Windows 10's First Extended Security Update for 2026, KB5073724, Now Available

Microsoft has released January 2026 Patch Tueaday updates for Windows 11 23H2, 24H2, and 25H2. Well, if you are still using Windows 10 the first ESU for the new year has landed in the form of KB5073724. The update bumps supported devices to build numbers 19045.6575 and 19044.6575, depending on the Windows 10 version.

As expected, the January Patch Tuesday release includes a some mandatory security fixes focusing on keeping systems protected. Alongside those security patches, Microsoft has also bundled in a few notable system-level changes.

One of the key updates involves legacy modem drivers. Microsoft has officially removed several outdated modem drivers as part of this release. Any hardware that relies on those specific drivers will no longer function on updated systems. This move appears to be part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to phase out older components that no longer meet modern security standards.

Another important change affects Secure Boot. Starting with this update, Windows quality updates now include high-confidence device targeting data. This allows eligible devices to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates, but only after they demonstrate stable and successful update behavior.

According to Microsoft, this approach helps ensure a safe and gradual rollout rather than pushing changes all at once. Microsoft has also addressed an issue related to WinSqlite3.dll, a core Windows component. In earlier builds, some security software incorrectly flagged this file as vulnerable. The updated component should prevent those false detections going forward.

The good news is that Microsoft has confirmed there are no known issues associated with KB5073724. For most users, the update will install automatically in the background. Those who prefer manual control can check for updates via Settings > Windows Update, or download the standalone installer directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.