16-05-2025
Windows 10 and Windows 11 critical update as users urged 'not to ignore'
Microsoft Windows has released a critical update, with users being urged to check immediately if their PC and laptop are up to date.
Those who are operating their PC or laptops on Windows 10 or Windows 11 have been urged to check their settings immediately. It comes as Microsoft launch a major update which people are being cautioned not to ignore.
As part of the platforms Patch Tuesday programme, the latest upgrade from the Redmond firm fixes a total of 72 flaws within its popular operating systems. Not worrying enough? Six of these bugs have been deemed 'critical' and given a 'zero-day' rating.
To break it down for users further, 'zero-day' essentially means hackers are aware of the gremlins and are actively exploiting them in the wild. This is why Microsoft has rushed so quickly to fix the problems in a bid to keep people safe, as reported by the Express.
The bugs include Privilege Vulnerabilities, Bypass Vulnerabilities and Spoofing Vulnerabilities, with it now being vital that you check your PC or laptop is running the very latest version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 without delay.
Explaining more, the security team at Action1 said: "Attackers exploiting these vulnerabilities can escalate privileges to system level, granting them full control to run arbitrary code, install malware, modify data or disable security protections.
"With low complexity and minimal privileges needed, these flaws pose a serious risk, especially given the confirmed in-the-wild."
How do I check my system is updated?
To check if your PC or laptop is up to date, you can head to settings, navigate to update and security, then Windows update, and select 'Check for updates'.
This new patch offers a glimpse into why Windows 10 users should consider switching to Windows 11. From October, free updates like the one released this week will no longer be available, and that will put Windows 10 users at much higher risk of issues and cyber attacks.
"Starting Oct. 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates," explained Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer.
"As security threats evolve and adapt, so must our operating systems and hardware. Because of this, we designed Windows 11 to be the most secure version of Windows ever — by default and design — to help you stay ahead of those risks."
