Microsoft has released the new Extended Security Update for the Windows 10 operating system, bearing the identifier KB5131096. This update includes the November 2026 fixes as part of the regular security update cycle, along with a set of software fixes to address bugs and general improvements.
This update targets devices running Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or those officially enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Eligible users can install the update in the traditional way by navigating to system settings, Windows Update, and manually checking for new updates. Upon completion of the installation, the regular Windows 10 version will advance to build number 19045.7846, while the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 version will reach build number 19044.7846.
Key Fixes and Technical Changes
Since Microsoft has stopped developing new features for Windows 10, the current update focuses primarily on security aspects, patching vulnerabilities, and fixing accumulated bugs. The update includes:
- Daylight Saving Time: Adjusting daylight saving time rules for Cuba for the extension period between 2026 and 2027, as it continues to maintain the time zone range (UTC-04:00) without applying the November 2026 and March 2027 changes.
- Printer Management: Addressing error code 87 (The parameter is incorrect) which sometimes appeared when attempting to add a published printer in Active Directory via system settings.
- Remote Desktop: Resolving issues related to the inability to configure trusted publisher certificate policies via Microsoft Intune, and fixing the failure of shadow connections on Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2.
- PowerShell Hardening: Introducing stricter security auditing for text and file encryption validation checks, which may require developers to re-save their scripts in UTF-8 format with a Byte Order Mark (BOM) to ensure validation succeeds.
Addressing Audio Device Issues
Microsoft confirmed that it has permanently resolved all known issues affecting USB Audio Class 1.0 compatible audio devices, which arose as a result of the September 2026 security updates. Those issues caused some devices to completely stop outputting audio or resulted in boot error code 10, in addition to inaccurate responses to audio settings and levels.
What does this update practically represent? This release represents a new link in the extended support chain for relatively older operating systems, ensuring the continuity of security protection for companies and organizations that have not yet transitioned to newer versions, while correcting accumulated bugs to ensure the stability of users' technical infrastructure.