Windows October 2021 Release Preview Update for Versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1

Microsoft released KB5006738, the monthly “C” release preview cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for Windows 10 Versions 2004, 20H2 and 21H1.  

IMPORTANT: Starting in October 2021, there will no longer be non-security releases (known as "C" releases) for Windows 10, version 1909. Only cumulative monthly security updates (known as the "B" or Update Tuesday release) will continue for Windows 10, version 1909.

The highlighted changes include the following:

• Updates an issue an issue that might prevent subtitles from displaying for certain video apps and streaming video sites.
• Updates an issue that that prevents Kana input mode users from inserting a question mark (?) using the Shift-0 key combination.
• Updates an issue that sometimes causes your lock screen background to appear black if you have set up a slideshow of pictures as your lock screen background.  

Microsoft now combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system with the latest LCU. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

For information about the types of updates released by Microsoft each month see Windows 10 update servicing cadence primer.

Update:  To get the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.  The link to download and install the update can be found in the Optional updates available area.  To get the standalone package for this update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Windows 10 update history

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows 11 Optional Preview Cumulative Update

Microsoft released KB5006746, the monthly “C” release preview cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for the Windows 11 original release, Build 22000.282.

The highlighted changes include the following:

• Updates an issue that causes Internet Explorer to stop working when you type certain characters in the Input Method Editor (IME).
• Updates an issue that occurs when you try to rename a file in File Explorer using the new Japanese IME.
• Updates an issue that might distort the sound captured by voice assistants. 
• Updates an issue that sometimes causes your lock screen background to appear black if you have set up a slideshow of pictures as your lock screen background. 
• Updates an issue that might cause your Bluetooth mice and keyboards to respond slower than expected.  
• Improves the time estimate for how long you might wait to use your device after it restarts.
• Updates an issue that might prevent you from using the Xbox Game Bar recording features.
• Updates an issue that causes some applications to run slower than usual after you upgrade to Windows 11 (original release).
• Updates an issue that prevents Narrator and other screen readers from announcing when the Start menu is open in certain cases.
• Updates an issue in that prevents the search window from appearing on a secondary monitor.
• Updates an issue that prevents you from opening multiple instances of an app using Shift and clicking on the app’s icon in the taskbar.
• Updates the visual design and animations of the Chat icon on the taskbar.
• Updates an issue for a small number of users that prevents the Start menu from working and prevents you from seeing the updated taskbar after upgrading to Windows 11 (original release).

See the referenced KB article for the long list of improvements and fixes included in the update.

Microsoft now combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system with the latest LCU. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

For information about the types of updates released by Microsoft each month see Windows 11 life cycle and servicing update.

Update:  To get the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.  The link to download and install the update can be found in the Optional updates available area.  To get the standalone package for this update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Windows 11 update history

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Oracle Java SE Security Update Released

 

Oracle released the scheduled security update for its Java SE Runtime Environment software.  This Critical Patch Update contains fifteen (15) new security patches for Oracle Java SE.  Thirteen (13) of these vulnerabilities may be remotely exploitable without authentication, i.e., may be exploited over a network without requiring user credentials. 

Update

If Java is still installed on your computer, it is recommended that this update be applied as soon as possible due to the threat posed by a successful attack.

Download Information

Java SE Runtime Environment Version 8u311:  https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jre8-downloads.html or https://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp.

Notes:

• UNcheck any pre-checked toolbar and/or software options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.  Preferably, see the instructions below on how to handle "Unwanted Extras".  
• Oracle does not plan to migrate desktops from Java 8 to Java 9 through the auto update feature.  Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you uninstall JRE 8 prior to updating.
• Verify your version:  http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp.   Note:  The Java version verification page will only work if your browser has NPAPI support.  In that case, to check the version, open a cmd window and enter the following (note the space following Java):  java -version
• Important:  The Edge browser does not support plug-ins.  In the event you still have a need for Java, it will be necessary to use Firefox or open with Internet Explorer by selecting the "More Actions" option located at the top of the Edge browser and then click "Open with Internet Explorer.  (See Windows 10 and Java.)

Critical Patch Updates

For Oracle Java SE Critical Patch Updates, the next scheduled dates are as follows:

• 18 January 2022
• 19 April 2022
  
• 19 July 2022
• 18 October 2022

Unwanted "Extras"

Although most people do not need Java on their computer, there are some programs and games that require Java.  In the event you need to continue using Java, How-to Geek discovered a little-known and publicized option in the Java Control Panel to suppress the offers for the pre-checked unwanted extras that Oracle has long included with the updates.  Although the Ask Toolbar has been removed, tha does not preclude the pre-checked option for some other unnecessary add-on.

Do the following to suppress the sponsor offers:

1. Launch the Windows Start menu
2. Click on Programs
3. Find the Java program listing
4. Click Configure Java to launch the Java Control Panel
5. Click the Advanced tab and go to the "Miscellaneous" section at the bottom.
6. Check the box by the “Suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java” option and click OK.

Java Security Recommendations

1)  In the Java Control Panel, at minimum, set the security to high.
2)  Keep Java disabled until needed.  Uncheck the box "Enable Java content in the browser" in the Java Control Panel.

3)  Instructions on removing older (and less secure) versions of Java can be found at http://java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml

References

• Java, The Never-Ending Saga  
• Critical Patch Updates and Security Alerts
• Release Notes
• Oracle Java SE Risk Matrix 
• Oracle Quality Assurance Blog 

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...