Spectre, along with Meltdown, has been one of the most severe threats recorded in recent history affecting the modern microprocessors, including those manufactured by Intel. Earlier this year, Microsoft released Intel's Spectre and Meltdown microcode for the Skylake (6th-gen) processor via the Update Catalog.
Now the Redmond-based tech giant has rolled out another host of Intel microcode updates for Windows 10 meant to help counter various Spectre variants. Microsoft is releasing the update KB4346085 for Windows 10 version 1709, KB4346086 for version 1703, KB4346087 for version 1607, KB4346088 for version 1507, and KB4346084 for version 1803. The updates are available to download exclusively from the Microsoft Update Catalog website, though it remains unclear when they will become available through Windows Update and Windows Server Update Services. The updates aim to address several vulnerabilities in Intel processors.
It is, perhaps, worth pointing out that these are not entirely new updates as they include components of the previous releases from Intel and Microsoft, though some new protections are added against Spectre variants 3a and 4. Keep in mind as well to check for the microcode recommendations for your specific device from your device manufacturer and Intel before installing the latest updates.
Source: Born's IT and Windows Blog via gHacks
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