![\"Windows](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/open-graph-image.png\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Windows machines that are not up to date will lose access to Windows Update itself once two sets of certificates expire on May 17, 2027 and June 19, 2027. On a supported version the way through is a security update installed before those dates, and Microsoft set out the dates, the mechanism and a per-version list of what each release needs in a Windows IT Pro Blog post of October 8, 2026.<\/p>\n
“Windows Update uses certificate-based trust to confirm that your devices are connecting to authoritative Windows Update servers,” the post says<\/a>, and as a standard security practice those certificates expire and have to be replaced. Most machines will be carried over by the ordinary monthly updates. “While Microsoft is delivering solutions for most devices through normal monthly updates, some Windows versions will need IT action,” the post says. “If unaddressed, affected devices will stop connecting and receiving all types of updates from Windows Update.” It was read at 21:44 UTC on October 10.<\/p>\n What Microsoft requires depends on the version<\/p>\n One release needs nothing at all, and the rest need a specific security update before the deadline that applies to them:<\/p>\n Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: “None.” Three outcomes after the expiry dates<\/p>\n Machines on a supported version that are current “continue receiving updates without interruption”, Microsoft says, because “they already have the necessary updated certificates”. Machines on a supported version that are behind “won’t be able access Windows Update services” after the May and June 2027 dates, and Microsoft points at the Microsoft Update Catalog as the way to download and install the needed update directly on a device, or at an organisation’s regular management tools.<\/p>\n Devices running a version of Windows that is out of support “will lose access to Windows Update services and won’t receive any updates as a result”.<\/p>\n Nothing is breaking now. Both dates sit in 2027, and a PC that takes its monthly updates passes through the rotation with nothing to do. The notice also carries one exception, in Microsoft’s own words: “This doesn’t apply to devices receiving updates from Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).”<\/p>\n Microsoft is writing for IT admins, and says so, but the versions it names are the ones ordinary PCs run. Windows 10 is in there for as long as it stays in support, and so is every Windows 11 release before 25H2. Microsoft’s other open Windows item for PC owners is a defect rather than a deadline: a September update that can close games using AC-3 audio<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nWindows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: the September 2025 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027.
\nOther in-support Windows 11 versions and Windows Server 2022: the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027.
\nIn-support Windows 10 versions: the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027.
\nWindows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2016: the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before May 17, 2027.
\nAny other Windows version: upgrade to a supported release, because “these devices are out of support, they’ll lose access to Windows Update services”.<\/p>\n