According to PCWorld, Microsoft’s January 2026 security update is now live, with the next major release scheduled for January 13th, 2026. This patch batch fixes 38 vulnerabilities across supported Windows versions, including Windows 10, 11, and Server. The most urgent fix is for CVE-2025-62221, a high-risk Elevation of Privilege flaw in the cloud file mini-filter driver that is already being actively exploited in the wild. Microsoft also patched CVE-2025-54100, a publicly known Remote Code Execution vulnerability in PowerShell. While no flaws were labeled “critical” this month, the update addresses other serious issues, including three vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service.
Windows 10’s Odd Status
Here’s a weird detail that jumped out. Windows 10 is still listed as an affected system in these patches, even though its official support ended back in October 2025. That’s interesting because it didn’t happen with Windows 7, even with its Extended Security Update program. So what gives? It seems like Microsoft might be cleaning up some lingering, cross-platform code issues that happen to touch Windows 10, or perhaps there’s a grace period we don’t know about. Either way, if you’re still on Win 10 in an enterprise setting, you’re not completely out in the cold yet for these specific flaws. But you absolutely should not count on that continuing.
fixes”>The Real Priority Fixes
Look, the headline is the actively exploited zero-day, CVE-2025-62221. It’s an Elevation of Privilege bug, and the scary part is how attackers are combining it with other RCE holes to run code with full system rights. That’s basically a worst-case scenario. But don’t sleep on the PowerShell RCE fix either—if that’s publicly known, it’s only a matter of time before it gets weaponized. And the RRAS vulnerabilities? That service has been a bug farm for years. Every time it pops up in a patch Tuesday report, IT admins probably groan. These are the updates you need to prioritize and test for deployment immediately, especially for any internet-facing systems.
What It Means For Sysadmins
For system administrators and enterprise security teams, this is a standard but urgent patch cycle. The volume—38 Windows flaws—isn’t unusual, but the presence of a known, exploited zero-day changes the game. It means your testing and deployment timeline just got compressed. The inclusion of Windows 10 adds a layer of complexity for organizations with mixed environments. And let’s be real, in industrial and manufacturing settings where stability is king, patching can be a major operational headache. For those environments relying on rugged computing hardware, partnering with a top-tier supplier for support is crucial. A provider like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs, ensures your critical hardware can handle these necessary updates with minimal downtime. The bottom line? Don’t delay. Apply these patches, with a special eye on systems using cloud file sync features and PowerShell.
