Windows 10 and "Secure Boot"

Victek · 03 Jun 2015

Regarding the Secure Boot feature introduced in Windows 8:

Windows 10 to make the Secure Boot alt-OS lock out a reality | Ars Technica

First off am I understanding correctly that the Secure Boot option is actually enforced by UEFI and not by the OS? I'm seeing some concerns from people about being unable to upgrade to Windows 10 on older systems (BIOS) that don't support secure boot. That seems unlikely since Microsoft wants to push 10 to the whole Windows 7 base.

On the other hand it seems like folks who buy new systems with UEFI that doesn't include a Secure Boot switch are going to have problems with older or alternative operating systems...?

Cliff S · 03 Jun 2015

See if this helps answer your question: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/w...a-57fa783f0759

genet · 03 Jun 2015

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/i...s%2CAllReplies

Will Windows 10 require UEFI and Secure Boot?
No, Windows 10 works just fine on legacy BIOS systems. New devices that come preinstalled with Windows 10 later this summer must have UEFI by default and Secure Boot enabled at the factory.

Mystere · 03 Jun 2015

Victek said:

Regarding the Secure Boot feature introduced in Windows 8:

Windows 10 to make the Secure Boot alt-OS lock out a reality | Ars Technica

First off am I understanding correctly that the Secure Boot option is actually enforced by UEFI and not by the OS? I'm seeing some concerns from people about being unable to upgrade to Windows 10 on older systems (BIOS) that don't support secure boot. That seems unlikely since Microsoft wants to push 10 to the whole Windows 7 base.

On the other hand it seems like folks who buy new systems with UEFI that doesn't include a Secure Boot switch are going to have problems with older or alternative operating systems...?

This is just a policy change for OEM's to get the Windows logo, and relates to how they set the defaults for their Firmware. It's not a technical requirement for Windows 10 itself. You don't need Secure Boot either for Bios or UEFI boots.

Victek · 03 Jun 2015

Thanks to everyone who replied and confirmed that Windows 10 does not require UEFI Secure Boot. The only thing problematic mentioned in this article...

Windows 10 to make the Secure Boot alt-OS lock out a reality | Ars Technica

...is the possibility that the toggle for Secure Boot in newer UEFI systems will be removed. That seems like speculation at this point though.

Cliff S · 03 Jun 2015

Microsoft says that the switch to allow Secure Boot to be turned off is now optional. Hardware can be Designed for Windows 10 and can offer no way to opt out of the Secure Boot lock down.

Can be designed, not, must be designed. To me it looks like the manufacturer have the choice. If they decide wrong, it will show up in sales. They're worried about Windows 10 lowering PC sales now because of the free upgrade, and being the "Last" Windows, I don't see them removing a switch, a Linux user shopping for a new PC needs. Or does Linux user money stink?

labeeman · 03 Jun 2015

Cliff S said:

Can be designed, not, must be designed. To me it looks like the manufacturer have the choice. If they decide wrong, it will show up in sales. They're worried about Windows 10 lowering PC sales now because of the free upgrade, and being the "Last" Windows, I don't see them removing a switch, a Linux user shopping for a new PC needs. Or does Linux user money stink?

A few of the Linux flavors do install in a secure boot machine.

Cliff S · 03 Jun 2015

That's because they have signatures and cryptographic certificates.

labeeman · 03 Jun 2015

Cliff S said:

That's because they have signatures and cryptographic certificates.

Which would mean that switch does nothing except that the end user will have a hard time installing W7.

Cliff S · 03 Jun 2015

Please don't take this wrong, but is that a real loss?

I look in Seven Forums and 75% the posts are about BSOD's. Of course my last Win7 BSOD was in 2012 when I was experimenting with so called optimization software, but then I just re- imaged:).