Microsoft is scheduled to issue 12 security patches on Tuesday as part of its monthly security update cycle. 

The company is preparing nine patches for Windows, at least one of which is rated 'critical'.

Exchange is set to receive one patch rated 'important', while Office will have two patches, at least one of which is rated 'critical'.

The update will also mark the end of a grace period for users in applying an update to the ActiveX technology.

Microsoft changed the way that ActiveX elements behave in its Internet Explorer browser to circumvent a patent owned by Eolas and the University of California. 

The change disables all ActiveX elements on webpage until users click on the page or press the tab and enter keys.

ActiveX is a technology inside Internet Explorer that enables the integration of interactive components in a web page.

Microsoft offered users a two-month grace period to allow for application compatibility testing.

The software giant also plans to release a non-security update for Windows and two for Windows Server. All updates were described as 'high priority' but the company did not provide any additional information.

Microsoft pre-announces forthcoming update releases to allow IT staff to plan for the monthly event.