August 22nd, 2024

Microsoft's latest security update has ruined dual-boot Windows and Linux PCs

Microsoft's security update has disrupted dual-boot systems with Windows and Linux, causing boot issues and error messages. A workaround exists for Ubuntu users, highlighting vulnerabilities in Secure Boot technology.

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Microsoft's latest security update has ruined dual-boot Windows and Linux PCs

Microsoft's recent security update has inadvertently disrupted dual-boot systems running both Windows and Linux. The update, intended to address a two-year-old vulnerability in the GRUB boot loader, has led to booting issues for many Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint. Users are encountering error messages such as "security policy violation" and "something has gone seriously wrong." Although Microsoft initially stated that the update would not affect dual-boot configurations, reports indicate otherwise, with numerous users sharing their experiences on platforms like Reddit and Ubuntu forums. The update was designed to enhance Secure Boot, a feature that prevents malicious firmware from loading during the boot process. Despite the problems caused, Microsoft has not yet commented on the situation. A temporary workaround for affected Ubuntu users involves disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS and removing Microsoft's SBAT policy through the terminal. This incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Secure Boot technology, which has been a critical security measure for Windows systems, especially since its requirement for Windows 11.

- Microsoft's security update has disrupted dual-boot Windows and Linux systems.

- Users are experiencing boot issues and error messages after the update.

- The update was meant to fix a vulnerability in the GRUB boot loader.

- A workaround exists for Ubuntu users to mitigate the issue.

- The incident underscores vulnerabilities in Secure Boot technology.

Link Icon 7 comments
By @neilv - 5 months
Dupe: “Something has gone seriously wrong,” dual-boot systems warn after MS update (arstechnica.com) 54 points by WaitWaitWha 11 hours ago | 45 comments | https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41310217
By @fumeux_fume - 5 months
Dual-booters are a hardy folk. They'll persevere. I had the distinct pleasure recently of creating a Windows install USB without using Windows to create it. Damn near impossible.
By @ChrisArchitect - 5 months
By @nightowl_games - 5 months
Yeah it broke my Linux Mint. I run mint all day while developing and then switch to windows 11 to game every once in a while.

I think there's a way to fix it but I had to disable secure boot to work this week.

I've had way more issues with windows 11 than with linux Mint. Like way more.

By @tiahura - 5 months
Is dual booting still a thing? I haven’t seen anyone doing it in 20 years.