Microsoft has released its July 2026 Patch Tuesday update, delivering one of its largest security updates in recent years with fixes for 570 vulnerabilities across Windows systems.
The company is urging users to install the update as soon as possible after patching three zero-day flaws that were either actively exploited or publicly disclosed before fixes became available.
The July 2026 update addresses a broad range of security vulnerabilities affecting Windows and related Microsoft services.
According to security researchers, the release fixes 254 privilege escalation vulnerabilities, 145 remote code execution flaws, 102 information disclosure issues, along with multiple security bypass, spoofing, and denial-of-service vulnerabilities.
Microsoft said 59 of the vulnerabilities have been rated critical because of the potential risk they pose to both individual users and organizations.
Three zero-day vulnerabilities patched
Among the most significant fixes are three zero-day vulnerabilities that demanded immediate attention.
The first, CVE-2026-56155, affects Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) and could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on vulnerable systems.
The second, CVE-2026-56164, impacts Microsoft SharePoint Server, potentially enabling unauthorized attackers to increase their level of access through network-based attacks.
The third vulnerability, CVE-2026-50661, involves a Windows BitLocker security bypass. If an attacker gains physical access to a device, the flaw could expose encrypted data despite BitLocker protection.
Microsoft highlights AI-driven cyber threats
Microsoft said the growing volume of vulnerabilities reflects the increasing sophistication of AI-powered cyberattacks.
To strengthen its defenses, the company has been using its AI-driven security research platform, MDASH, which employs multiple AI agents to identify, investigate, and analyze security weaknesses more efficiently.
According to Microsoft, the system helps researchers detect vulnerabilities before they can be exploited on a wider scale.
How to install latest Windows update
Microsoft has advised all Windows users to install the July 2026 security update without delay.
Users can check for the latest update by following these steps:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
For Windows 11, the latest builds included in the release are:
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Windows 11 25H2: Build 26200.8875 (KB5101650)
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Windows 11 24H2: Build 26100.8875 (KB5101650)
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Windows 11 23H2: KB5099414 (Build 22631.7376)
Some Dell devices temporarily affected
Microsoft also noted that some Dell devices powered by Intel processors may not immediately receive the update due to compatibility issues.
The company said the temporary hold is intended to prevent problems such as unexpected shutdowns, overheating, reduced performance, and excessive battery drain. Microsoft and Dell are working together on a fix for affected systems.
