Microsoft is currently releasing an unusually large number of security updates – why now?

Microsoft’s October Patch Day was quite something: On 13 October 2026 Microsoft released security patches for around 1,400 vulnerabilities. These included critical vulnerabilities and a flaw which, according to reports, was already being actively exploited. (crowdstrike.com)

Important to note: This does not mean that there are 1,400 individual update files that organisations have to install manually. The figure refers to security vulnerabilities that have been fixed in various Microsoft products and components – including Windows, Office and server products. A monthly update can therefore bundle together numerous fixes.

Why are there suddenly so many of them?

It is not possible to identify a single reason for this. Among other things, the high figure reflects the number of Microsoft products and components affected simultaneously, and the number of vulnerabilities discovered and remedied as part of security work. Automated and AI-supported analysis methods can also help to identify previously undetected vulnerabilities. This is one possible factor – but not the sole explanation. (techradar.com)
What’s more, security updates are released regularly, usually in batches on the monthly patch day. If a particularly large number of bug fixes are released at once, it can quickly feel like a sudden wave of updates. For businesses, the key priority is then to maintain an overview and quickly identify which devices and systems are affected.

Why consistent patching is so important

Unpatched systems often provide attackers with known points of vulnerability. The longer critical security updates are delayed, the greater the risk to data, user accounts and day-to-day operations can become. Patches are particularly urgent when a vulnerability is already being actively exploited. Microsoft recommends installing available security updates as soon as possible. (learn.microsoft.com)

At the same time, patching should not mean installing updates on all devices without checking them first and without a plan. Organisations need a reliable process: prioritising updates, rolling them out in a controlled manner, monitoring the installation status and being able to respond to any problems.

Patch management with ManageEngine – automated and easy to navigate

This is precisely where we support our customers by ManageEngine. We automate patch management so that available updates can be centrally recorded, distributed in accordance with defined policies, and monitored for their installation status. Depending on the environment, testing and approval processes can also be taken into account.

This reduces the amount of manual work involved and helps to close security gaps more quickly – without losing sight of your own IT landscape.

Would you like to know what automated patch management might look like in your environment? We’d be happy to advise you.

Note: The number of vulnerabilities fixed is not the same as the number of individual updates or installation packages.