A Microsoft security update has caused unexpected problems booting Linux on dual-OS computers, despite the company's claims that this should not have happened .
Dual boot problems
Unexpected update effect
Recent monthly A security update from Microsoft has caused unexpected complications on computers running Windows and Linux dual-boot systems.
Purpose of the patch and its consequences
The company has released a patch to address a two-year-old vulnerability in the open-source GRUB bootloader, widely used in Linux devices. Contrary to expectations, this update created obstacles for Linux systems to boot correctly on many dual-boot devices.
Problem manifestation
Users dual booting Windows and Linux are experiencing "security policy violation" messages and "severe failure" errors when trying to start Linux. Complaints about the issue have spread across various online platforms, including Reddit and Ubuntu forums. The patch affected many distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Zorin OS and Puppy Linux.
Vulnerability Background
The update was aimed at eliminating a security flaw that allowed attackers to bypass Secure Boot protection, which is widely used in Windows and Linux. Microsoft previously said it was rolling out a "Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) update" to block vulnerable Linux boot loaders, stressing that it was not expected to affect dual-boot systems. However, the result was different.
Microsoft's response and workaround
Microsoft has not yet commented on the issues. For Ubuntu users, a temporary solution has been proposed that includes disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS and then removing the Microsoft SBAT policy through the terminal in the Ubuntu account.
History of Secure Boot
Microsoft has been using Secure Boot technology in Windows for a long time, making it a key requirement for Windows 11 for the purpose of protection against BIOS rootkits. However, researchers have repeatedly discovered vulnerabilities in this security system.
Glossary
- GRUB is an open source operating system boot loader often used in Linux
- Secure Boot - a security technology that prevents the download of unauthorized software
- Ubuntu - a popular distribution of the Linux operating system
- BIOS - basic input/output system, software that runs when you turn on the computer
- Rootkit - malicious software designed to secretly gain access to computer system
Links
Questions answered
What problems did you encounter with the latest Microsoft security update?
What vulnerability was the Microsoft update supposed to fix?
Which Linux distributions are affected by this update?
Is there a workaround for Ubuntu users?
Why is Secure Boot important to Microsoft?
Hashtags
Save a link to this article
Discussion of the topic – Microsoft update breaks dual booting Windows and Linux: what should users do?
Microsoft has released a security update that unexpectedly breaks dual-boot Windows and Linux systems. The patch was aimed at fixing a vulnerability in the GRUB bootloader, but caused problems for many users.
Latest comments
8 comments
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are checked *
Liam
Wow! Microsoft screwed up again with an update. I'm currently dual booting Windows and Ubuntu. Has anyone already encountered this problem? 🤔
Sophie
Yes, Liam, I fell into this trap too! My Debian stopped booting after a Windows update. I had to fiddle around to fix everything. Microsoft should be more careful with such updates 😤
Juan
Sophie, how did you solve the problem? I'm using Zorin OS and I'm also having problems. Maybe you can share your experience? 🙏
Sophie
Juan, I disabled Secure Boot in the BIOS and then removed the Microsoft SBAT policy through the Ubuntu terminal. It helped, but I'm not sure it's safe in the long run 🤷♀️
Klaus
Again these newfangled things! They always break something. In my time, computers worked without any Secure Boot or dual boot. These updates are just an extra headache.
Eleonora
Klaus, I understand your frustration, but safety is important! Although I agree that Microsoft could do a better job of testing its updates. I wonder how they will solve this problem? 🤔
Liam
Eleonora, you're right about the safety. But this situation shows how difficult it is to balance security and compatibility. Hopefully Microsoft will release a fix soon 🤞
Olena
Or maybe this is a sign that it’s time to completely switch to Linux? 😄 Just kidding, of course. But seriously, such problems make us think about the reliability of our systems. Has anyone tried contacting Microsoft support regarding this issue?