Secure Boot Archives

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Windows Secure Boot Certificate Expired in June, Microsoft Issues Warning

Microsoft has announced that Secure Boot certificates for Windows devices will begin to expire in June 2026, which may affect device functionality and security. An out-of-band update (KB5064489) was released on July 13, 2025, to address immediate security concerns and prepare systems for the certificate transition. This update includes essential quality improvements and fixes issues related to the startup of certain Azure Virtual Machines when Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enabled. The update is cumulative and incorporates previous security fixes. Users are advised to install the update promptly and review guidance for updating their certificates before the expiration deadline.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Have Windows 11 upgrade questions? Here’s everything you need to know – before you make the leap

Windows 11, launched in 2021, is the operating system for hundreds of millions of PCs worldwide and is built on the same architecture as Windows 10 but has stricter hardware compatibility requirements. Users must upgrade due to the end-of-support date for Windows 10. The user interface features a redesigned Start menu, taskbar, and Settings app, along with new functionalities like a Widgets pane and enhanced window management. Hardware-assisted security is mandatory, with features like Secure Boot enabled by default. Windows 11 can be acquired with new PCs or through free upgrades for valid Windows 10 license holders, while retail licenses are available at similar prices to Windows 10. As of January 31, 2023, Microsoft stopped retail sales of Windows 10 licenses. The compatibility requirements for Windows 11 include a 64-bit processor, a minimum of 4GB RAM, and at least 64GB of storage. User feedback indicates a mix of satisfaction and dissatisfaction regarding the interface changes. Windows 11 is reported to be more reliable and secure than Windows 10, with support for Windows 10 ending on October 14, 2025. Installation options include the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and USB media creation, with version 24H2 currently available and version 25H2 forthcoming.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Deal Alert: Get Windows 11 Pro for Just $9.97 Before Windows 10 Support Ends

A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, a 95% discount from the standard retail price of 9.99, until July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025. Windows 11 Pro features include BitLocker device encryption, Secure Boot, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, DirectX 12 Ultimate support for gaming, Microsoft Copilot AI for productivity, and optimized performance for Intel and AMD chips.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Should you replace your Windows 10 PC on Prime Day? Here’s how to know

Amazon's Prime Day event is from July 8th to July 11th, offering significant discounts on devices. Windows 10 support will end in October, prompting users to either continue with unsupported systems, purchase a year's support, or buy a new model. To check if a PC can be upgraded to Windows 11, users can use the free PC Health Check app, which identifies unmet hardware requirements. A key requirement for Windows 11 is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), but many devices fail to qualify due to outdated processors rather than TPM absence. If a PC does not qualify for the upgrade, users should consider purchasing a new device, especially with Prime Day deals approaching.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

When Microsoft finally pulls the plug on Windows 10 its successor will be four years old, and for three of those, it was never the OS of choice amongst Steam users

Valve's hardware survey data shows that Windows 10 remains the dominant operating system among PC gamers, with a slow decline expected despite Microsoft's upcoming support cessation. Windows 11 has not surpassed 60% in any Steam survey sample, and its growth has been stagnant. Windows 7 currently holds a mere 0.1% share, and projections suggest it could take about 82 months for Windows 10 to reach that level if trends continue. Linux's share has increased from around 1% to over 2.5% in three years, while Windows 11's growth has only seen a 3.7x increase during the same period. The survey indicates that the launch of the Steam Deck has had a limited impact on Linux adoption.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Windows 10 still powers millions of business PCs with support set to end in just four months

Millions of enterprise devices are still using Windows 10, with a report indicating that half of all business-managed Windows devices have not transitioned to Windows 11. In the healthcare sector, 19% of devices are too outdated to upgrade without replacement, and the finance sector also shows slow modernization. The Americas have only 43% of enterprise devices upgraded to Windows 11, while Europe has a 70% upgrade rate. Larger organizations managing over 10,000 devices have completed only 42% of their migrations due to complex environments and aging infrastructure. Microsoft is offering paid support through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, and third-party provider 0patch plans to deliver security fixes for at least five years after Microsoft's support ends.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Windows 10 is almost dead, but Flyby11 can help your old PC upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life status by the end of 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats unless they upgrade. Flyby11 is a tool that enables users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by bypassing Microsoft's system requirements, allowing installation without checks for TPM 2.0 or specific CPU models. It can also patch USB installation drives for clean installs on unsupported PCs. However, it requires the POPCNT instruction, which has been standard in processors since around 2010; if a PC lacks this feature, Windows 11 will not boot. While Flyby11 offers a way to receive security updates, it may lead to instability and performance issues, particularly on older hardware. Exploring Linux distributions is suggested as an alternative for users with aging PCs, as they are optimized for older hardware and provide long-term support.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

The Great Migration Starts Here

Organizations must transition to Windows 11 Pro by October 14, 2025, as Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. The upgrade is complimentary for eligible Windows 10 devices, but compatible hardware is necessary to utilize enhanced security and performance features. Windows 11 Pro PCs include built-in security tools like Windows Hello, BitLocker encryption, and TPM 2.0. Windows AI PCs feature intelligent tools like Windows Copilot for improved efficiency, while Copilot+ PCs, launching in mid-2024, will have dedicated AI processors for advanced capabilities. Security features such as Secure Boot, Virtualization-Based Security, and BitLocker encryption are integral to Windows 11 Pro devices, mitigating risks of malware and unauthorized access. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro enhances device stability and aligns with sustainability goals through energy-efficient designs.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Updates Broken — Fix Now, Here’s How

Microsoft is facing challenges due to a system takeover attack and a secure boot bypass vulnerability affecting Windows users. They have advised users to update their systems immediately. However, Windows 11 version 24H2 users may experience issues with the "Scan for Updates" function, particularly if they have not installed the May non-security preview update, KB5058499. Microsoft recommends installing KB5058499 or the KB5062324 configuration update, which is being rolled out gradually. Users can check for updates by adjusting their settings and restarting their systems.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft’s big lie: Your computer is fine (and you don’t need to buy a new one)

Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, despite it being the most widely used version of the operating system, with a market share of 52.94%. Windows 11, which has stricter installation requirements, is being promoted as the necessary upgrade, leaving many users feeling pressured to transition or risk their computers becoming non-functional. The upgrade prompts lack a "Never show again" option, which has raised concerns about user trust. Microsoft’s push for new hardware contributes to the growing issue of electronic waste. Alternatives for users include Linux Mint, which is user-friendly and can run on older hardware, and methods to bypass Windows 11's installation requirements. Tools like Windows 11 Debloat and O&O ShutUp can help users regain control over their systems.