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Lost Windows 10/11 certificates trigger Microsoft inquiry
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Published onNovember 3, 2020
published onNovember 3, 2020
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Key notes
According to a recentWindows 10 release informationdocument, updating to a newer version ofWindows10 may result in some system and user certificates to go missing.
Reportedly, this issue affectsWindows 10systems that received updates through outdated installation sources or media that don’t have a Latest Cumulative Update (LCU) datedOctober 13, 2020, or later integrated.
These installation media and sources include but are not limited to ISO images, physical storage units, or update management utilities. As it turns out, the issue wasn’t noticed for systems that were updated throughWindowsUpdate orWindowsUpdate for Business.
Microsoft to release a fix in the upcoming weeks
It appears that several versions of both client and server platforms can be affected by this issue. According to the release information document, these platforms are:
Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909; Windows 10, version 1903
Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1909; Windows Server, version 1903
At the time being, Microsoft disclosed no ETA regarding an upcoming fix. However, it confirmed started working on a resolution, as well as its intention to provide customers with refreshed installation media and updated bundles in the upcoming weeks.
Workaround available for affected users
If you’re among the users who’ve experienced this issue first-hand, you’ll be glad thatMicrosoftoffers a workaround for this situation. Apparently, you can useWindows‘ built-in recovery features to go back to a previous version ofWindows.
Note that in most cases, the recovery option only offers you a 10-day timeframe to perform the rollback. Furthermore, for this workaround to actually work, you’ll need to be in that specific previously-configured timeframe (10 or 30 days).
If you managed to rollback to a previous unaffected version ofWindows10, you can now proceed to update to the latest version of theOSby using official installation media or sources, as mentioned above.
Have you noticed missing certificates on yourWindows10 machine after updating? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.
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More about the topics:windows 10 fix,Windows 10 issues,windows 10 updates
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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