Microsoft’s Windows Upgrade Deadline—Now Just 8 Weeks Away

Windows users beware. Microsoft has confirmed that Secure Boot certificates, first issued in 2011, expire in 8 just weeks. This has not happened before, and it will affect hundreds of millions of PCs. Some users need an upgrade to stay safe.

If your PC shipped in the last two years, you are fine. But if it's older, you need to ensure you have installed recent updates. Revised certificates are now integrated into wider software downloads. Be warned, if your PC has fallen off support, as is the case with hundreds of millions of Windows 10 PCs , then you will fall foul of the imminent certificate expiration and you need to enrol in the ESU now.

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In its Apr. 2 update, Microsoft warns users that "Secure Boot certificates, originally issued in 2011, are approaching expiration in 2026. Updated 2023 certificates are being delivered automatically through Windows Update to consumer devices and some business devices. The Windows Security app now shows whether devices have received these updates, their current status, and whether any action is needed."

As Neowin explains, Microsoft's "useful warning about upcoming mandatory Windows 11/10 update installation" is a call to action for users. "Secure Boot update must be installed before the deadline which is fast approaching." The good news now is that "you will now know whether it is already installed or not."

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Per XDA-Developers , while "this update is now available," Microsoft has flagged that "'additional improvements' are rolling out in May 2026." As for what to look for, "Windows Security shows green/yellow/red: green means you're good, yellow means manual update, and red means you're blocked by a vulnerability."

Neowin adds that "aside from the new caution feature on the Windows Security app, Microsoft has added that more such Secure Boot warnings, like system alerts, will be rolling out starting May 2026." No excuses for missing the June deadline . Just make sure you have the latest updates installed or have opted into the ESU.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com