Microsoft launched the secure boot function together with Windows 8, a thing the open source software association and many users weren’t happy about. Manufacturers had to enable this mandatory in order to get the “Designed for Windows 8” certification and logo. This looks set to change now as the Windows 10 requirements were released during the WinHEC conference held in Shenzhen. It is now optional whether manufacturers want to enable it for Windows 10 desktops, changing from the previous mandatory state.
Secure boot in itself is a great feature, preventing rootkits and rogue boot loaders to get hold of your system. But the drawback is that you can’t dual-boot Windows 8 and Linux, the mechanism prevents this.
There is still some time until Windows 10 is launched, so this might change again. But if it sticks, it could mean a lot less hassle to get dual-booting systems to run and also fits with Microsofts current scheme for more openness and cross-platform functionality.
Thanks to CNbeta for providing us with this information
Ditch the bootloader and load each OS as a stand alone OS then simply change the boot order in the BIOS. That way one hand is completely unaware what the other is doing.
This looks to be non-mandatory only for OEM desktop systems, which I don’t think are that big a market.
My desktop it also means laptop its basically the non mobile version of the OS .. Plus any laptop or desktop you buy is OEM Licensed Acer,Dell,HP Etc
You get it wrong imho, it must be turned on – and the OEM *can*, but isn’t forced to, provide a option to disable it.
Thats quite a difference from your summary 😛
I don’t see how not being able to use Linux is a drawback, who uses that thing anyway
You got it inverted: with Windows 8, Microsoft allowed users to turn off the UEFI Secure Boot option at will. Now, with Windows 10, it is now not mandatory for manufacturers to set the option to be customizable – i.e. one can decide to have a laptop with permanent SB on, with no option to switch it off.