Microsoft has begun rolling out the next cumulative update as part of the Patch Tuesday program, which is available to users of devices with Windows 10 versions 21H1, 20H2, and 2004, as well as some older versions of the operating system. This time, the developers have also released updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, which will be available to long-term servicing program members.
Update for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 KB5003671 consists of general fixes to improve system stability and a security update package that can be downloaded separately from the Windows Update Catalog. As for the fixes themselves, the developers have made many changes affecting various subsystems, including the cloud infrastructure, the authentication system, the file system, etc.
The developers also released cumulative update KB5003667 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 devices. It contains several security updates and fixes that will improve the stability of the cloud infrastructure, authentication system, and other subsystems of the software platform. In terms of security, the most notable change is the fix for an error in the SMB protocol, which in some cases can lead to crashes and error messages on devices running Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.
Microsoft has already started distributing cumulative updates for older versions of the operating system. Soon, they will be available to users of compatible devices.