Security Update Policy for Windows Vista

Windows Vista is the first major Microsoft product release that will be serviced with security updates throughout the beta process. We are committed to release Windows Vista updates for all MSRC critical class issues that may arise during the beta testing period. We strive to release any Windows Vista updates as soon as possible, but our priority will be to release the updates for Windows products that have been released to manufacturing.

We have received multiple inquires from Windows Vista beta testers asking if their systems are affected by the security bulletins released last week. Of the seven critical Windows updates released in August, only 2 (MS06-042 and MS06-051) also affect Windows Vista Beta 2 or later. Windows Vista (Beta 2 or later) is not one of the operating systems affected by Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-040.

Updates for the 2 issues mentioned above have been released to Windows Update and are available in the Microsoft Download Center. The following KB article list all available updates for Microsoft Windows Vista Beta 2 and includes links to these downloads.

Note that updates will no longer be released for Windows Vista Beta 2 after RC1 has been released, and updates for pre-release versions not will be released after Windows Vista has released to manufacturing. Also, Microsoft does not include information about beta products in formal security bulletins. If you have future questions about whether a security vulnerability affects Windows Vista please refer to the KB article mentioned above, which will be updated as soon as any new updates are released.

- Alex Heaton
Windows Vista Security