Secure Boot is a critical feature in Windows 11 that enhances security by ensuring your PC boots using only software trusted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Sometimes, users encounter issues with Secure Boot preventing successful boot, blocking OS upgrades, or causing false error messages. This guide walks you through troubleshooting and resolving Secure Boot problems.
Table of Contents
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- Understanding Secure Boot
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- Checking Windows 11 Secure Boot Requirements
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- Step 1: Verify if Secure Boot is Enabled in Windows
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- Step 2: Access UEFI Firmware Settings
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- Step 3: Enable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI
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- Step 4: Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default Settings
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- Step 5: Check Boot Mode (UEFI vs Legacy)
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- Step 6: Clear Secure Boot Keys
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- Step 7: Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware
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- Step 8: Check Windows Boot Configuration
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- Step 9: Disable Compatibility Support Module (CSM) if Applicable
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- Additional Tips and Precautions
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- Troubleshooting Tools and Commands
1. Understanding Secure Boot
Secure Boot is a UEFI firmware feature that blocks unauthorized firmware, drivers, and OS loaders from running at boot. It protects your system from rootkits and bootkits and is a requirement for Windows 11 certification.
2. Checking Windows 11 Secure Boot Requirements
Windows 11 requires Secure Boot to be enabled, as part of hardware security requirements along with TPM 2.0. Ensure your system meets these prerequisites:
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- TPM 2.0 enabled and active
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- UEFI boot mode enabled (not Legacy BIOS)
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- Secure Boot enabled in UEFI firmware
3. Step 1: Verify if Secure Boot is Enabled in Windows
Method: Using System Information Tool
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- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
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- Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
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- In the System Information window, locate Secure Boot State in the System Summary section.
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- If it says On, Secure Boot is enabled.
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- If it says Off, Secure Boot is disabled or unsupported.
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- In the System Information window, locate Secure Boot State in the System Summary section.
Method: Using PowerShell
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
powershell
Confirm-SecureBootUEFI
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- Returns True if Secure Boot is enabled.
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- Returns False if Secure Boot is disabled.
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- Returns an error if not supported.
4. Step 2: Access UEFI Firmware Settings
If Secure Boot is disabled or causing issues, you need to check or modify it within the UEFI/BIOS settings.
How to Access UEFI Firmware Settings:
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- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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- Go to System > Recovery.
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- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
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- After reboot, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Alternatively, during boot, press a key like Del, F2, F10, or Esc depending on your manufacturer.
5. Step 3: Enable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI
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- Enter your UEFI BIOS settings.
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- Navigate to the Boot or Security tab.
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- Find the Secure Boot option.
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- Enable Secure Boot.
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- Save changes and exit BIOS.
If Secure Boot option is greyed out, follow next steps to troubleshoot.
6. Step 4: Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default Settings
Sometimes incorrect BIOS configurations cause Secure Boot to be disabled or inaccessible.
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- Access BIOS Setup.
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- Find an option labeled Load Setup Defaults, Reset to Default, or similar.
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- Confirm and apply default settings.
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- Check if Secure Boot can now be enabled.
7. Step 5: Check Boot Mode (UEFI vs Legacy)
Secure Boot only works with UEFI boot mode. If your system is set to Legacy BIOS boot mode, Secure Boot cannot be enabled.
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- Enter BIOS setup.
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- Look for Boot Mode or Boot List Option.
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- Switch to UEFI mode if it’s set to Legacy or CSM.
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- Save and reboot.
Note: Switching boot modes might make existing OS installations unbootable. Backup data before proceeding.
8. Step 6: Clear Secure Boot Keys
On some systems, corrupted or unmanaged Secure Boot keys can prevent enabling Secure Boot.
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- Boot into BIOS.
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- Navigate to Secure Boot settings.
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- Look for an option such as Delete all Secure Boot Keys or Clear Secure Boot keys.
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- Confirm and then select Install default keys or Restore Factory keys.
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- Save and reboot.
9. Step 7: Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware
Outdated UEFI firmware can cause Secure Boot issues or lack support for required features.
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- Identify your motherboard or laptop model.
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- Visit the manufacturer’s support site.
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- Download and install the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware update.
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- Follow manufacturer instructions carefully to update.
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- Restart system and verify Secure Boot status.
10. Step 8: Check Windows Boot Configuration
If Secure Boot is enabled, but Windows won’t boot or fails to upgrade:
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- Run Startup Repair from Windows Recovery Environment.
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- Use bcdedit tool to inspect boot configuration.
Open Command Prompt as Admin and run:
cmd
bcdedit /enum
Look for valid boot loader paths and entries.
11. Step 9: Disable Compatibility Support Module (CSM) if Applicable
CSM allows legacy BIOS compatibility but disables Secure Boot.
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- Access BIOS.
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- Find Compatibility Support Module (CSM) settings under Boot options.
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- Disable CSM.
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- Ensure Boot mode is UEFI.
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- Save changes and reboot.
12. Additional Tips and Precautions
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- Always backup important data before making BIOS changes.
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- If dual booting with other OSes, Secure Boot can cause compatibility issues.
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- After enabling Secure Boot, some unsigned drivers or tools may fail to load.
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- Consult your PC manufacturer’s manuals or support pages for device-specific settings.
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- Use OEM recovery options if Windows fails to boot after Secure Boot changes.
13. Troubleshooting Tools and Commands
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- System Information (msinfo32) — Check Secure Boot status.
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- PowerShell Confirm-SecureBootUEFI — Verify Secure Boot state.
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- bcdedit — Boot configuration diagnostics.
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- Windows Recovery Environment — Startup Repair.
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- BIOS setup utilities — Enable or reset Secure Boot and UEFI settings.
Step | Action | Purpose |
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1 | Verify Secure Boot status in Windows | Confirm if Secure Boot is enabled |
2 | Access UEFI Firmware settings | Prepare to modify Secure Boot |
3 | Enable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI | Turn on Secure Boot |
4 | Reset BIOS/UEFI to defaults | Fix misconfigurations |
5 | Switch boot mode to UEFI | Required for Secure Boot |
6 | Clear and reinstall Secure Boot keys | Fix corrupted key issues |
7 | Update BIOS/UEFI firmware | Fix bugs & add support |
8 | Check Windows boot configuration | Ensure correct boot loader |
9 | Disable CSM compatibility support | Fully enable Secure Boot |