Microsoft addresses Windows Update failures in restricted environments

Microsoft has identified an issue causing Windows Update failures for customers operating in network-restricted environments. This problem, which began after the installation of January 2026 optional non-security preview updates, prevents affected systems from downloading subsequent updates, displaying error code 0x80010002. The issue is not related to device integrity but specifically to the ability to download updates via the Windows Update settings, as reported by Bleeping Computer.

The failures occur in environments with strict network limitations, including air-gapped systems and heavily firewalled networks. While affected devices might download the February security update, they will be unable to download updates released in March, April, or later months. Microsoft is actively working on a resolution but has provided a workaround using Known Issue Rollback (KIR) group policies. Administrators can deploy specific KIR updates for Windows 11 26H1, Windows 11 24H2, Windows 11 25H2, and Windows Server 2025 to mitigate the problem.

This incident follows a series of other update-related issues encountered by administrators in recent years, including bugs that caused update failures with error codes 0x80240069 and 0x800f0922, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring seamless update delivery across diverse network configurations.

Source: Bleeping Computer