Six Microsoft patches on the way

Microsoft is set to release six patches on Tuesday for its Windows operating system.

The company said in a security bulletin that at least one of the patches is rated 'critical', and that users will have to restart their systems after applying the patches.

Microsoft also warned that it plans to release one high priority update for Windows that is not security related.

This month's 'Patch Tuesday' also coincides with the release of an updated version of Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool. 

The software maker traditionally hosts a web conference on the day after the patch releases at 11am PDT (7pm GMT) to answer customer questions.

Microsoft gives advance warnings about the patches to allow IT managers to prepare for the event. In July Microsoft issued two patches for Windows and one for Office.