Microsoft has given the details of the official patch released on Tuesday. Security Update Guide. Below, TechRepublic explores its purpose, how it works, and how you can prepare for it.
What is the purpose of Patch Tuesday?
Patch Tuesdays are designed to collect and release several enterprise software updates simultaneously. While some updates are important enough to require immediate attention throughout the month, non-urgent or quality-of-life fixes are consolidated for release on Patch Tuesday.
“Whether you’re an IT administrator or a regular user, Windows’ monthly updates provide you with security fixes to help keep your devices secure—as well as enhancements based on your feedback,” Microsoft senior director Communication written by Chris Morrissey. 2023 blog post.
Patch Tuesdays are technically known as Microsoft’s “B” releases, as opposed to “C” and “D” releases, which occur in the third and fourth weeks of the month. Other companies, including Adobe, have followed Microsoft’s lead in releasing mass patches on the second Tuesday of each month.
What to know
How does Patch Tuesday work?
Administrators and users can access these updates through various tools, including:
- Windows update
- Windows Update for Business
- Microsoft Intune
- Microsoft Configuration Manager
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
- Microsoft Update Catalog
Before rolling out patches to an organization, administrators should test them in an isolated environment and in a small test group. Additionally, administrators should have a rollback plan in place if problems arise.
See: Microsoft Power Users Want to See Monthly PowerToys Updates.
Since the previous month’s exploits are detailed on Patch Tuesday, the following day often sees an increase in copycat attacks targeting unpatched systems. Organizations should prioritize implementing critical security updates to mitigate this risk.
By February 2023 Trade Control Updateadministrators have some control over which patches are applied immediately. This allows flexibility in managing updates that introduce new capabilities, remove existing ones, or significantly change user-facing features, such as the Start Menu.
What is the difference between Patch Tuesday and out-of-band updates?
With the alphabetic naming system for releases, you may hear the term “out-of-band release” when it comes to patches. Out-of-band releases are not shipped on schedule like monthly patches. Instead, occasional updates may be sent at any time to address an ongoing security or quality issue.
How can I prepare for Patch Tuesday updates?
Admins should have a process for applying Patch Tuesday updates, but these processes will vary based on the size and needs of the organization. Some patches should be implemented right away — especially with the security fixes for the back doors that are happening. Actively exploited. Administrators can wait to deploy non-critical patches in case Microsoft releases a fix.