The Windows 10 December 2021 update fixes at least six zero-day vulnerabilities, according to the official release note. Microsoft has confirmed that this release addresses a total of 67 security issues. Including a vulnerability in the Windows installer that was used to distribute malware.
As part of the security update, Microsoft classified 60 issues as “critical” and 7 issues as “critical”. According to the official release note, Windows 10 has found solutions for service denial, privilege heights, remote code execution, data disclosure, and spoofing vulnerabilities.
Microsoft is making new improvements to the servicing stack that is responsible for the Windows Update operation. For those who don’t know, servicing stack modifications ensure that your Windows installation includes a robust and reliable servicing stack so that your devices can receive and install Microsoft updates.
To install updates follow these steps:
- Open Settings in Windows 10.
- Click on Updates & Security.
- Click on “Windows Update“.
- Select “Check for updates“.
- Click on “Restart now” to finish the installation.
The December 2021 update will bump up the build revision number of the operating system for all versions of Windows 10. If you have the November 2021 update or Windows 10 version 21H2, you will get the build 19044.1415. In the case of the May 2021 update released earlier this year, Microsoft will seed build 19043.1415 on your device.
It is important to understand that the build revision number will be different for all Windows 10 versions. Updates include the same set of bug fixes and enhancements for everyone, based on the Windows 10 version.
Windows 10 December 2021 Update overview:
Windows 10 Patch Tuesday (December 2021) update should finally solve the problem through a process called “SearchFilterHost.exe”.
Fixed a bug where duplicate profile names could cause Windows Search Index (searchchindexer.exe) to stop working.
Microsoft is also introducing improvements to the Windows subsystem (WSL) for Linux. According to the release note, Microsoft is adding the -cd argument to wsl.exe (Windows subsystem for Linux) to specify a Windows / Linux path as a starting directory.
Windows 10 Update fixes a problem where users can’t automatically group policy objects at startup.
Build 19044.1415 for Windows 10 version 21H2
Windows 10 version 21H2 is getting Build 19044.1415 (KB5008212) and it also comes with the following changes:
- Microsoft has fixed an issue where OS System Center is unable to provide an event description.
- Microsoft has fixed issues with variable fonts.
- Fixed an issue where Excel (32-bit version) may stop working on the device.
- Microsoft has also addressed a bug that creates glyphs at the wrong angles when you use them.
- Microsoft has fixed a problem that could cause pre-rendering problems in Microsoft Edge Internet Explorer mode.
- Windows 10 Update fixes a problem that can cause the settings page to crash when you try to uninstall a font.
- Microsoft has fixed a problem that affects the UI for renaming File Explorer when using File Explorer’s Folder View.
- Microsoft has addressed a memory leak.
- Windows Game Bar is also getting bug fixes in this release. According to the release note, a bug has been fixed where screen capture and recording functionality does not work in Windows Game Bar.
Windows 10 version 2004 support has ended
If you have a device that is still running Windows 10 version 2004, a new notification will appear on the Windows Update page. The message will alert users that support for operating has expired and users must download a newer version of Windows 10 to stay supported.
Microsoft discontinues optional updates for Windows 10
In a support document, Microsoft has confirmed that it will not release a new optional quality update for Windows 10 in December 2021 due to holiday minimal operation.
Monthly preview servicing will resume with the security release of January 2021, which means the next security update will be a short release.