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December 19th, 2025 12:08
Secure boot state unsupported
Hello everyone,
My friend has recently acquired a Dell OptiPlex 780 mini tower computer running Windows 11 Pro OS.
When trying to install Windows security updates I get this message, "Your version of Windows has reached the end of service". I thought any version of Windows 11 should allow security updates but that doesn't seem to be the case.
I have done some research online and it seems all I need to do is change from legacy to UEFI in the boot list option within the BIOS settings. This will then also allow 'Secure Boot State' which is currently unsupported.
However, when entering BIOS (A15) there is no 'Boot List' option to enable me to do this. All I can do is select the order of boot devices.
It seems ironic that all the hoo-hah of "you should move from Windows 10 to Windows 11 now" still doesn't necessarily fix the issue of installing security updates.
I tried upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 but it wouldn't run, as Secure Boot was not found in BIOS as explained earlier.
Please can anyone help with this?
Thank you,
Dave S.
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redxps630
9 Legend
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15.2K Posts
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December 19th, 2025 17:22
core 2 Cpu in 780 is too old and not eligible for win 11 but you can still try install bypass cpu tpm and secure boot checks. Such unofficial install does not get continuous updates but if you manage to install Win 11 25H2 it has most updates.
”you should move from Windows 10 to Windows 11 now” does not apply to legacy pc
(edited)
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
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9.2K Posts
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December 19th, 2025 23:35
Too iterate more on what redxps said: I have an "unsupported" Precision 3420 with Win11. It only did a few updates and that's it. It won't update to any new versions. Due to such, I run my own security on it. To get the full experience of Win11, it's best to have an 8th Gen or newer PC. You might know - this was decided by Microsoft.
user_03eacb
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December 20th, 2025 18:45
@bradthetechnut
Thank you both for trying to help out.
The Window 11 OS is performing fine on my friends Dell Optiplex 780. It's just not allowing security updates because of what you have described.
When you say you run your own security on your Precision 3420, do you mean an additional anti-virus/malware program or something else?
She doesn't really want to have to buy another machine.
bradthetechnut
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9.2K Posts
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December 21st, 2025 01:28
Yes, an "additional anti-virus/malware program." I run McAfee on it. I can run unlimited devices with it.
It's cheap to sign up, but expensive to renew. Price was out of my range. I called and got 50% off. There's always a chance you might find a better deal. I don't know what all antivirus security companies operate that way.
(edited)