MC1279829 – The April 2026 Windows security update is now available

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check before: 2026-04-01

Product:

Windows, Windows Server

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact

Links:

Details:

The April 2026 security update is now available for all supported versions of Windows. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 update history page. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see Windows monthly updates explained.

Highlights for the Windows 11, version 25H2 update:
This security update includes fixes and quality improvements from KB5079391 (released March 26, 2026 - no longer offered) and KB5086672 (released March 31, 2026).
This update makes quality improvements to the servicing stack, which is the component that installs Windows updates.
This update expands high confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout.
This update improves reliability for SMB compression over QUIC, reducing timeouts and enabling more consistent and dependable performance.
This update enhances protection against phishing attacks that use Remote Desktop (.rdp) files by showing all requested connection settings before connecting, with settings turned off by default and a one-time security warning on first use.


Short on time? Watch our Windows 11 release notes video for this month's tips.


For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB for your operating system listed below:
Windows 11, version 26H1: KB5083768
Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2: KB5083769
Windows 11, version 23H2: KB5082052
Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024: Baseline KB5083769
Windows 10, versions 22H2 and 21H2: KB5082200
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 and Windows Server 2019: KB5082123
Windows 10 LTSB 2016 and Windows Server 2016: KB5082198
Windows Server 2025: KB5082063
Windows Server 2025 Datacenter: Azure Edition: Baseline KB5082063
Windows Server 2022: KB5082142
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition: Baseline KB5082142
Windows Server 2012 R2: KB5082126
Windows Server 2012: KB5082127


Note: With the April 2026 Windows security update and upcoming Windows updates over the next few months, a limited number of consumer and business devices may experience one additional restart during installation. This one-time restart occurs after a Secure Boot certificate update is applied as part of the Secure Boot update process.

Change Category:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2026-04-15

updated:
2026-04-17

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Increased Restart Frequency
Users may experience an additional restart during installation due to Secure Boot certificate updates, leading to potential disruption in workflow.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://aka.ms/Windows/MonthlyUpdates

Phishing Vulnerability
Without proper preparation, users may be exposed to phishing attacks through Remote Desktop files, as the new security settings may not be communicated effectively.
   - roles: End Users, Security Analysts
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/windows-secure-boot-certificate-expiration-and-ca-updates-7ff40d33-95dc-4c3c-8725-a9b95457578e

SMB Compression Reliability
Changes to SMB compression over QUIC may lead to timeouts and inconsistent performance if not properly tested before deployment.
   - roles: Network Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5086672

Update Rollout Control
The phased rollout of Secure Boot certificates may cause confusion among users regarding device eligibility and update status.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5083769

Service Stack Improvements
If the servicing stack improvements are not communicated, users may face issues with update installations, leading to potential downtime.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/help/5079391

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.

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