Microsoft distributes Intel microcode updates to stymie Spectre
by from Techreport on (#3H44F)
One of the more concerning details in the ongoing story of Spectre-related system patches has been how users would get said updates. Per Intel's announcement, distribution of the new CPU microcode is up to the whims of motherboard manufacturers, system integrators, and OEMs who may or may not find the time to push out updated firmware for motherboards many years old. Microsoft is stepping up to the plate to service potentially put-out customers.
The company has begun including microcode updates for Skylake systems on the Microsoft Update catalog, and says it will expand its offerings as Intel supplies further microcode patches for older CPUs. For now, the ...