Microsoft confirms patching issues in restricted Windows networks
Microsoft claims that after applying the January 2026 optional non-security preview upgrades, users in limited network situations can experience Windows Update problems.
Affected computers will show error number 0x80010002 when updating via Windows Update in Windows network-restricted situations, which can range from completely isolated, air-gapped systems to heavily firewalled networks.
According to a service alert initially noticed by Microsoft MVP Susan Bradley, affected machines may be able to download the February monthly Windows security update but subsequently lose the ability to use the Windows Update settings to download Windows updates released in March, April, or later months.
Recent modifications to the download timeout requirements when initiating download operations...