Windows PCs Rebooting Multiple Times Due to Secure Boot Certificate Updates
Windows PCs are experiencing multiple reboots during the installation of monthly cumulative updates, with this issue being reported almost every month since April. According to Windows Latest, this is primarily linked to Secure Boot certificate updates and other firmware-related changes.
MS’s Rollout of Secure Boot Certificate Updates
MS has confirmed that the Secure Boot certificate update is being rolled out to millions of PCs running Windows 11 and Windows 10. If your PC has not yet received the new certificates, they are likely on the way unless a critical firmware limitation is blocking the update.
During this process, Windows PCs may reboot multiple times as part of the Secure Boot certificate deployment. This behavior is particularly evident when the update is delivered alongside cumulative updates. For example, the August 2026 Update triggered another round of Secure Boot certificate updates, leading to more reboots.
August 2026 Patch Tuesday: Key Highlights
The August 2026 Patch Tuesday Update, released on August 12, addressed as many as 400 security issues. This update advanced PCs to:
- Windows 11 Build 26200.9168 (version 25H2)
- Windows 11 Build 26100.9168 (version 24H2)
This update introduced several significant changes, including:
- Activating the Low Latency Profile (LLP) for faster app launches
- Improving how File Explorer displays file sizes in the Details view
- Other system refinements
MS emphasized that users should not delay updates for more than three days to avoid exposure to AI-powered security threats.
Secure Boot Certificate Rollout Progress
As part of the August update, MS confirmed that additional Secure Boot certificates are being delivered to more devices. According to the official changelog:
“This update includes additional high-confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates.”
The Secure Boot certificate update process is ongoing, and some devices that had not yet received the 2023 Secure Boot certificate update reportedly did so following the August 2026 Update.
Why Do Secure Boot Certificate Updates Trigger Multiple Reboots?
Updating a Secure Boot certificate is more complex than typical updates, as it requires modifications to the firmware. MS explained during an Ask Me Anything session that multiple reboots are necessary to complete the process:
- One reboot occurs while the Secure Boot changes are being staged.
- Another follows as the firmware applies the updated certificates.
- A final reboot takes place as Windows starts using the newly signed bootloader.
MS noted that these reboots are generally not noticeable to the user because they occur early in the boot process. However, additional reboots may happen if there are pending firmware or driver updates to be installed, which explains why some PCs reboot multiple times even after the Secure Boot update has been applied.
Future Updates and a Single-Reboot Solution
MS is reportedly testing a single-reboot approach, which would consolidate all updates—including Secure Boot certificates, firmware updates, and .NET Framework patches—into a single monthly reboot. This aims to simplify the update process and reduce disruptions for users.
Final Thoughts
While multiple reboots during Secure Boot certificate updates can be inconvenient, they are a necessary part of ensuring system security. MS is actively working on optimizing the update process, and users are encouraged to keep their systems up to date to avoid potential vulnerabilities.
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