Microsoft has warned Windows 10 users to upgrade before June this year or risk weaker security.
The company is refreshing Secure Boot certificates, and the current ones will expire in late June. Without the update, older systems face what Microsoft calls a “degraded security state.”
For context, Secure Boot only allows trusted software to run at startup, preventing malicious code from loading before the operating system starts. Certificates supporting Secure Boot have been in place since 2011, but they are now due for renewal.
Doubling down on this, Windows 11 users are receiving updated certificates automatically. Many PCs sold in 2024 and 2025 already include them. No action is required for those systems. However, Windows 10 and older versions will not get the refresh. That leaves them exposed to new boot‑level vulnerabilities.
It’s important to take note that Microsoft ended official support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Still, around 35% of PC users remain with the older OS. With Secure Boot certificates expiring, those users face added risk beyond missing regular updates.
Needless to say, options remain limited. The most secure path is upgrading to Windows 11. Users can buy new systems or install Windows 11 on older hardware, even bypassing restrictions with guides available online.
However, for those unwilling to upgrade, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU). This program launched in October 2025 and runs for one year. It provides updated certificates and limited protection. The downside is, ESU only delays the problem until October 13, 2026, when support ends again.
This warning highlights a growing urgency. Boot‑level attacks can compromise systems before antivirus or firewalls activate. Without Secure Boot updates, Windows 10 machines become vulnerable from the moment they power on.
Ultimately, Microsoft’s message is clear. It’s a pseudo-hostage situation. Upgrade now to avoid degraded security and ensure continued protection. The cold, hard truth is that waiting only postpones the inevitable.
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