Secure Boot Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft tightens Windows 11 driver security rules

Microsoft will enforce a new mandate requiring all hardware drivers to comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) standards starting April 1, 2026. This change will eliminate the "cross-signing" system that allowed older drivers with expired certificates to remain trusted. The enforcement of WHCP certification will apply to various versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. Users may face blocks when installing older drivers on new systems, but existing installations will not be immediately disrupted. Microsoft plans to introduce an "allow list" for vetted legacy drivers to ensure essential equipment remains operational during the transition. The initial rollout will occur in "evaluation mode," allowing Microsoft to monitor driver behavior without blocking software. For corporate environments, Microsoft offers "Application Control for Business" to allow specific software while maintaining security measures.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29565.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29565.1000 has been released in the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. Key updates include improved performance for the Bubbles screensaver on high refresh rate monitors, refinements to the drag tray based on user feedback, and enhancements to the Windows Security app, which now features color-coded icon badges for Secure Boot status. The Feedback Hub has also received updates, including a new default window size that remembers dimensions, mouse back button navigation, and improved visibility for community feedback. Canary Channel builds may be unstable and are subject to change. Users can enable a toggle in Settings to access new features gradually. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8165 (KB 5083635) has been released to the Beta Channel, featuring several updates: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large volumes in Storage settings. - Reduced frequency of UAC prompts on the Storage page. - Resolution of unrealistic data usage values in Network settings. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app's Secure Boot experience, including color-coded icon badges and updated certificates. - A revamped Feedback Hub with a modernized experience, simpler feedback submission, easier navigation, a new compliment feedback type, and improved screenshot capture tools. - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - A desktop watermark appears in Insider pre-release builds. - Features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may evolve or be removed.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8170 (KB 5083632) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - The FAT32 volume formatting size limit has increased from 32GB to 2TB. - Performance improvements for navigating large storage volumes in Settings. - A UAC prompt for accessing temporary files is now only shown when entering that specific section. - An issue with unrealistic data usage values in the Network settings has been fixed. - Enhancements to the Windows Security app include color-coded icon badges and updated text in the Secure Boot section, with updates to Secure Boot certificates being rolled out. - Feedback Hub version 2.2604.101.0 is being rolled out, featuring design improvements, improved default window size, mouse back button navigation, and corrected upvote buttons for Chinese display language users. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. The desktop watermark is present in Insider pre-release builds. Features may not be released to the public and could evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

April 11, 2026

Microsoft Issues Four Insider Builds Across Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels

Microsoft has released four new preview builds of Windows 11 for the Windows Insider Program across its Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. In the Canary channel, the latest update KB5083824 upgrades systems to Windows 11 build 28020.1812, introducing improvements such as customizable touchpad right-click zone sizes, a smaller peek view for the Drag tray, visibility into Secure Boot certificate status in Windows Security, and design updates in the Feedback Hub. For those in the Canary channel who opted for the 29xxx build series, build 29565.1000 includes underlying platform changes, enhancements to the bubble screensaver for high refresh rate displays, and the same Drag tray, Windows Security, and Feedback Hub improvements. In the Dev channel, users can upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 build 26300.8170 with update KB5083632, while the Beta channel receives update KB5083635, upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 build 26220.8165. Both updates feature storage improvements allowing FAT32 drive formatting up to 2 TB from the command line, corrected Data usage views in Network settings, and the same Windows Security and Feedback Hub enhancements.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

“Wait, Windows uses less?”: I break down the surprising requirement that flips the Linux vs. Windows script

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, developed by Canonical, will be released on April 23, 2026, with updated desktop requirements of a 2GHz dual-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 25GB of storage. Unlike Windows 11, which enforces strict minimum requirements, Ubuntu allows installation on lower-spec machines, though performance may be compromised. The new requirements reflect a shift away from supporting older hardware, as the operating system incorporates a modern desktop stack with updated GNOME components and Wayland support. Ubuntu's installer evaluates hardware capabilities but does not block installation on unsupported devices, contrasting with Windows 11's rigid installation process that requires specific hardware features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Linux gamers didn’t do anything wrong, but they might pay for Windows piracy anyway

Gaming on Linux has advanced significantly due to Valve's Proton compatibility layer and the Steam Deck, allowing most single-player PC games to run on the platform. Data from ProtonDB indicates that nearly every Windows game is now playable on Linux. However, hypervisor-based DRM bypass techniques have emerged, weakening Denuvo's anti-tamper protections and reviving day-zero piracy. Hypervisors operate beneath the operating system, allowing pirates to manipulate Denuvo's validation checks, drastically reducing the time to crack games. This resurgence of piracy poses security risks, as users must disable kernel-level security features, exposing their systems to vulnerabilities. Irdeto, the company behind Denuvo, recognizes the need for updated security measures, but these could complicate the gaming experience for Linux users. Linux's open-source nature complicates enforcing kernel integrity, making effective anti-cheat and DRM systems challenging. Despite these issues, Linux gaming has seen considerable growth, but the threat of hypervisor-based piracy could jeopardize this progress and lead to tighter DRM measures that may reduce Linux compatibility.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Microsoft Provides a Secure Boot Certificate Update

Microsoft will roll out new Secure Boot certificates starting in April 2026, allowing users to access and understand their Secure Boot certificate status through the Windows Security app. This feature will be found under the Device security section in the Secure Boot area. Users with PCs manufactured in 2024 or later will have the necessary certificates, while older models will receive updates via Windows Update. The Windows Security app will use a color-coded system to indicate certificate status: a green check box for up-to-date certificates, a yellow bang for safety recommendations, and a red stop icon for critical issues. Further enhancements, including notifications and in-app guidance, will be introduced in May. Resources for IT administrators are available on Microsoft Support.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Windows Security App Gains Secure Boot Certificate Status Ahead of Major Certificate Refresh

The Secure Boot certificates used by the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) on Windows PCs will expire in late June 2026. Microsoft is rolling out updated certificates through Windows Update to ensure user protection. Starting in April 2026, users can check their device's status in the Windows Security app, which will feature a color-coded badge system: - Green Checkmark: New certificates are installed, no action needed. - Yellow Caution Badge: Update pending or blocked due to hardware/firmware issues (expected in May 2026). - Red Stop Icon: Alerts users that older certificates are expiring, potentially preventing essential boot-level security updates (may appear as early as June 2026). The status will also be indicated in the Windows Security system tray icon. Most users will have a seamless update process by keeping Windows Update enabled, with devices from 2025 and many from 2024 covered. Older machines will receive updates gradually, guided by major OEMs. Microsoft advises against ignoring yellow or red warnings, as devices without updated certificates may be vulnerable to security threats and incompatible with future Windows updates. A support resource is available at aka.ms/getsecureboot.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Get a Windows 11 Pro license for just $12.97 (That’s a 93% discount!)

The Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97, significantly reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is found on the Tech Deals website and is intended for Windows machines needing a new license, not for devices already running Windows 10 that cannot access a free upgrade. Minimum system requirements include a 1GHz processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, a GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or later, a display of at least 9 inches with 720p resolution, and internet connectivity for activation. Activating Windows 11 Pro removes the "Activate Windows" watermark, unlocks personalization options, ensures access to updates and technical support, and provides enhanced security and remote management features compared to the Home version.