Microsoft to Update Secure Boot Certificates on Most Windows PCs as 2011 Versions Expire in June
Microsoft is set to automatically install new Secure Boot certificates on most Windows PCs as the original 2011 certificates begin expiring in late June. Hundreds of millions of users, particularly those on Windows 10 without extended support, face immediate risks without the updates. The move follows last month's security patches that included new certificates for many systems.
techjuice.pkMicrosoft is changing Windows on almost all PCs by installing new Secure Boot certificates as the original ones from 2011 start to expire in late June. Secure Boot relies on certificates installed on PCs, and new certificates will install automatically onto most PCs.
However, hundreds of millions of users will be at immediate risk without new certificates, including all Windows 10 users except those enrolled for extended support updates.
The ESU program is currently live until October. Last month’s Windows security updates installed new certificates and a status update to confirm PCs are secure. The slow decline of outdated Windows versions continues as Microsoft confronts expiring Secure Boot certificates for the first time ever.
Microsoft says this helps reduce the risk of malware and cybersecurity attacks by providing access to critical and important security updates, but only security updates, nothing else. The timing of the certificate expiration comes just months after the Windows 10 OS expired.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-05-06
Current date, with Microsoft confronting expiring Secure Boot certificates amid ongoing decline of outdated Windows versions.
1 sourceForbes - 2026-04
Last month’s Windows security updates installed new certificates and a status update to confirm PCs are secure.
1 sourceForbes - 2026-06-late
Certificates originally issued in 2011 start to expire.
1 sourceForbes - 2026-10
ESU program ends, after which Windows 10 users outside the program will lack automatic certificate installation.
1 sourceForbes - 2025-10
Windows 10 OS expired, with certificate expiration timing coming just months after.
1 sourceForbes - 2011
Original Secure Boot certificates issued.
1 sourceForbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Automatic security enhancements for most PCs, reducing overall system risks.
- 02
First-time confrontation of expiring Secure Boot certificates, accelerating decline of outdated Windows versions.
- 03
Increased vulnerability to malware and cybersecurity attacks for Windows 10 users not in ESU after June.
- 04
Status updates and warnings primarily for Windows 11 users, leaving Windows 10 non-ESU users without alerts.
- 05
Potential push for users to upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in ESU before October.
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