Does your computer run Microsoft Windows?
Microsoft have advised that a significant, but mostly behind-the-scenes change is coming to many Windows computers this June, and while it won’t cause devices to suddenly stop working, it’s something to be aware of.
In 2011, Microsoft introduced a security feature called Secure Boot. When your computer starts up, Secure Boot checks that nothing harmful is trying to load before Windows starts running. To do this, it relies on special digital certificates — essentially trusted ID badges that confirm everything is safe.
The original certificates date from 2011 and will expire in June 2026. With scams and malware becoming increasingly sophisticated, in 2023 Microsoft issued a new set of stronger certificates. Most modern computers will receive these new certificates automatically through normal Windows Updates. But some older computers may need an additional firmware update before they can use the new certificates.
What About Windows 10 Users?
If you are still using Windows 10 on your computer, this change is especially important as Windows 10 computers stopped receiving security updates from Microsoft in October 2025.
This means Windows 10 users face additional risks:
- The operating system is out of support.
- Older computers are less likely to receive the firmware updates needed for the new certificates.
We recommend if you are running Windows 10 on your computer that you upgrade to Windows 11 to ensure your computer remains secure.
For advice on whether your computer is receiving updates or your computer is running Windows 10, please don’t hesitate to Get inTouch with Us. We’re here to help.