Microsoft has just released the first “Patch Tuesday” updates of 2021 for all supported versions of Windows 10. If you’ve already installed the latest version of the OS, the October 2020 Update (20H2), you can now download the build 19042.746 (KB4598242) on your PC. This same build is also available for Windows Insiders on the Beta and Release preview channels today.
The build 19042.746 share the same list of fixes as the build 19041.746 now available for the May 2020 Update (20H1), and you can read more about what’s fixed and improved in these two patches below:
- Addresses a security vulnerability issue with HTTPS-based intranet servers. After installing this update, HTTPS-based intranet servers cannot, by default, use a user proxy to detect updates. Scans using these servers will fail if you have not configured a system proxy on the clients. If you must use a user proxy, you must configure the behavior using the policy “Allow user proxy to be used as a fallback if detection using system proxy fails.” To ensure the highest levels of security, also use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate pinning on all devices. This change does not affect customers who are using HTTP WSUS servers. For more information, see Changes to scans, improved security for Windows devices.
- Addresses a security bypass vulnerability that exists in the way the Printer Remote Procedure Call (RPC) binding handles authentication for the remote Winspool interface. For more information, see KB4599464.
- Security updates to Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows Media, Windows Fundamentals, Windows Kernel, Windows Cryptography, Windows Virtualization, Windows Peripherals, and Windows Hybrid Storage Services.
Microsoft also highlighted that this update should “improve security when using external devices, such as game controllers, printers, and web cameras.” The company previously acknowledged disconnection issues with its new Xbox Wireless controller on Windows 10 PCs and Xbox consoles, and we hope this patch will help.
If you’re running older versions of Windows 10, you can find the list of all the cumulative updates changelists on this page. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 version 1903 back in December, but older versions of the OS are still being patched for Enterprise and Education users.
