PCWorld reports that Microsoft's September update patches a record 973 security vulnerabilities, doubling the previous month's total, with 113 classified as critical. Two zero-day exploits are already being actively used by attackers, and flaws in Windows, Excel, SharePoint, and Windows Hello could allow remote code execution or privilege escalation. Users are strongly urged to update their Microsoft software immediately to protect against these serious risks. Yesterday was September Patch Tuesday, which means Microsoft released security updates addressing 973 new security vulnerabilities.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft will end support for Office 2021 on October 13, 2026, leaving users without official security or feature updates and potentially vulnerable to threats. A third-party tool called 0patch offers unofficial micropatches that fix vulnerabilities without altering original software code, providing security coverage for up to three years.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft has changed how Windows 11 handles updates, now bundling drivers and firmware together with monthly security patches. This means users will likely only need to restart their PC once a month during the regular Patch Tuesday cycle, reducing interruptions. The change applies to versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1, though critical Microsoft Defender security fixes may still trigger immediate restarts when necessary. Microsoft now bundles updates for drivers, the .NET Framework, and firmware together with the regular security updates that go out on Patch Tuesday every month. This consolidation brings one huge advantage to Windows users: your Windows 11 PC now only needs to be restarted once a month to remain up-to-date and secure.

PCWorld reports that Nvidia will stop releasing new feature and performance updates for Windows 10 Game Ready Drivers after October 2026, shifting to quarterly security fixes only. This means Windows 10 gamers may experience bugs or poor optimization in newer game titles lacking critical driver updates. Full GeForce driver support ends completely by November 2029, making an upgrade to Windows 11 the recommended move for gamers. Even though Microsoft is providing security updates for Windows 10 until October 2027 via the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, graphics card giant Nvidia is pulling out before then. Apart from security updates, Nvidia is ending Windows 10 feature support--a major blow for gamers still on the much-beloved operating system.

PCWorld reports that CISA has flagged four actively exploited security vulnerabilities affecting Windows, VMware vCenter, Microsoft SharePoint, and Apple macOS systems. Critical flaws carry severity scores as high as 9.8 out of 10, with attackers using them to deploy ransomware, install Monero mining malware, and bypass authentication entirely. Users and administrators are urged to apply available patches immediately, including recent Windows, SharePoint, VMware, and macOS updates, to avoid becoming targets. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning about four security vulnerabilities that are being exploited by attackers in the wild. CISA has added the vulnerabilities to its catalog of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) . Microsoft Windows and SharePoint, VMware vCenter, and Apple macOS are affected. Inclusion in the KEV catalog sends an important signal: CISA doesn't simply list every known vulnerability out there, but only those for which there is concrete evidence of active exploitation by attackers. The agency points out that such vulnerabilities are among the most commonly used attack vectors and pose a significant risk.

Look Up Mashable's Best: E-readers, robovacs, laptops, earbuds, smart home and more Say More Safety Net Creator Hub Versus Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your List Mashable Selects Switch Off Trending Now In My Bag VidCon with Mashable All Series Apple's latest macOS update consists of a single patch to deal with a critical exploit. Apple has released a critical security update for macOS that patches a Screen Share-related vulnerability. Mac users, if you haven't updated your MacBook or desktop Mac computer in the last week or so, install that latest update now. The most recent Mac update from Apple includes a patch for a major vulnerability that could allow an attacker to take over a targeted Mac. The exploit involves an authentication bug in Mac's Screen Share functionality, Ars Technica reported .

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Microsoft 365 Apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will stop getting new features on Windows 10 as early as this month. Microsoft is stepping up the pressure on Windows 10 users by winding down support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. After August 2026, Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will no longer receive new features, and only receive security updates for customers with an active Office subscription. Devices running Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will receive feature updates and Copilot support (where eligible) until Version 2608 is released.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft's August update patches a significant number of security vulnerabilities, including one Windows Winsock flaw already being actively exploited by attackers in the wild. The update covers critical risks across Windows, Office, Exchange Server, and cloud services, with some flaws allowing remote code execution or full account takeover without user interaction. Users are strongly advised to install these updates immediately to protect their systems from potential exploitation. As part of August's Patch Tuesday, Microsoft released security updates that address 398 new vulnerabilities. Alongside Windows and Office, other products and services are also affected: Teams, Exchange Server, Hyper-V, Windows Defender, Visual Studio, and Microsoft's cloud services. Microsoft classifies 42 of the vulnerabilities as critical. Among the remainder, all but one are classified as high risk. One Windows flaw is already being exploited in the wild, while two vulnerabilities were already publicly known beforehand. The next scheduled Patch Tuesday will be on September 8th, 2026.

On macOS Tahoe 26 or later, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update . Click the More Info button next to Automatic Updates and make sure Install system data files and security updates is turned on. If your Mac runs Sonoma or Sequoia, look for Safari 26.5.2 in Software Update as well. That Safari update may be the protection your Mac needs if you are not on Tahoe.

PCWorld reports that Microsoft is ending support for Microsoft Store versions of Office apps by December 2026, cutting off security updates. Users must migrate to Click-to-Run versions to maintain ongoing security patches and feature updates, as new features already stopped in October 2025.