October 2024 Windows Security Updates Released by Microsoft

On October 8, 2024, Microsoft rolled out its cumulative security updates for all supported Windows operating system versions. Notably, this marks the final update for Windows 11 version 22H2, which has reached its end of support.

This comprehensive update overview serves both system administrators and regular users by detailing the newly released security updates, highlighting which versions of Windows are affected, and outlining confirmed known issues reported by Microsoft.

Overview of Microsoft’s Windows Security Updates: October 2024

For a complete list of the security updates released this month, you can download the Excel spreadsheet here: Windows Security Updates – October 2024.

Executive Summary

A total of 117 security updates have been released for various Microsoft products, accompanied by 4 additional updates addressing non-Microsoft issues (e.g., those relating to Chromium).
Windows client versions facing issues include:
- Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2
- Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 24H2
Windows Server versions affected:
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2022
Windows 11 version 22H2 (Home and Pro editions) has reached its end of support. As part of this transition, Microsoft will automatically upgrade these systems to newer Windows versions.

Detailed Product Overview

The table below outlines supported Windows versions along with their corresponding vulnerabilities:

Windows 10 version 22H2:
- Total vulnerabilities: 61 (1 critical, 59 important, 1 moderate)
- Key Vulnerability: Remote Desktop Protocol Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability – CVE-2024-43582
Windows 11 version 22H2:
- Total vulnerabilities: 66 (1 critical, 64 important, 1 moderate, identical to Windows 10 version 22H2’s vulnerabilities)
Windows 11 version 23H2:
- Identical vulnerability statistics to version 22H2.
Windows 11 version 24H2:
- Total vulnerabilities: 67 (1 critical, 65 important, 1 moderate)

Server Products Overview

Windows Server 2008 R2 (extended support only): 37 vulnerabilities (0 critical, 37 important)
Windows Server 2016: 58 vulnerabilities (0 critical, 58 important)
Windows Server 2019: 81 vulnerabilities (1 critical, 80 important) – includes CVE-2024-43582
Windows Server 2022: 70 vulnerabilities (1 critical, 69 important) – same as Server 2019.

Update & Improvements for Windows Security

Windows 10 version 22H2:

Support Page: KB5044273

Updates include:

Security improvements.
Continuing adjustments from September 2024 optional updates, notably a fix for media playback issues.

Windows 11 version 22H2 and 23H2:

Support Page: KB5044285

Key updates include:

Miscellaneous functional security enhancements.
Incorporation of changes from September 2024 optional updates, such as:

Restoration of the sign-out option in Start when clicking the profile icon.
Display of media controls on the lock screen.
Removal of the Windows Share search box.
Sharing local files directly from search results.

Windows 11 version 24H2:

Support Page: KB5044284

Updates comprised of:

Resolution for Remote Desktop Gateway Service freeze.
Security updates.
Changes derived from September 2024 optional updates, including:

Enhancements to media controls on the lock screen.
Reinstatement of the sign out option in Start.
New Energy Recommendation to deactivate HDR under Settings > Power & Battery > Energy recommendations.
New notification for low battery (20%) status.
Ability to share local files directly from search.
Enhanced mouse pointer precision settings under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mouse.
Manage Copilot Pro subscriptions in Settings > Account.

Complete List of Windows Security Updates

The security updates for October 2024 feature specific identifiers for each, making it straightforward to identify which updates apply to your system:

2024-10 Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer – KB5044272
2024-10 Security Update for Windows 11 for x64-based Systems – KB5046398
2024-10 Security Update for Windows Server Operating System version 21H2 for x64-based Systems – KB5046399
2024-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 21H2 and 22H2 – KB5046400
2024-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 – KB5044280
2024-10 Cumulative Update for Microsoft Server Operating System version 21H2 for x64-based Systems – KB5044281

How to Download and Install the October 2024 Security Updates

Most unmanaged PCs running either Windows 10 or 11 will receive automatic updates in the upcoming days, as Windows Update is enabled by default on these systems.

For users who prefer to expedite the update process, please follow these steps:

Click on Start, type “Windows Update,”then select the displayed Windows Update option.
Choose “Check for updates”to perform a manual update check.

System administrators also have the option to download update files from a Microsoft server for manual installation on their devices.

Direct Update Download Links

For those looking to install updates manually, here is a list of direct download links:

Windows 10 version 22H2:
- KB5044273 – Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 21H2
Windows 11 version 22H2:
- KB5044285 – Cumulative Update for Windows 11 version 22H2
Windows 11 version 23H2:
- KB5044285 – Cumulative Update for Windows 11 version 23H2
Windows 11 version 24H2:
- KB5044284 – Cumulative Update for Windows 11 version 24H2

Additional Resources

October 2024 Security Updates Release Notes
Software Update Services and Windows Server Update Services Changes
Latest Windows Updates and Services Packs
Microsoft Security Updates Guide
Microsoft Update Catalog
In-Depth Windows Update Guide
Windows 11 Update History
Windows 10 Update History