Windows 8, RT to get first critical security patches next Tuesday
Microsoft's new OS is up for its first security update to shore up holes that would allow hackers to run malware on unprotected PCs.
Windows 8 and Windows RT will receive their first security fixes when next week's Patch Tuesday rolls around from Microsoft.
The patches are designed to prevent "remote code execution," which means they'll plug holes in the OS that could let someone remotely run malicious code on a PC.
Beyond securing Windows 8, the fixes cover just about every other version of Windows, including XP, Vista, and Windows 7 as well as Server 2003, 2008, and 2012.
The rollout includes six security patches, four of which are considered critical, one important, and one moderate. Most of the fixes are aimed at the Windows OS, but one also covers a flaw in Internet Explorer 9 and another a hole in Microsoft Office 2003, 2007, and 2010 for the PC and Office 2008 and 2011 for the Mac.
If you've enabled automatic updates, the patches will automatically install on Tuesday.
Users of Windows 8 and prior versions can trigger them manually by clicking on the shortcut for Windows Update from the Start menu.
Windows 8 users can view and install the updates manually as follows: Type Windows update at the Start screen, click on the Settings category, and then click on the tile for Windows Update from the search results. If the updates don't appear, click on the link to Check for updates now.
Microsoft will release more details and host a Webcast about the updates after they've rolled out on Tuesday.