Windows 7

Hot on the heels of this month’s Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has published a security advisory for an Internet Explorer zero-day.

Windows 7 gets its last regular Patch Tuesday security updates, Microsoft fixes a CryptoAPI vulnerability reported by the NSA, and Windows Server RDP also gets patched.

Today is the day that many have likely feared for years, Windows 7 is officially reaching its end of support today. What this means is that starting tomorrow, if a vulnerability is discovered, Microsoft likely won’t patch it (for free) and your device will now be exposed.

Windows 7 reaches end-of-life, Microsoft throws Windows a lifeline with Windows 10X, Windows 10 gets another major feature update, and Windows Server continues to support Azure.

This month sees Microsoft preparing for the general availability of its new Chromium-based Edge browser in January, Windows Server Core container images get 40% smaller, and Windows Insiders get new builds in the Fast Ring that are not tied to a specific feature update.

Microsoft’s enterprise application packaging technology, MSIX, is being partially ported to down-level Windows clients and there are some interesting new features due in Windows 10 20H1.

Windows 10X is coming to new foldable dual-screen devices and clamshell laptops, robots are invading Windows 10, all businesses can buy Windows 7 Extended Security Updates starting December 1st, and Server Core is now in fashion thanks to Windows Admin Center.

This week Microsoft announced the general availability of Desktop Analytics, a new cloud service that integrates with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to provide insight and intelligence so organizations can make informed decisions about whether Windows endpoints are ready to be upgraded.

This month is light on security fixes and there are no zero-days but there are still plenty of critical flaws that need patching.

If you find that you need updates for Windows 7 after January 2020, here are the three options that Microsoft offers to keep your devices secure.