Microsoft Releases KB5062688 Update for Windows 11 and Server 2025 to Enhance Security and Recovery

Microsoft has released the KB5062688 Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, version 24H2, and Windows Server 2025 on July 8, 2025. This update enhances the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), ensuring a more secure and reliable recovery process.
Key Highlights:

• Windows Secure Boot Certificate Expiration: Microsoft has announced that Secure Boot certificates used by most Windows devices are set to expire starting in June 2026. To prevent potential boot issues, users are advised to update their certificates in advance. Detailed guidance is available on Microsoft's support page.
• Update Details: The KB5062688 update focuses on improving the Windows Recovery Environment, which is crucial for system recovery and troubleshooting. By updating WinRE, Microsoft aims to provide users with a more robust and secure recovery process.

Installation Information:

• Availability: The update is available through Windows Update and will be downloaded and installed automatically.
• Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for applying this update.
• Restart Requirements: A system restart is not required after applying this update.
• Removal Information: Once applied, this update cannot be removed from the Windows image.
• Update Replacement: This update replaces the previously released update KB5059693.

Verifying Installation:
After installing the update, users can verify the WinRE version by running the following PowerShell script with administrative privileges:

# Function to get WinRE path
function GetWinREPath {
    $WinRELocation = (reagentc /info | Select-String "Windows RE location")
    if ($WinRELocation) {
        return $WinRELocation.ToString().Split(':')[-1].Trim()
    } else {
        Write-Host "Failed to find WinRE path" -ForegroundColor Red
        exit 1
    }
}

# Function to get WinRE version
function GetWinREVersion {
    $mountedPath = "$env:SystemDrive\mnt"
    if (-not (Test-Path $mountedPath)) {
        New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $mountedPath -Force | Out-Null
    }
    dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile:"$WinREPath\winre.wim" /Index:1 /MountDir:"$mountedPath"
    $filePath = "$mountedPath\Windows\System32\winpeshl.exe"
    $WinREVersion = (Get-Item $filePath).VersionInfo.FileVersionRaw.Revision
    dism /Unmount-Image /MountDir:"$mountedPath" /Discard
    Remove-Item -Path $mountedPath -Force -Recurse
    return [int]$WinREVersion
}

# Main Execution
$WinREPath = GetWinREPath
$WinREVersion = GetWinREVersion
Write-Host "WinRE Version: $WinREVersion" -ForegroundColor Cyan

This script mounts the WinRE image, retrieves the version information, and then unmounts the image. The output will display the installed WinRE version, confirming the successful application of the update.
Conclusion:
The KB5062688 Safe OS Dynamic Update is a critical release aimed at enhancing the security and reliability of the Windows Recovery Environment. Users are encouraged to apply this update promptly to ensure their systems remain protected and to prepare for the upcoming Secure Boot certificate expiration in June 2026.

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Source: Microsoft Support KB5062688: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: July 8, 2025 - Microsoft Support