In a blog post, a Microsoft representative said unpatched versions of Windows will lose access to Windows Update next year due to the expiration of digital certificates used to verify their authenticity and connect to the company's update servers.
These certificates are set to expire on May 17, 2027 and June 19, 2027, affecting older versions of Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server. Following these dates, the devices running the unpatched operating systems (OS) will no longer be able to access Windows Update.
Users on Windows 11 version 25H2 and newer will not be affected by the issue, as the installed security updates already have the necessary updated certificates.
The following are the outdated versions of Windows and the versions they need to be on to continue receiving updates on June 19 next year.
- Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 – September 2025 Windows security update
- Other supported versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 – July 2026 Windows security update
- Supported Windows 10 versions – July 2026 Windows security update
Meanwhile, the May 19 deadline will affect the following operating systems, which need to be updated to the July 2026 Windows security update:
- Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
Those already updated to a supported version of Windows will not need to take any additional action.
It should also be noted that Windows 10 devices will only receive security updates if they are enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, as support for the OS ended in 2025.
