Users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 are being urged to make a crucial update to avoid online attacks.
The warning comes from Microsoft, who've released an important fix for a number of software bugs - with some being given a serious zero-day rating. The term refers to a glitch that hackers already know about and are actively exploiting to scam victims. Anyone who uses either program to browse the internet, watch films or send emails should make the update right away.
A total of three flaws have the dreaded rating and could give cyber scammers access to people's systems, while another allows them to send untrusted code via a fake e-mail. However, the Windows update protects users from future attacks, reports the Express.
Luckily, making the change takes minutes and can be easily checked by following the below instructions, which differ slightly for Windows 10 and 11.
"In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending the specially crafted email to the victim," Microsoft warned.
"Exploitation of the vulnerability might involve either a victim opening a specially crafted email with an affected version of Microsoft Outlook software, or a victim's Outlook application displaying a preview of a specially crafted email. This could result in the attacker executing remote code on the victim's machine."
Along with these three zero-day issues, Microsoft also says that this release fixes another 35 bugs with six bad enough to be given a critical rating.
Here's how to make sure your PC is up to date.
Windows 10
Windows 10 users should select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update , and then select Check for updates. If updates are available, install them.
Windows 11
Windows 11 users should select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If the upgrade is available for your device and you want to proceed, download and install it.
Time to update?
This latest update, which is part of Microsoft's Patch Tuesday campaign, is a timely reminder to those who are still using ageing operating systems such as Windows 7 and Windows 8 to switch to something new.
Microsoft confirmed earlier this year that these platforms will no longer receive any software patches which means PCs that use these operating systems face a higher risk of attack from criminals.
Microsoft recently urged all users of older Windows-powered machines to consider an upgrade.
Explaining more about the issues of sticking with unsupported software, Microsoft said: "While you could continue to use a PC running Windows 8.1, without continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware.
"We recommend upgrading to a version of Windows that is still supported. A new device that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and a great experience."
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