A recent Windows update has left many users with dual-boot setups of Windows and Linux facing an alarming issue. The update displays a dire message: “Something has gone seriously wrong,” and appears to disrupt Linux installations when Secure Boot is enabled.
The patch, which applies to both Windows 10 and Windows 11, seems to render Linux systems unusable while allowing Windows to run without problems. Ars Technica reports that numerous Linux distributions are affected. The update was intended to address CVE-2022-2601, a vulnerability that could potentially allow unauthorized access even with Secure Boot enabled.
Microsoft’s update documentation claims that dual-boot setups involving recent Linux versions should not experience issues. The FAQ notes:
“The SBAT value is not applied to dual-boot systems that boot both Windows and Linux and should not affect these systems. You might find that older Linux distribution ISOs will not boot. If this occurs, work with your Linux vendor to get an update.”
Despite these assurances, Linux users are encountering problems, suggesting that the SBAT fix has inadvertently impacted their systems. Microsoft has yet to address this issue publicly. In the meantime, some users have shared temporary workarounds involving the disabling of Secure Boot and the removal of the SBAT policy, though this does not offer a complete solution for everyone affected.