The big picture: Microsoft has warned IT administrators that PCs running older versions of Windows with certificates about to expire will lose access to Windows Update services unless they are updated before the expiration date. The alert applies to all client PCs, workstations, and servers, except corporate network devices that receive updates through Windows Server Update Services.
According to Microsoft, the certificates used by Windows Update services have a preset expiration date and must be replaced periodically so that devices continue to receive monthly updates. The company noted that devices running Windows 11 25H2 and above already have the latest certificates, but devices running older versions of Windows 11 will expire next year.
Microsoft also clarified that the certificates in Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 will expire on June 19, 2027. Devices still running these versions must install the September 2025 Windows Security Update or later to retain access to Windows Update beyond that date.
Other supported versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 have the same expiration date, but these devices require the July 2026 security update or later to continue receiving updates. Supported Windows 10 versions also require the July 2026 Update, with the same deadline of June 19, 2027.
Devices running the Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) or Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) versions of Windows 10 Enterprise 2019, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016 have an earlier deadline: You have until May 17, 2027 to install the July 2026 security update.
Older Windows versions that are no longer supported and no longer receive updates also lose access to the Windows Update services and Microsoft recommends an upgrade.
While it’s generally a good idea to keep your PC up to date, long-suffering Windows users have every reason to be skeptical when it comes to installing new updates on properly functioning devices. You know all too well that Microsoft has a nasty habit of releasing buggy updates that often cause more problems than they fix.
While it’s generally a good idea to keep your PC up to date, long-suffering Windows users have every reason to be skeptical about installing new updates on their devices while they’re working properly, because they know all too well that Microsoft has a nasty habit of releasing buggy updates that often cause more problems than they fix.
For example, the August 2026 Patch Tuesday update was reported to be causing games to crash and PCs to restart randomly, impacting several popular titles such as Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. A similar issue resurfaced last month, with update KB5124010 reportedly responsible for crashing Battlefield 6, Wardogs and other Javelin-protected titles.
And these are by no means the only cases. In the past year alone, Windows 11 updates have broken the Recycle Bin and OneDrive, slowed down Nvidia GPUs, and thrown installation errors serious enough for Microsoft to fix. After a series of patch failures, the company shifted its focus to stabilizing Windows 11.
