Microsoft has released a series of updates that fix issues with Intel's microcode. The updates are the continuation of patches to resolve CPU-level bugs with Intel hardware, specifically from the Spectre, Meltdown, and Platypus vulnerabilities.
Microsoft Rolls Out Intel Microcode Updates
The microcode updates continue the work taken in the past few years to mitigate CPU vulnerabilities. Microsoft has released six optional updates focusing on Intel microcode, covering Windows 10 versions 20H2, 2004, 1909, and several older versions.
The new Intel microcode updates also include more Intel CPUs. The updates will apply the microcode patches to the following CPU families:
- 10th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Family
- Comet Lake S (6+2)
- Comet Lake S (10+2)
- Comet Lake U62
- Comet Lake U6+2
- Ice Lake Y42/U42 ES2 SUP
- Lakefield
You should note that although this is a new Intel microcode update for the above Intel CPU families, the updates themselves are not "new." This latest round of updates is Microsoft rereleasing the Intel microcode patches for these CPUs. The same patches were previously released in September 2020, then again in November 2020.
This update also includes Intel microcode updates that were already released for these operating systems at the time of release. We will offer additional microcode updates from Intel through this article for these operating systems as they become available to Microsoft.
However, as per the official Microsoft support page, "We recommend that you reinstall this update to make sure you have the latest updates." The support page also provides more detail as to the content of the patches, or you can check them out below:
- KB4589198: Intel microcode updates for Windows 10, version 1507
- KB4589206: Intel microcode updates for Windows 10, version 1803
- KB4589208: Intel microcode updates for Windows 10, version 1809, and Windows Server 2019
- KB4589210: Intel microcode updates for Windows 10, version 1607, and Windows Server 2016
- KB4589211: Intel microcode updates for Windows 10, version 1903 and 1909, and Windows Server, version 1903 and 1909
- KB4589212: Intel microcode updates for Windows 10, version 2004 and 20H2, and Windows Server, version 2004 and 20H2
Will Microsoft's Intel Microcode Updates Affect Performance?
The big question for many users will relate to system performance. The original patches for Spectre and Meltdown caused system performance issues for Intel hardware, ranging from slower processing power to outright system crashes on use.
That was nearly two years ago. Microsoft, Intel, and their partners have had time to work on these ongoing microcode security patches. Currently, there is no indication that the latest patches will cause any system instability.
That said, Microsoft cautions that you should "Consult with your device manufacturer and Intel through their websites regarding their microcode recommendation for your device before you apply this update to your device."
At MakeUseOf, we normally advocate installing security patches as they become available. It's the best way to keep your computer safe. However, on this occasion, waiting a short period is the best option.