Windows 11 February 2026 Patch Tuesday Released: KB5077181 and KB5075941 Now Available

Microsoft rolled out its February 2026 Patch Tuesday on Tuesday, February 10, delivering cumulative updates for Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 23H2. The updates—KB5077181 and KB5075941—are now available via Windows Update and the Microsoft Update Catalog.

As expected, this month’s Patch Tuesday focuses heavily on security fixes, but it also finalizes several functional changes first introduced in January. Notably, February marks another important milestone in the gradual rollout of new Secure Boot certificates, ahead of the expiration of the original 2011 certificates later this year.

Which Versions of Windows Are Affected?

Microsoft has released separate updates depending on the Windows version in use:

Windows 11

• Windows 11 24H2 / 25H2
  • Update: KB5077181
  • New builds: 26100.7840 and 26200.7840
• Windows 11 23H2
  • Update: KB5075941
  • New build: 22631.6649

Windows 10 (ESU)

Devices still running Windows 10 22H2 under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program receive:

• Update: KB5075912
• New build: 19045.6937

February 2026 Patch Tuesday: What’s New?

59 Security Vulnerabilities Fixed

This Patch Tuesday addresses a total of 59 security flaws across Microsoft products and Windows components.

• Six vulnerabilities are actively exploited, affecting:
  • Windows Shell
  • Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Word
  • Desktop Window Manager (DWM)
  • Windows Remote Desktop

The most severe vulnerabilities this month are linked to Azure SDK and Azure Front Door, both rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. While Microsoft considers real-world exploitation unlikely in the short term, the severity alone makes a strong case for installing the update without delay.

Functional Improvements Rolled Out to More Users

Microsoft is also expanding features first introduced in the January optional update (KB5074105):

• Cross-Device Resume now supports a wider range of Android devices, improving continuity between phone and PC.
• Windows Hello gains official support for external fingerprint readers, a long-requested feature for desktop users.
• Smart App Control can now be disabled without requiring a full Windows reinstallation, making system management far more flexible.

In addition, Microsoft fixed:

• A WPA3 Wi-Fi connectivity issue affecting certain devices.
• A bug incorrectly blocking some systems from accessing the full-screen gaming experience due to false eligibility detection.

Secure Boot Certificates: Microsoft Accelerates the Transition

As previously discussed, the original Secure Boot certificates introduced in 2011 will expire in June 2026. To prevent future boot failures and compatibility issues, Microsoft has begun a phased replacement process.

The February 2026 Patch Tuesday:

• Expands the pool of devices eligible to receive new Secure Boot certificates
• Continues a conditional rollout, where certificates are installed only after the system demonstrates sufficient update reliability
• Reduces the risk of boot issues on older or unusual hardware configurations

This Secure Boot certificate renewal also applies to Windows 10 ESU systems via update KB5075912.

How to Install the February 2026 Updates

The updates are available through Windows Update and install automatically if automatic updates are enabled.

Manual Check

1. Open Settings (Win + I)
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click Check for updates

For IT administrators and advanced users, all updates can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog for offline or large-scale deployment.

Available Updates Overview

Final Thoughts

The February 2026 Patch Tuesday is a significant update, combining critical security fixes with meaningful usability improvements and an important step forward in the Secure Boot certificate transition. With multiple vulnerabilities already under active exploitation, delaying installation is strongly discouraged.

Whether you’re running Windows 11 or maintaining Windows 10 systems under ESU, this month’s updates are essential for security, stability, and long-term system compatibility.