Patch Tuesday January 2026: what's exploited and what to install first
Microsoft released fixes for 112 vulnerabilities on Jan 13, 2026. 1 is already being exploited by attackers, so install that fix first. 1 was publicly disclosed before the fix came out. 8 are rated Critical.
Install these first: already exploited
- Desktop Window ManagerExploitedImportantCVSS 5.5Desktop Window Manager Information Disclosure Vulnerability
What to do: Install this month's Microsoft updates and restart. Attackers are already using this flaw.
Publicly disclosed before the fix
Details were public before Microsoft's update, so attacks often follow quickly.
Critical fixes
- CVSS 8.4 Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVSS 8.4 Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVSS 8.4 Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVSS 7.8 Windows Graphics Component Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
- CVSS 7.8 Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVSS 7.8 Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVSS 7.5 Windows Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVSS 6.7 Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
How to install this month's updates
- Windows PCs: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, install, and restart. Restarting is what actually applies the fix.
- Managed fleets: approve this month's updates in Intune, Windows Update for Business or WSUS, and push the exploited fixes first instead of waiting for your normal ring schedule.
- Microsoft 365 Apps / Office: usually updates itself; in any Office app, File → Account → Update Options → Update Now to make sure.
- Servers: Exchange, SharePoint and SQL Server need their own update packages; they don't come through Windows Update alone.
- Check it worked: confirm the build number afterwards (run
winver) or check with our version checker.
By type
| Type | Fixes |
|---|---|
| Elevation of Privilege | 55 |
| Remote Code Execution | 22 |
| Information Disclosure | 22 |
| Spoofing | 5 |
| Tampering | 3 |
| Security Feature Bypass | 3 |
| Denial of Service | 2 |
Most-patched products
| Product | Fixes |
|---|---|
| Windows Management Services | 12 |
| Windows SMB Server | 6 |
| Microsoft Office Excel | 6 |
| Capability Access Management Service (camsvc) | 5 |
| Microsoft Office SharePoint | 5 |
| Windows Win32K - ICOMP | 4 |
| Windows Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclave | 4 |
| Windows File Explorer | 4 |
The next Patch Tuesday is Nov 10, 2026 (in 5 days). Microsoft usually publishes around 10 a.m. Pacific; this page updates within the hour.
Questions
What should I patch first from Patch Tuesday January 2026?
The 1 exploited flaw: Desktop Window Manager Information Disclosure Vulnerability. Attackers are already using it.
When is the next Patch Tuesday?
Nov 10, 2026. Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month.
Source: Microsoft's January 2026 release notes and CISA's exploited-vulnerability catalog. Counts exclude Chromium fixes shipped in Microsoft Edge. Microsoft last revised this release on Nov 1, 2026. General information only; confirm details with Microsoft.