In December 2025, Microsoft released a comprehensive set of security updates addressing a total of 57 vulnerabilities, commonly referred to as CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). These updates target various components of the Windows ecosystem, including PowerShell, the Projected File System, and the Storage VSP Driver. Additionally, the update rectifies several moderate-severity vulnerabilities found specifically in the Edge browser on iOS devices, as well as 13 non-Microsoft vulnerabilities that affect Chromium-based browsers like Edge.
Alongside these critical security patches, Microsoft has enhanced its communication by providing detailed online resources about the new features included in this update. Key improvements focus on safety measures and increased transparency, introduced through machine-readable VEX files, which provide insight into vulnerabilities and their remediation.
A significant addition in this month's update is the hotpatching feature for virtual machines operating on Windows Server Azure Edition, which allows for security updates to be applied with minimal disruption to services. To further assist users, Microsoft is revising its release notes to offer clearer and more comprehensive information about upcoming changes and installations.
For users still operating on older systems, such as Windows Server 2008 R2 and earlier versions without Extended Security Updates (ESU) enabled, Microsoft strongly recommends obtaining ESU. This is crucial for continued access to security fixes, as support for these older systems has officially ended.
Moreover, Microsoft has made known issues related to the updates available publicly on its update site. Information about these issues can also be accessed through the Windows message center or specific knowledge base articles, such as 5071413 and 5072033.
Looking ahead, Microsoft is expected to continue enhancing its security measures and transparency efforts, ensuring that users remain informed and protected against emerging threats. The focus on hotpatching indicates a commitment to minimizing downtime and maintaining system integrity, which will be vital as cyber threats evolve
Alongside these critical security patches, Microsoft has enhanced its communication by providing detailed online resources about the new features included in this update. Key improvements focus on safety measures and increased transparency, introduced through machine-readable VEX files, which provide insight into vulnerabilities and their remediation.
A significant addition in this month's update is the hotpatching feature for virtual machines operating on Windows Server Azure Edition, which allows for security updates to be applied with minimal disruption to services. To further assist users, Microsoft is revising its release notes to offer clearer and more comprehensive information about upcoming changes and installations.
For users still operating on older systems, such as Windows Server 2008 R2 and earlier versions without Extended Security Updates (ESU) enabled, Microsoft strongly recommends obtaining ESU. This is crucial for continued access to security fixes, as support for these older systems has officially ended.
Moreover, Microsoft has made known issues related to the updates available publicly on its update site. Information about these issues can also be accessed through the Windows message center or specific knowledge base articles, such as 5071413 and 5072033.
Looking ahead, Microsoft is expected to continue enhancing its security measures and transparency efforts, ensuring that users remain informed and protected against emerging threats. The focus on hotpatching indicates a commitment to minimizing downtime and maintaining system integrity, which will be vital as cyber threats evolve
Microsoft December 2025 Security Updates
Microsoft has released its December security updates, covering 57 vulnerabilities across various components such as PowerShell, Projected File System, and Storage VSP Driver. The update also addresses moderate-severity issues in Edge on iOS devices and non-Microsoft vulnerabilities in Chromium-based web browsers like Edge. In addition to the security fixes, Microsoft has provided detailed information online about new features, including enhanced safety measures and improved transparency through machine-readable VEX files. The updates also include hotpatching for virtual machines running Windows Server Azure Edition, with Microsoft recommending Extended Security Updates (ESU) for older systems without ESU enabled.
