Windows Insider Preview certificate renewal (Expiration: Aug 11, 2026)

Tom Thompson 0 Reputation points
2026-08-13T12:38:07.2533333+00:00

I have followed the directions to update my certifciate. Downloaded update, restart to install. Reboots twice during install. On final reboot, reported 'failed' and suggests downloading again.

Now completed this four times, all with the same result.

Can you help me please?

Tom.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Install, activate, and Windows update
0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-08-13T12:38:24.71+00:00

    This is usually resolved by getting onto a newer Insider build that contains the renewed Windows Insider flight certificate.

    1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
    2. If an update is offered for a newer Insider build, install it. Microsoft states the renewed flight certificate is included in newer builds, and devices should be updated to that build or later before August 11, 2026.
    3. If the install keeps failing after repeated attempts, first try the basic checks that have helped in similar cases:
      • Disconnect non-essential external devices.
      • Make sure the system drive has sufficient free space.
    4. If updates still are not being offered or continue to fail, submit a report in Feedback Hub under Install and Update > Downloading, installing, and configuring Windows Update.
    5. If the device remains stuck on an expiring build and no update will install, a clean install may be required. This is the documented fallback when other options do not work. Risk: a clean install resets the device, so important files should be backed up first.

    Relevant build notes show the renewed certificate is included in these newer Insider builds:

    • 26300.9032
    • 26220.9022
    • 28020.2623
    • 28120.2630

    If the device is on an expiring build, Windows should also show notifications. The documented path is to go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Update and check again for the latest update available in the current channel.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Alex-L 11,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-17T10:59:53.3766667+00:00

    Hi Tom Thompson

    Thanks for the update. Since Windows Update is already offering 26220.9022 (which is one of the renewal builds), the issue now appears to be the installation itself rather than the Insider certificate.

    Error 0x80070002 is often associated with missing or corrupted Windows Update files. Before considering a clean install, I'd suggest:

    1. Ensure there is adequate free space on the system drive.
    2. Disconnect any non-essential USB devices.
    3. Run: 
         DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   sfc /scannow
      Then restart and try the update again.
      1. Check Settings > Windows Update > Update History and Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Setup for any additional error details.

    If the update continues to fail, please post your current build number (winver) and any additional error codes from Update History, as that may help identify whether this is a Windows Update component issue, a driver incompatibility, or another setup-related problem. As this is a public forum, no one here can check it directly for you, so please consider submitting a report in Feedback Hub under Install and Update > Downloading, installing, and configuring Windows Update so the Insider team can review the installation logs.

    Was this answer helpful?

  3. Tom Thompson 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-13T12:44:29.06+00:00

    Attempted this. Was only offered the 1 update: Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update (26220.9022).

    Reports: Install error: 0x8007002.

    So...... still have the same problem. Any other suggestions please?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.