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If Linux dual boot shows “Verifying shim SBAT data failed: Security Policy Violation. Something has gone seriously wrong: SBAT self-check failed: Security Policy Violation,” install current Windows updates first. Microsoft says the September 2024 security update and later updates removed the settings behind its documented incident. If Linux still will not boot, use recovery instructions for your Linux distribution rather than applying a one-size-fits-all bootloader command.
Why this SBAT error can stop Linux from booting
SBAT stands for Secure Boot Advanced Targeting. It lets Secure Boot policy track generations of boot components and reject generations below a required level, helping block vulnerable bootloaders without relying only on individual image hashes. If a shim is rejected by the active policy, the failure can happen before Linux starts. The shim project describes the generation-based mechanism in its SBAT documentation.
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The words “self-check failed” relate to checks made when SBAT policy is evaluated. The shim source includes a check against applying a policy level that would revoke the current shim, but the displayed error alone does not establish the exact internal failure on a particular computer. It also does not identify the Linux distribution, shim or GRUB version, firmware vendor, or current bootloader state.
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Microsoft’s August 13, 2024 notes for KB5041585 describe an SBAT update intended to stop vulnerable Linux EFI shim bootloaders. Microsoft said the update was not intended to apply when Windows and Linux dual boot was detected. On some systems using customized dual-boot methods, detection failed and the policy was applied anyway; Microsoft listed the “Verifying shim SBAT data failed” and “SBAT self-check failed” messages among the resulting errors. This did not mean every Windows 11 installation or every dual-boot PC was affected.
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Microsoft’s update guidance says the September 2024 security update, KB5043076, and later updates do not contain the settings that caused the issue. For systems dual-booting Linux and Windows, Microsoft says no additional steps are needed after installing those updates. Treat that as the resolution for this documented incident, not a guarantee that every unrelated Secure Boot or Linux boot failure is fixed by Windows Update.
Choose the right fix for what is failing
| What fails | What to do |
|---|---|
| The installed Linux system fails, but Windows boots | Install current Windows updates. If Linux still fails, follow the distribution’s supported boot recovery and bootloader-update guidance. |
| Only an older Linux live or installation ISO fails | Obtain a current ISO from the Linux distribution vendor. Microsoft warns that older ISO images may not boot after an SBAT update. |
| Both installed Linux and current media fail | Do not assume the Windows incident is the only cause. Record the exact message and seek distribution or PC-vendor support before changing firmware policy. |
Work through the safe troubleshooting sequence
- Confirm the failure. Note the exact message and whether Windows still starts. Test whether the failure affects the installed Linux system, a live USB, or both; that distinction helps separate an installed bootloader problem from outdated media.
- Install current Windows updates. Use Windows Update to bring the PC up to date, then test the dual-boot entry again. Microsoft identifies the September 2024 update and later updates as removing the settings behind its documented issue.
- Replace old install media if that is the only failure. Download an updated ISO from the Linux vendor rather than relying on an older image that may contain a bootloader rejected under the current SBAT policy.
- Recover the installed Linux bootloader using distribution guidance. The required package and recovery steps depend on the distribution and the machine’s boot setup. The cited guidance does not establish one universal shim or GRUB reinstall command for an unspecified PC.
- Escalate if firmware changes are unclear. Secure Boot menus and recovery procedures vary. If you cannot identify the correct firmware options or distribution-specific procedure, contact the PC or Linux vendor rather than guessing.
Why Microsoft’s temporary workaround is not the default fix
Microsoft also documents a temporary, incident-specific route that changes firmware Secure Boot state, deletes SBAT policy through Linux, and sets a Windows registry value. It is not a general-purpose repair for every boot error. The procedure can affect boot security and bootability, so use Microsoft’s documented steps only if they match your situation and you understand each change.
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In outline, Microsoft’s workaround temporarily disables Secure Boot, boots Linux and runs sudo mokutil --set-sbat-policy delete, re-enables Secure Boot, then sets HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSecureBootSBATOptOut to 1 as a REG_DWORD in Windows. Follow the Microsoft page for the complete order and checks; do not leave Secure Boot disabled or improvise the registry edit. Microsoft warns that incorrect firmware changes can prevent a device from starting and recommends backing up the registry before modifying it.
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