Microsoft warns Windows PCs could lose security updates in 2027

Microsoft has announced that certain Windows devices may lose access to Windows Update in 2027 due to the expiration of digital certificates used to authenticate update services. The expiration dates are set for May 17 and June 19, 2027, depending on the specific Windows version.

Devices that do not receive the replacement certificates through the current certificate rotation process will be unable to establish the trusted connections required to retrieve security fixes, reliability updates, and other operating system improvements. While affected computers will continue to function and boot normally, they will become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks as new security flaws will no longer be patched.

Most users on supported and regularly updated versions of Windows will receive these replacements automatically. However, specific actions are required for certain versions. Windows 11 24H2 requires the September 2025 security update or later. Other supported versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 require the July 2026 update or later. Additionally, Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016 must receive updates before the May 17 deadline.

Separately, Microsoft is also transitioning support for specific Windows 11 editions. Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions are reaching the end of support this month, meaning they will no longer receive monthly security patches, whereas Enterprise and Education versions will receive extended support until October 2027.