UMVA has learned that a critical issue with Windows updates is currently affecting certain Windows 11 users, leaving them vulnerable to security threats for months.
The problem started after the installation of a recent preview update, causing those affected to miss out on all Windows updates since February, including crucial monthly security updates.
This comes at a critical time, just weeks before Secure Boot certificates on older Windows machines are set to expire. Microsoft typically distributes updated certificates through Windows Update, but users struggling with this issue will be unable to install them, potentially leaving their systems exposed.
Information obtained by UMVA reveals that although new updates are displayed through Windows Update, affected PCs are unable to download them successfully. During the update process, these PCs crash and display error code 0x80010002.
Users can check their last installed Windows updates by navigating to Settings, then Windows Update, and finally View update history. If all updates since January are missing and Windows hasn't been instructed to pause updates, it's likely that the system is impacted.
Microsoft is working on a comprehensive solution, but preliminary findings suggest that the error may be linked to changes in download timeout requirements or overly strict firewall rules that interrupt communication with download servers.
For now, affected users can attempt a Known-Issue Rollback (KIR) to revert the latest update, essentially taking their Windows system back to a previous state before the problematic update was installed.
This workaround is primarily intended for IT administrators but can also be attempted by home users. Known-Issue Rollbacks are available for specific Windows 11 and Windows Server versions, offering a temporary fix until a more permanent solution is developed.
