Windows 10 January 2022 updates is now available for PCs running version 2004-OS Build 19041.746 and 20H2-OS Build 19042.746 . The January Patch Tuesday update contains critical security patches for over 83 vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system and other Microsoft products.
The January 2022 update for Windows 10 addresses a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Defender antivirus. Attackers might use the critical security flaw, which has already been patched, to launch malicious code on susceptible devices.
Only when users open a malicious file and Microsoft Defender is turned on might the vulnerability be exploited on unpatched PCs. Microsoft also repaired problems in Windows Storage Service and Peripherals as part of the January 2022 Patch Tuesday update.
January 12, 2022—KB4598242 (OS Builds 19041.746 and 19042.746)
If you installed earlier updates, only the new fixes contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.
For more information about the resolved security vulnerabilities, please refer to the new Security Update Guide website.
Windows Update Improvements
Microsoft has released an update directly to the Windows Update client to improve reliability. Any device running Windows 10 configured to receive updates automatically from Windows Update, including Enterprise and Pro editions, will be offered the latest Windows 10 feature update based on device compatibility and Windows Update for Business deferral policy. This doesn’t apply to long-term servicing editions.
Symptom
When using the Microsoft Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) to enter Kanji characters in an app that automatically allows the input of Furigana characters, you might not get the correct Furigana characters. You might need to enter the Furigana characters manually.
Before installing this update
Microsoft strongly recommends you install the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system before installing the latest cumulative update (LCU). SSUs improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the LCU and applying Microsoft security fixes. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU).
If you are using Windows Update, the latest SSU (KB4598481) will be offered to you automatically. To get the standalone package for the latest SSU, search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.
File information
For a list of the files that are provided in this update, download the file information for cumulative update 4598242.
Note Some files erroneously have “Not applicable” in the “File version” column of the CSV file. This might lead to false positives or false negatives when using some third-party scan detection tools to validate the build.
As always, you can apply the cumulative updates for January 2022 by following these steps:
- Go to Settings and select Update & Security from the drop-down menu.
- Select ‘Windows Update’ from the left pane.
- Check for updates and then select the ‘Download and install’ option.
You’ll get Build 19042.746 with security fixes if you’re running Windows 10 version 20H2. Because version 20H2 is based on version 2004, Windows 10 version 2004 will also receive an upgrade. Those who are still using version 2004 will receive Build 19041.746.
Cumulative updates for Windows 10 in January 2022:
- KB4598243 (Build 14393.4169) for version 1607.
- KB4599208 (Build 15063.2614) for version 1703.
- KB4598245 (Build 17134.1967) for version 1803.
- KB4598230 (Build 17763.1697) for version 1809.
- KB4598229 (Build 18363.1316) for version 1909.
You can also get these updates without having to connect to Windows Update. To manually install the Patch Tuesday update, copy the KB package number from the above list and enter it into the Microsoft Update Catalog’s search box. After that, click the ‘Download’ button and double-click the update package to install it.
Overview of cumulative updates for Windows 10 in January 2022
Microsoft has repaired 83 security issues across its Windows, developer, and enterprise products, in addition to the Defender bug. For example, the IT giant claims to have fixed a vulnerability that might be used to get access to vulnerable systems.
The cumulative update for this month attempts to strengthen the security of your external devices, such as your keyboard, controller, and even your camera.
Windows 10 version 20H2 build 19042.746
The security patches are the only focus of the January 2022 cumulative update for both Windows 10 version 20H2 and version 2004. Because Microsoft suspended the deployment of optional updates in December, it doesn’t include any new problem patches.
As previously stated, Windows 10 20H2 (October 2020 Update) has been updated to Build 19042.746 (KB4598242), which includes the following changes:
- Enhancements to the OS’s essential functions.
- Fixes a security vulnerability issue with intranet setups, as well as dark mode gremlins in File Explorer.
Microsoft hasn’t corrected any user-centric major flaws yet, but it aims to provide important changes via an optional preview upgrade later this month.
As of January 2022, Windows 10 20H2 is still being rolled out.
Microsoft published version 20H2 in October as a simple “enablement package” that can be installed in minutes on computers running Windows Server 2004.
It has been made available as an optional update, and users must choose to download and install it. However, some customers have reported concerns with compatibility throughout the installation process.
The upgrade restrictions implemented by Microsoft are, of course, the most obvious cause.
When customers attempted to install the update on devices with outdated audio drivers, they saw a Blue Screen of Death problem and a warning message.
Microsoft has stated that the issues have been rectified and that the upgrade block has been lifted in a new support document. As a result, more Windows 10 customers can now download version 20H2 and the impending Spring 2022 (version 21H1) update.
Microsoft also plans to fix a critical flaw affecting Windows 10’s Credential Manager and authentication process later this year. The Windows 10 password flaw affects a variety of applications, including Chrome, Edge, Acrobat, Lastpass, and others.
For Windows 10 version 1909, build 18363.1316 is available.
If your device is still on Windows 10 version 1909, Microsoft has released KB4598229, which includes the updates mentioned above.
No more updates for Windows 10 version 1903 devices will be provided after January 2022.
