Newsletter Archives
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WinRE KB5057589 fake out
PK noted this behavior the other day (if I am recalling correctly) where the installation of the KB5057589 patch looks like it failed, but it really doesn’t.
“This error is observed when the device installs the WinRE update when there is another update in a pending reboot state. Although the error message suggests the update did not complete, the WinRE update is typically applied successfully after the device restarts. Windows Update might continue to display the update as failed until the next daily scan, at which point the update is no longer offered and the failure message is cleared automatically.”
Sigh.
So if you get an install failure, you may not have an install failure, unless you really do have an install failure. My take: In a consumer setting the risk of issues of side effects of installing updates are often greater than the risk of attacks.
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Master patch listing for April 8th, 2025
I’ve updated the master patch list here. Please note I am not recommending installing updates at this time, we are just testing and reporting.
So far in April we are seeing the spontaneous creation of an empty c:\inetpub folder. No extra services are installed with it, just the empty folder. There are still some .NET non security that I need to list on the listing, as well as updating the listing for browsers and other non Microsoft patches. I’ll get to it this weekend.
As always, thank you all for supporting the cause! Remember we use the “name your price” model where you can choose how much you will pay for a membership. Plus membership gives you full access, And if you donate $50 or more, you’ll get a special code to enable text messages sent to your phone each time the Master Patch List gets updated and when I change the MS-DEFCON level.
More details about these updates in Monday’s newsletter. You are missing out if you don’t sign up. All content is human made with our own blood, sweat, tears, fingers, and brain power — and it’s 100% AI free. Therefore, if I’ve fat fingered any KB numbers or if you have any questions, as always post in the forums and I’ll follow up!
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April 2025 updates out
Once again it’s the second Tuesday of the month and it’s time for the major “B” week release better known as Patch Tuesday.
And finally this issue “Event Viewer displays an error for System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker service” is now resolved in the April updates. KB5055518 for Windows 10 22H2 fixes the issue. I think. I got an alert saying “Resolution: This issue was resolved by Windows updates released April 8, 2025 (the Resolved KBs listed above), and later. ” but the KB update history still acts like it’s not resolved? I think their documentation needs to catch up with their release information.
Windows 11 24H2 will be receiving KB5055523
Windows 11 23H2 will be receiving KB5055528
Remember at this time we are in test mode only.
I’ll be following up on any side effects or concerns in Monday’s newsletter. In the meantime, you can view the vulnerability details on Dustin Child’s blog.
Apparently, Microsoft once again wants to torture us with KB5057589! Our friend the WinRE patch is back. Just a reminder to skip that one.
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Decisions to be made before moving to Windows 11
TAME YOUR TECH
By Susan Bradley
I’ve been promising a step-by-step guide to help you migrate to Windows 11 as neatly and safely as possible. This isn’t it.
I’m planning that for May, assuming the stress from tax season has dissipated and I can return fully to the Zen of Windows.
This column is about the decisions you must make before you make the leap to Windows 11. After all, when you buy a new toaster you usually make sure it suits your needs.
Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.14.0, 2025-04-07).
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50 years and counting
Where were you 50 years ago when Microsoft started? I was in junior high and it wasn’t until high school that we saw our first Basic computer. There was one computer in the math lab and that was it. Now we have the vastly greater computing power in our pockets and in our wristwatches.
50 years later, Microsoft is holding a Copilot event on the 50th anniversary date (what else do we expect, I guess?)
Where do you think we will be in the next 50 years in terms of computing? I realize that many of us won’t be around to experience the full 50 years! Will we get flying cars? Experience the lifestyle of the Jetson’s? Interestingly enough, we do have many of the technologies that were shown in that classic cartoon show.
What technology do you predict for the next 50 years?
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MS-DEFCON 2: Seven months and counting
ISSUE 22.13.1 • 2025-04-03 By Susan Bradley
It’s time to put a pause on updates as I sort out developments from this coming Patch Tuesday.
Therefore, I’m raising the MS-DEFCON level to 2.
The security updates coming next week include all supported Windows platforms, including Windows 10. Seven months may seem like a lot, but time flies. Given that time is needed to prepare for the end of Windows 10 updates, it’s better to think that a mere three months are left.
Anyone can read the full MS-DEFCON Alert (22.13.1, 2025-04-03).
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Apple backports fixes
Apple released several updates on March 31, including several backports to older versions of iOS and iPadOS. These fixes retroactively addressed three actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities affecting legacy versions of its operating systems.
CVE-2025-24200: ” This issue is fixed in iPadOS 17.7.5, iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1. A physical attack may disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.”
That means businesses, journalists, and other highly targeted individuals. It was originally patched on February 10 in iOS 18.3.1, iPadOS 18.3.1, and iPad 17.7.5, but the vulnerability remained unresolved in older operating systems until now.
Another bug, CVE-2025-24201, was patched in iOS 16.7.11, iPadOS 16.7.11, iOS 15.8.4, and iPadOS 15.8.4 and is targeting flaws in WebKit and browsers. It’s been backported to iOS and iPadOS 15 and 16.
For more information, see this post in our forums.
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Reviewing your licensing options
ISSUE 22.13 • 2025-03-31 TAME YOUR TECH
By Susan Bradley
Can you get a license for that?
With the upcoming end of life of Windows 10, I’m often asked why I’m not recommending that you look for and install the long-term servicing channel (LTSC) version of Windows 10 or Windows 11.
LTSC is a version of Windows 10 that was designed for devices that require minimal changes over time. It is primarily used in environments where stability and consistency are crucial, such as medical devices or industrial machinery. It is not available to the public and can be purchased only through volume licensing. It’s a platform that is intentionally not bloated, and it comes with fewer pre-installed apps, such as Microsoft Store, Cortana, and Edge (until the 2021 version). While it gets regular security updates, it does not get feature releases.
Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.13.0, 2025-03-31).
This story also appears in our public Newsletter.