What you need to know
- Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday updates are now available.
- These updates focus on bug fixes and improvements for several Windows 10 releases.
- The updates are available now via Windows Update.
Microsoft pushed out a new batch of "Patch Tuesday" updates for Windows 10 PCs today. As usual, these updates don't deliver any new features. Rather, there are several fixes and improvements rolling out for several versions of Windows 10.
For those running the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, you'll snag KB4511553, which packs just three notable fixes:
- Addresses an issue that may prevent devices from starting up or cause them to continue restarting if they are connected to a domain that is configured to use MIT Kerberos realms. Domain controllers and domain members are both affected.
- Addresses an issue with a Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) console user interface (UI) exception that occurs when you expand the Computers directory.
- Security updates to Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows Wireless Networking, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Microsoft Scripting Engine, Internet Explorer, Windows Input and Composition, Windows Cryptography, Windows Virtualization, Windows Datacenter Networking, the Microsoft JET Database Engine, Windows Server, Windows Kernel, Windows MSXML, and Microsoft Edge.
The April 2018 Update is picking up a similar set of fixes with KB4512501:
- Addresses an issue that may prevent devices from starting up or cause them to continue restarting if they are connected to a domain that is configured to use MIT Kerberos realms. Domain controllers and domain members are both affected.
- Security updates to Windows Wireless Networking, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows Datacenter Networking, Microsoft JET Database Engine, Windows Input and Composition, Windows MSXML, Internet Explorer, Windows Server, Microsoft Scripting Engine, Windows Cryptography, Windows Server, Windows Virtualization, Microsoft Edge, and Windows Shell.
Windows 10 versions 1709 and 1607 have also received the same set of updates that improve security for Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Bluetooth, networking technologies, and input devices.
For more, you can check out Microsoft's full release notes at the Windows Support site. Otherwise, the latest Patch Tuesday fixes and improvements are available via Windows Update now.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
