Microsoft Just Fixed 6 Dangerous Security Flaws – Update Your Windows NOW

Microsoft released a critical security update this week. It fixes 58 security problems. Six of them are already being used by hackers to attack computers.

If you use Windows, this update is urgent. Here’s what you need to know.

What Happened?

Every second Tuesday of the month, Microsoft releases security updates. This is called “Patch Tuesday.”

This month’s update is different. It’s one of the most important security updates in years.

Here are the numbers:

• 58 total security fixes
• 6 zero-day vulnerabilities (already being exploited)
• 5 critical-level threats
• 52 important-level threats

What is a zero-day vulnerability?

It means hackers found the security hole before Microsoft did. They’ve been attacking systems while there was no fix available.

The 6 Dangerous Security Flaws

Let me explain each one in simple terms.

1. Windows Shell Bypass (CVE-2026-21510)

Danger Level: Very High (8.8/10)

This flaw lets hackers trick Windows into running bad files. It bypasses the security warnings you normally see.

How it works: When you download a file, Windows usually shows a warning. This bug makes that warning disappear.

Why it matters: Hackers can send you a file that looks safe. But it runs without any warning.

Official Source: Microsoft Security Response Center

2. Internet Explorer Engine Flaw (CVE-2026-21513)

Danger Level: High

This affects the old Internet Explorer engine that’s still built into Windows.

How hackers use it: They send you a fake HTML file or shortcut. When you open it, malicious code runs.

The attack method: Usually comes through phishing emails or fake downloads.

3. Microsoft Word Bypass (CVE-2026-21514)

Danger Level: High (7.8/10)

A security hole in Microsoft Word that lets hackers bypass safety features.

How it happens: You receive a Word document by email. When you open it, hidden code can run.

Good news: Just previewing the file in Outlook is safe. You have to actually open it.

4. Remote Desktop Takeover (CVE-2026-21533)

Danger Level: Very High (7.8/10)

This is serious. Hackers can take complete control of your computer through Remote Desktop.

What Remote Desktop is: It lets you access your computer from another location.

The problem: If hackers get in, they can escalate their access to full system control.

Security experts warn this will be heavily exploited now that it’s public.

5. VPN Connection Crash (CVE-2026-21525)

Danger Level: Medium

This bug can crash your VPN connection.

Who it affects most: People working from home who rely on VPN.

What happens: The connection drops suddenly. You lose access to your work network.

How it was found: Security researchers discovered it in malware code in December 2025.

6. Desktop Manager Takeover (CVE-2026-21519)

Danger Level: High

Hackers can gain full system control through the Desktop Window Manager.

What it controls: This manages how windows and graphics appear on your screen.

The risk: Once exploited, attackers have complete control over your computer.

Other Critical Fixes This Month

Microsoft also fixed several other dangerous bugs:

Azure and Cloud Services:

• Azure Python SDK remote attack (9.8/10 – highest score this month)
• Microsoft Defender for Linux flaw
• GitHub Copilot vulnerabilities

Office Applications:

• Microsoft Outlook spoofing attacks
• Excel information leaks
• Security bypass in Office files

Windows Core Systems:

• Remote Desktop Services
• Windows networking components
• System security features

Who Found These Problems?

These vulnerabilities were discovered by:

• Microsoft’s own security teams
• Google Threat Intelligence Group
• Independent security researchers
• ACROS Security team

The fact that Google’s team helped find these suggests major attack campaigns are happening.

What Devices Are At Risk?

This update affects almost all Microsoft products:

• Windows 11 (all versions)
• Windows 10 (including older supported versions)
• Windows Server
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Microsoft 365
• Azure cloud services
• GitHub Copilot
• Visual Studio
• Microsoft Defender
• Remote Desktop

If you use any of these, you need to update.

Government Warning

The U.S. Cybersecurity Agency (CISA) added these flaws to their danger list.

Federal agencies must update by March 3, 2026.

If government systems must update, your system should too.

Official CISA Resource: Known Exploited Vulnerabilities

How to Update Right Now

For Regular Windows Users:

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard

Step 2: Type “Windows Update”

Step 3: Click “Check for updates”

Step 4: Click “Install now” for any updates shown

Step 5: Restart your computer when asked

That’s it. The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes.

For Microsoft Office:

Step 1: Open Word, Excel, or any Office app

Step 2: Click “File” in the top left

Step 3: Click “Account”

Step 4: Click “Update Options”

Step 5: Select “Update Now”

For Business Networks:

If you’re an IT administrator, use your usual update tools:

• Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
• Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
• Deploy zero-day fixes first in testing, then production

Manual Downloads: Microsoft Update Catalog

Important Boot Certificate Update

Microsoft is also updating Secure Boot certificates this month.

What are Secure Boot certificates?

They’re like digital keys that verify Windows is genuine when your computer starts.

Why does this matter?

The old certificates expire in June 2026. Without new ones, security features could break.

What you need to do:

Nothing. Microsoft is handling this automatically. Just install your regular updates.

What To Do Right Now

Immediate Actions (Do Today):

✅ Install all Windows updates

✅ Restart your computer

✅ Update Microsoft Office

✅ Check your antivirus is working

This Week:

✅ Make sure automatic updates are turned on

✅ Check if your VPN still works after updating

✅ Scan your computer for viruses

✅ Tell your family and coworkers to update

Going Forward:

✅ Enable automatic updates

✅ Be careful with email attachments

✅ Don’t open files from strangers

✅ Keep your antivirus updated

Why This Update Is So Critical

Security expert Tyler Reguly says:

“We can’t ignore that 6 vulnerabilities are already being exploited. That’s 10% of this month’s patches.”

Here’s what makes this serious:

The timing: Hackers found these holes before Microsoft could fix them.

Public knowledge: Three of the six flaws were made public before patches existed.

Active attacks: Security researchers found exploit code in malware repositories.

Widespread targets: These flaws affect the most common Windows features.

This isn’t a drill. Real attacks are happening right now.

What If You Can’t Update Today?

Some businesses need to test updates before deploying them. If that’s you, here’s what to do:

Short-term protection:

1. Disable Remote Desktop if you don’t need it
2. Block suspicious email attachments
3. Increase security monitoring
4. Restrict user permissions
5. Separate critical systems from the network

Consider third-party help:

Some security companies offer temporary protection while you test patches. Companies like Qualys provide mitigation tools for all six zero-days.

But don’t wait long:

Every day you delay is a day hackers can attack your systems.

Other Security Updates This Month

Other tech companies also released security fixes in February:

Adobe: Fixed bugs in creative software (Audition, After Effects, InDesign)

Fortinet: Updates for FortiOS security software

Cisco: Patches for web security and meeting software

Google: Android security bulletin (maintenance release)

All major tech companies are taking security seriously this month.

Real-World Impact

These aren’t just theoretical problems. Here’s what can happen:

Scenario 1: You receive a Word document by email. You open it. Malware installs without any warning. Your files get encrypted by ransomware.

Scenario 2: You’re working from home using VPN. The connection crashes due to the exploit. You can’t access work files. Your project deadline is missed.

Scenario 3: Hackers exploit Remote Desktop. They gain access to your company network. Customer data gets stolen.

These scenarios are happening to real people and businesses right now.

Questions People Are Asking

Q: Will this update break my computer?

No. Microsoft tests updates extensively. Problems are rare.

Q: How long does updating take?

Usually 10-15 minutes. Your computer will restart once or twice.

Q: Can I skip this update?

Absolutely not. The risks are too high. These flaws are being actively exploited.

Q: I use Mac. Do I need to update?

This specific update is for Windows. But Mac users should always keep their systems updated too.

Q: What if I use Windows 7?

Windows 7 is no longer supported. You won’t get this update. Consider upgrading to Windows 10 or 11.

Q: Will my files be safe during the update?

Yes. Updates don’t delete your files. But it’s always good to have backups.

The Bottom Line

Microsoft’s February 2026 security update is critical. It fixes six security holes that hackers are already exploiting.

This affects everyone who uses:

• Windows computers
• Microsoft Office
• Remote Desktop
• Cloud services

What you must do:

1. Update Windows today
2. Update Office applications
3. Restart your computer
4. Enable automatic updates

Why it matters:

These aren’t future threats. Attacks are happening right now. Every hour you wait increases your risk.

The security researchers who found these flaws work for Microsoft and Google. If they’re concerned enough to issue urgent warnings, you should be too.

Take Action Now

Don’t put this off. Cybercriminals are actively scanning for vulnerable systems.

Your computer could be targeted today. Your data could be stolen tomorrow.

Five minutes to update is better than weeks recovering from a cyberattack.

Update your system. Protect yourself. Stay safe.

Official Resources

All information in this article comes from verified sources:

🔗 Microsoft Security Response Center – February 2026

🔗 Microsoft Security Update Guide

🔗 CISA Vulnerability Catalog

🔗 Windows Update Help

🔗 Microsoft Update Catalog

Share This Article

Help protect others. Share this with your family, friends, and coworkers. Everyone using Windows needs to know about this update.

Sources: Microsoft Security Response Center, CISA, verified cybersecurity firms

Legal Disclaimer: This article uses official Microsoft security information. Always refer to official Microsoft documentation for the latest details. This blog is independent and not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

About Updates: While we strive for accuracy, security information changes rapidly. When in doubt, visit official Microsoft support pages or contact IT professionals.