Essential Windows Update to Protect Against Bootkit Malware

Key Highlights from ZDNET

Typically, I recommend that Windows users download the monthly Patch Tuesday updates solely for their security enhancements. However, the January update is particularly crucial for safeguarding your PC from malicious software.

Bootkit malware targets your system at the core, attempting infiltration before both Windows and security applications launch. Secure Boot, a critical security component, uses certificates to verify that only approved software initiates during boot-up. These certificates are nearing expiration, making the latest Windows update vital.

Introduced on Patch Tuesday, the update incorporates numerous fixes, with the highlight being the renewal of Secure Boot certificates. These certificates, which were set to lapse in June, have now been replaced with recently issued ones that are expected to remain valid for an extended period.

According to Microsoft’s support documentation, "Secure Boot certificates used in most Windows systems will start expiring in June 2026." Failure to update could hinder some devices, both personal and organizational, from booting securely.

Microsoft clarified that without the updates, Windows devices with Secure Boot could face security risks as they would be unable to receive new security patches or authenticate updated boot loaders, impacting both reliability and protection.

While Microsoft's guidance primarily targets IT and security managers overseeing extensive computer systems, the recommendation equally applies to individual and home users of Windows.

To install the January updates, navigate to your Settings, choose Windows Update, and initiate the installation process. If no updates are pending, manually check for updates. Windows 11 users will find the update labeled as KB5074109, while Windows 10 users still receiving updates will see it as KB5073724.

For modern PCs, Secure Boot should be active as it forms a part of the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) standard. If you wish to confirm its status, detailed guidance is available online.