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Windows PCs Face Boot Failure in 2026!
27 May
Summary
- Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026.
- PCs may fail to boot or become less secure.
- Microsoft is rolling out new certificates now.
Microsoft is addressing an upcoming expiration of Secure Boot certificates, originally issued in 2011, which are scheduled to lapse in June 2026. These certificates are crucial for ensuring a device boots only with manufacturer-trusted software. Without updated certificates, millions of Windows PCs risk becoming less secure or failing to boot altogether.
To avert these issues, Microsoft has initiated the rollout of new Secure Boot certificates, valid through 2038. This update involves transferring new certificates to firmware, replacing the boot manager, and revoking trust in old certificates. Users can check their Secure Boot status via the Windows Security app; a green checkmark indicates readiness.
Ignoring the June 2026 deadline means potential permanent compromise of system security, as Microsoft will cease providing boot-critical updates and malware blacklists. This could also prevent future Windows feature updates from being installed. Older BIOS-based computers are unaffected by this update.
