May 2025 Microsoft Windows Security Updates Released

On May 13, 2025, Microsoft initiated the monthly Patch Tuesday rollout, delivering a comprehensive suite of security and non-security updates for all supported Windows operating systems, along with enhancements for key products like Microsoft Office.

This in-depth guide serves to inform both home users and system administrators about the critical updates freshly released this month. It delineates updates pertinent to each Windows version, outlines known issues, describes newly introduced features, and provides links for easy access to download updates and support resources.

Overview of Microsoft Windows Security Updates: May 2025

For a structured overview of the updates, you can download the detailed Excel spreadsheet listing the updates released this month. Click below to download: Download the May 2025 Security Updates Archive.

Executive Summary

Microsoft has rolled out a total of 78 security updates, addressing various vulnerabilities across Microsoft products alongside 5 updates for issues external to Microsoft, such as Chromium.
Identified issues in Windows clients include:
- Windows 10 versions: 1809, 21H2, and 22H2
Identified issues in Windows Server clients include:
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2022

Critical Vulnerabilities by Windows Version

Below are details on the vulnerabilities discovered in supported versions of Windows:

Windows 10 version 22H2: 34 vulnerabilities, comprising 3 critical and 31 important.
Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2: 35 vulnerabilities, with 3 critical and 32 important.
Windows 11 version 24H2: 36 vulnerabilities, including 3 critical and 33 important.

Windows Server Vulnerabilities

Windows Server 2008 R2: 27 vulnerabilities (3 critical, 36 important).
Windows Server 2016: 35 vulnerabilities (3 critical, 32 important).
Windows Server 2019 & 2022: 38 vulnerabilities (3 critical, 35 important each).
Windows Server 2025: 38 vulnerabilities (3 critical, 35 important).

Detailed Windows Security Updates

Windows 10 Version 22H2

Support Page: KB5058379

Updates and improvements include:

Security updates aimed at patching critical vulnerabilities.
Inclusion of new known vulnerable drivers in the Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist, targeting Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attack methods.
Resolved an issue affecting the Event Viewer.

Windows 11 Versions 22H2 and 23H2

Support Page: KB5058405

Key updates include:

Security updates enhancing system protection.
Continued rollout of lock screen widgets support.
Progress on Phone Link extension integration into the Start menu.
Introduction of new Narrator speech recaps.
Pivot-based curated views for Microsoft 365 users are being rolled out in File Explorer.
Fixes for display issues that might hinder functionality for users with larger font sizes.

Windows 11 Version 24H2

Support Page: KB5058411

This version includes:

Security updates for better protection against vulnerabilities.
Rollout of Recall (preview) on Copilot+ PCs for AI-based interaction with past activities.
Enhanced “Click to do”functionality to initiate actions with AI assistance.
Further development of AI capabilities in Windows Search with natural language processing.
Addition of a new Settings page for managing apps suggested by Copilot.
Installation time estimates displayed for pending updates.
Total fixes including some critical Blue Screen errors.

How to Download and Install May 2025 Security Updates

Typically, security updates on unmanaged Windows systems are installed automatically. However, users can modify this setting if preferred. It’s advisable to backup your system before proceeding with the installation of updates, utilizing tools such as Paragon Backup & Recovery Free.

To manually initiate the update process, follow these steps:

Launch the Start menu, then type “Windows Update” and select the appropriate result.
Click the “Check for updates” button to perform a manual update search.
If updates are not automatically downloaded, hit “Download & Install All” to commence installation.

Direct Update Downloads

For users who prefer to manually download updates, the following direct links are available:

Windows 10 Version 22H2: KB5058379
Windows 11 Version 22H2: KB5058405
Windows 11 Version 23H2: KB5058405
Windows 11 Version 24H2: KB5058411

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main updates included in the May 2025 Patch Tuesday?

The May 2025 Patch Tuesday includes 78 security updates for Microsoft products, addressing various vulnerabilities along with non-security related updates for systems like Chromium.

2. How can I check if my Windows device is up-to-date with the May 2025 updates?

You can check for updates by opening the Start menu, typing “Windows Update”, and then selecting the option to “check for updates”.This will prompt your system to seek out the latest updates.

3. Are there any critical vulnerabilities I should be aware of for my version of Windows?

Yes, each version of Windows has its own specific vulnerabilities. For example, Windows 10 version 22H2 has 34 vulnerabilities, while Windows Server 2019 has 38. Staying informed about these specifics is crucial for ensuring system security.

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