The SFLC has revealed that Microsoft will require Secure Boot on devices (including laptops) running Windows 8 on ARM architectures, effectively preventing these machines to boot Linux.

As Glyn Moody points out, Microsoft has wasted no time in revising its Windows Hardware Certification Requirements to effectively ban most alternative operating systems on ARM-based devices that ship with Windows 8 [...] Any ARM device that ships with Windows 8 will never run another operating system, unless it is signed with a preloaded key or a security exploit is found that enables users to circumvent secure boot. While UEFI secure boot is ostensibly about protecting user security, these non-standard restrictions have nothing to do with security.

The new policy betrays the cynicism of Microsoft’s initial response to concerns over Windows 8′s secure boot requirement. When kernel hacker Matthew Garrett expressed his concern that PCs shipped with Windows 8 might prevent the installation of GNU/Linux and other free operating systems, Microsoft’s Tony Mangefeste replied, “Microsoft’s philosophy is to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves.” It is clear now that opportunism, not philosophy, is guiding Microsoft’s secure boot policy.

Before this week, this policy might have concerned only Windows Phone customers. But just yesterday, Qualcomm announced plans to produce Windows 8 tablets and ultrabook-style laptops built around its ARM-based Snapdragon processors. Unless Microsoft changes its policy, these may be the first PCs ever produced that can never run anything but Windows, no matter how Qualcomm feels about limiting its customers’ choices.

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The SFLC has revealed that Microsoft will require Secure Boot on devices (including laptops) running Windows 8 on ARM architectures, effectively preventing these machines to boot Linux. As Glyn Moody points out, Microsoft has wasted no time in revising its Windows Hardware Certification Requirements to effectively ban most alternative operating systems on ARM-based devices that ship with Windows 8 ...