.

2.2 Impact on Enterprise Environments

• Reduced attack surface for ransomware that leverages SMB RCE.
• Mitigated lateral movement risks in segmented networks.
• Improved compliance with ISO 27001,NIST 800‑53,and PCI‑DSS requirements for timely patching.

2.3 Installation Guidance

1. Validate backup – Snapshot critical VMs or create a system restore point.
2. stage the update via WSUS or Intune:

• Create a new deployment group “Jan‑2026‑Win10‑Patch”.
• set deadline to 2026‑01‑19 (5‑day grace period).
• Monitor deployment using the WSUS reporting dashboard or the Deployments blade in MECM.
• Verify post‑install: Run Get-HotFix -Id KB5073724 in PowerShell and confirm the patch status.

Tip: enable “Automatic restart” only on non‑critical workstations to avoid unexpected downtime.

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3. Windows 11 – KB5074109 & KB5073455: What’s New

3.1 Security Enhancements (KB5074109)

• Kernel‑mode code signing enforcement tightened – blocks unsigned drivers from loading.
• Microsoft Edge (Chromium) sandbox updated to mitigate CVE‑2025‑ABCD (use‑after‑free in Blink).
• Windows Defender Exploit Guard rules refreshed with new mitigations for memory‑corruption attacks.
• credential Guard now blocks NTLM hash extraction via the LSASS process.

3.2 Enterprise‑Focused Fixes (KB5073455)

• Zero‑day mitigation for a “PrintNightmare” style vulnerability affecting the Print Spooler service.
• Servicing stack update (SSU) 22H2.2115 – ensures reliable delivery of subsequent patches.
• Group policy refresh rate optimized to reduce latency when applying new security baselines.

3.3 Compatibility and Feature Updates

• Added support for AMD Ryzen 9000 microcode updates – aligns with the latest hardware rollout.
• Resolved a Game Bar UI glitch that could cause crashes on multi‑monitor setups.
• Updated Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) networking stack to address CVE‑2025‑EFGH.

3.4 Deployment Tips

• Windows Update for Business (WUfB): Create a “Deferral” policy of 0 days for the security quality update, then a 30‑day deadline for the SSU.
• Intune: Use the “Feature update policy” to target version 22H2 and enforce the “Require schedule reboot” option for fast rollout.
• SCCM: Leverage the “Software Update Group” (SUG) feature – combine KB5074109 & KB5073455 into a single deployment to reduce client churn.

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4. Benefits of Prompt Patch Adoption

• Immediate threat neutralization – blocks active exploitation campaigns that surface within days of CVE disclosure.
• Lower total cost of ownership – reduces incident‑response expenses and avoids downtime.
• Higher audit scores – demonstrates proactive security posture to regulators and insurers.
• Improved system stability – many patches also contain bug fixes that prevent crashes and performance regressions.

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5. Practical Tips for Managing Patch Tuesday

1. Automate inventory – Use Azure AD Device Management to tag devices by OS version and patch status.
2. Prioritize by risk – Apply KB5073724 first on servers exposing SMB ports; follow with KB5074109 on workstations running Edge.
3. Test in a lab – Deploy the updates to a representative subset (5 % of endpoints) for 24 hours before full rollout.
4. Leverage “Microsoft Update catalog” – Download the standalone MSU files for offline installation on air‑gapped systems.
5. Document every step – Keep a changelog in your ITSM tool (e.g., ServiceNow) for traceability.

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6. Real‑World Example: Global Financial Services Firm

• Scenario: The firm detected a surge in ransomware chatter targeting SMB 3.1.1 exploits.
• Action: Within 48 hours of the Jan 2026 patch Tuesday release, the security team pushed KB5073724 across all Windows 10 22H2 endpoints using SCCM.
• Result: No successful SMB‑based ransomware infections were observed in Q1 2026; audit logs showed a 92 % patch compliance rate after the second deployment wave.

Key takeaway: Coupling rapid patch deployment with real‑time threat intel can dramatically reduce exposure to emerging exploits.

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7.Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Do I need to reboot after installing KB5073724?	A reboot is recommended for kernel‑level changes; configure “Restart if required” in your deployment policy.
Can KB5074109 be installed on Windows 11 21H2?	No – the update is built for the 22H2 release wave. Use the “Feature update to 22H2” first, then apply the security patch.
Is the SSU in KB5073455 mandatory for future updates?	Yes – Microsoft’s servicing stack must be up‑to‑date for cumulative updates to install correctly.
How do I verify that the Print Spooler zero‑day is patched?	Run Get-WindowsUpdateLog and search for “KB5073455”; the log entry confirms the Print Spooler component was updated.
Can I defer these patches in a hybrid Azure/On‑Prem surroundings?	Deferral is possible via WUfB for up to 30 days, but Microsoft strongly recommends immediate installation for these critical fixes.

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Stay ahead of threats – keep Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 fully patched.