Microsoft Warns Windows Update Will Stop Working on Unpatched PCs Next Year

What happened

Microsoft is replacing the certificates that Windows PCs use to confirm they are talking to genuine Windows Update servers, and machines that miss the changeover will stop receiving updates. The company announced the rotation on October 8, and the current certificates expire on May 17 and June 19, 2027. Microsoft is a software and software development company based in Redmond, and its products and services include Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Servers.

Most users apparently won't have to do anything, since the replacements ship inside the regular monthly security updates. Windows 11 25H2 and later, including the recently launched 26H2 , need no action.

Microsoft says devices on unsupported versions "will lose access to Windows Update services and won't receive any updates as a result," and its only advice is to upgrade. Windows 11 24H2 needs the September 2025 security update or newer, while other supported Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions need the July 2026 update or later before June 19.

Key facts

• The company — announced: the rotation on October 8, and the current certificates expire on May 17 and June 19, 2027