Patch Chaos and the Future of Windows Updates
January 2026 proved to be a bumpy start to the year for Windows users, marked by a flurry of patches and subsequent out-of-band (OOB) fixes. This highlights a growing trend: the increasing complexity of software updates and the require for more robust testing before release. The initial January releases addressed a significant number of vulnerabilities – 92 in Windows 11 and Server 2025, and 79 for Windows 10 – alongside updates for older Office versions and SQL Server. Yet, the rapid rollout of OOB patches to address issues introduced by the original updates underscores the challenges Microsoft faces in maintaining stability across its vast ecosystem.
The OOB Patch Cycle: A New Normal?
Microsoft issued three separate OOB patches in January alone. The first tackled credential prompt failures in remote connections, impacting Windows 10, 11, Server 2019, 2022, and 2025. The second addressed shutdown and hibernation issues specifically in Windows 11, 23H2. A third patch swiftly followed, resolving a critical security bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-21509) in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise. This pattern suggests that OOB fixes may become more frequent, requiring IT departments to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging issues.
The impact of these issues was felt by many. One user reported that a January OOB patch blocked their personal email, demonstrating the potential for widespread disruption. These fixes will be rolled into the February preview and Patch Tuesday releases, but the initial problems raise questions about the quality assurance process.
NTLM’s Sunset: A Long-Awaited Security Upgrade
Microsoft is finally moving forward with a phased disablement of NTLM, the outdated New Technology LAN Manager authentication protocol. Introduced in 1993, NTLM has long been superseded by the more secure Kerberos, but has persisted as a fallback option. This persistence, despite its known vulnerabilities, has been a security concern for years. The plan involves three phases: identification, remediation, and eventual default disablement.
Phase one focuses on identifying NTLM usage through advanced auditing tools available in Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 24H2. Phase two will address compatibility issues, removing fallbacks to NTLM when Kerberos is available. The final phase will disable NTLM by default, requiring explicit re-enablement for specific needs. This transition, while necessary, will require careful planning and execution to avoid disrupting existing systems.
Beyond Windows: Third-Party Vulnerabilities Demand Attention
The January security landscape extended beyond Microsoft products. Exploitation of a path traversal vulnerability (CVE-2025-8088) in WinRAR was reported, with threat actors using it for espionage and financial gain. A supply chain attack targeting Notepad++ also came to light, highlighting the importance of securing the entire software ecosystem. These incidents underscore the need for organizations to maintain a comprehensive security posture, extending beyond operating systems to include commonly used applications.
February 2026 Patch Tuesday: What to Expect
Looking ahead to February 2026, we can anticipate updates addressing the issues resolved in the January OOB releases. Expect the usual OS and Microsoft Office updates, potentially including legacy support for 2016 versions. Adobe is likely to continue its monthly rotation of Creative Cloud app updates, with potential updates for After Effects, Animate, Audition, Photoshop, and Premiere. Apple, having last released major updates in December, is overdue for OS and Safari updates. Google Chrome 145 beta releases suggest a GA version will be available on Patch Tuesday, and Mozilla released minor updates for Firefox and Thunderbird in January, with version 148 anticipated soon.
FAQ
Q: What is an out-of-band (OOB) patch?
A: An OOB patch is a security update released outside of the regular Patch Tuesday schedule to address critical vulnerabilities or issues.
Q: What is NTLM and why is it being disabled?
A: NTLM is an older authentication protocol that is less secure than Kerberos. Microsoft is disabling it to improve overall system security.
Q: How can I prepare for the NTLM disablement?
A: Apply the advanced NTLM auditing tools in Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 24H2 to identify NTLM usage and migrate to Kerberos where possible.
Q: What should I do about the WinRAR and Notepad++ vulnerabilities?
A: Ensure you have installed the latest security updates from WinRAR and Notepad++ and review your systems for any signs of compromise.
Did you realize? The Windows Secure Boot certificates are set to expire in June 2026, potentially impacting the ability of devices to boot securely if not updated.
Pro Tip: Regularly review your software inventory and patch management processes to ensure you are promptly addressing security vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about the latest security threats and updates. Explore our other articles on Windows security and patch management to learn more. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates and insights.
