Microsoft appears to take steps to block access for other operating systems that may be installed simultaneously on devices with Windows 10, after first announcing that it will tolerate the use of pirated versions of Windows 10, hoping for a rapid increase in market share and convincing users to purchase a license later.
According to the information provided to the partners OEM from China, starting with Windows 10, Microsoft will no longer require device manufacturers to include an option to disable support Secure Boot. Thought as an additional security barrier designed to prevent the running of malicious components at the start of the operating system, the functionality Secure Boot requires providing a security certificate before authorizing the boot process. The function Secure Boot however, it becomes an insurmountable obstacle if we try to install a different operating system than the one authorized by the device manufacturer, for example Linux.
For Windows 8, the application of an abtibild “Designed for Windows 8” on the device case, marking its certification for the respective version of Windows, it was a mandatory requirement. The inclusion of an option to deactivate the function was equally mandatory Secure Boot, meant to calm the fears of users worried that they might be stuck with Windows 8.
Although it does not explicitly imply the prohibition of the use of devices certified for Windows 10 with other operating systems, placing the final decision regarding the deactivation of the Secure Boot function in the hands of OEM manufacturers will probably work in the interest of the company from Redmond. Although optional for desktop systems, excluding the option to disable the feature Secure Boot is the logical way forward for OEM manufacturers of PC-s, motivated to reduce as much as possible the costs related to the settlement of warranty claims and to maintain optimal relations with Microsoft.
Regarding the range of mobile devices, Microsoft requires the mandatory activation of the function Secure Boot for the award CERTIFICATION Windows 10, thus excluding any possibility for the subsequent installation of another operating system than the one authorized by the manufacturer.
