Windows 10 Gets Final Major Update as Windows 11 Takes the Spotlight
▼ Summary
– September’s Patch Tuesday provides bug fixes and security patches for both Windows 10 and 11, including 81 security vulnerabilities with two zero-day flaws.
– Windows 10 received only bug and security fixes as its penultimate update before official support ends on October 14, after which users must upgrade or pay for extended security updates.
– Windows 11 received new and improved features including Copilot+ enhancements, taskbar updates, a redesigned Windows Hello screen, and expanded Settings options.
– The updates address various functional issues such as unexpected UAC prompts, Windows Search pane problems, and audio casting glitches across both operating systems.
– Microsoft is prioritizing Windows 11 as its innovation platform while Windows 10 enters maintenance mode, with experts recommending upgrades for security and feature benefits.
The final major update for Windows 10 has arrived, marking a significant transition as Microsoft shifts its full attention to Windows 11. September’s Patch Tuesday delivers crucial security patches and bug fixes for both operating systems, though it represents the last substantial feature update for the decade-old Windows 10 platform. With official support ending next month, users must now decide between upgrading or enrolling in extended security services.
Installing the September update is straightforward. Navigate to Settings, choose Update & Security on Windows 10 or Windows Update on Windows 11, and select “Check for updates.” The process should initiate automatically, but a manual prompt ensures it begins. After installation, a system reboot completes the update. Windows 10 users receive cumulative update KB5065429, while Windows 11 systems get KB5065426.
This month’s patches address a total of 81 security vulnerabilities across both operating systems. Among these are two zero-day flaws requiring immediate attention. The first, identified as CVE-2025-55234, impacts the Windows Server Message Block protocol, potentially allowing credential interception. Although primarily concerning enterprises, home users should also apply this patch. The second, CVE-2024-21907, affects a .NET library and could lead to service disruptions, again posing a greater risk to organizational environments.
Additional vulnerabilities patched this month involve Windows graphics, Hyper-V, and Microsoft Office. Beyond security, the updates resolve various functional issues, including unexpected User Account Control prompts, Windows Search preview pane errors, and interrupted audio casting.
For Windows 10, this update is the second-to-last major Patch Tuesday release. The final update arrives on October 14, coinciding with the end of official support. After that date, users must either upgrade to Windows 11 or subscribe to Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program, which provides another year of security patches. Enrollment options include a paid subscription, redeeming Microsoft rewards points, or using the built-in Windows Backup tool.
In contrast, Windows 11 receives not only security and bug fixes but also several new and improved features. Copilot+ PCs now feature a personalized Recall homepage, easier navigation, and an interactive Click to Do tutorial. The taskbar displays a larger clock with seconds and improved search status alerts. File Explorer’s context menu includes visual dividers for better readability.
Windows Hello now supports a more modern design with streamlined passkey setup. The Settings app has also been enhanced, with Windows activation prompts matching the Windows 11 aesthetic. A new Privacy & security section shows which third-party apps recently used Windows’ generative AI models. The Settings agent, initially exclusive to Snapdragon Copilot+ devices, now supports AMD and Intel models.
According to Mike Walters, President and Co-founder of Action1, “Windows 10 updates this cycle focus solely on security fixes and bug resolutions, with no new features, reflecting Microsoft’s typical approach for operating systems nearing end-of-life.” He adds, “Windows 11 updates include the same security patches along with major feature enhancements,” underscoring the company’s shift in focus.
Organizations with compatible hardware are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 before the October deadline. The newer OS offers a stronger security architecture and ongoing feature improvements. Extended Security Updates should be viewed as a temporary solution, not a long-term strategy.
Home users face a simpler choice. Since ESU primarily targets enterprises, individuals should upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware allows. For incompatible systems, replacing the device is recommended, as continuing to use an unsupported OS without security updates carries significant risk.
(Source: ZDNET)
