A Windows 11 bug blocks all updates since February. Here’s what to do
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Table of Contents
In summary:
- PCWorld reports a Windows 11 bug has blocked all updates since February for some users, creating serious security vulnerabilities and potential system issues.
- The problem stems from January’s Preview Update and affects download timeouts, leaving systems without crucial monthly security patches and upcoming Secure Boot certificate updates.
- Microsoft recommends performing a Known-Issue Rollback (KIR) to revert the faulty update and restore normal update functionality.
Problems with Windows updates are nothing new, but right now there’s a seriously annoying bug that’s affecting certain Windows 11 users—they haven’t been getting any Windows updates for months.
According to BleepingComputer, the issue started after installation of the January Preview Update. This means that those affected have not received a single Windows update since February, and that includes all the monthly security updates that should be keeping them safe.
As if that weren’t bad enough, we’re also at a critical juncture just weeks before Secure Boot certificates expire on older Windows machines. Microsoft has been distributing updated certificates via Windows Update, which must be installed on PCs before June in order for Secure Boot to continue working as intended.
How to identify the problem
Microsoft is currently providing information about the issue via the Windows Admin Center. According to BleepingComputer, although new available updates are displayed via Windows Update, they can’t be downloaded successfully on affected PCs. During the update process, said PCs crash and display error code 0x80010002.
You can check which Windows updates were last installed via Settings, under Windows Update → View update history. If all updates since January are missing on your system and you haven’t manually instructed Windows to pause updates, you likely suffer from this issue.
What you can do about it
Microsoft is still working on a comprehensive solution to the problem, but has at least recognized that the error appears to be linked to changes in the timeout requirements for downloads. Overly strict firewall rules can also prevent affected PCs from getting updates as communication with the download servers is interrupted.
If you’re affected, there’s only one thing you can do as of right now: perform a Known-Issue Rollback (KIR) to revert the latest update. This should take your Windows system back to before it installed the problematic update, preventing the error from recurring.
This step is primarily intended for IT administrators, but home users can still try removing the faulty January preview update. Known-Issue Rollbacks are available for Windows 11 26H1 (KB5083806) and Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and Windows Server 2025 (KB5083631).
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
