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How to Fix Windows 11 Secure Boot Not Working: Step-by-Step Guide

Secure Boot is a security feature in Windows 11 designed to protect your PC from malicious software during startup. Sometimes, Secure Boot may stop working, causing errors or preventing certain updates.

This guide will help you fix Secure Boot issues step-by-step with simple instructions. No advanced technical knowledge is needed.

By following these steps, you can ensure Secure Boot is enabled and functioning correctly, keeping your system secure.

Let’s get started to resolve your Secure Boot problems quickly and safely.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

  • Make sure your PC uses UEFI firmware, as Secure Boot is not available on legacy BIOS systems.
  • Confirm Windows 11 is installed in UEFI mode, not in legacy mode.
  • Ensure your motherboard supports Secure Boot and that its firmware is up to date.
  • Have access to your PC’s BIOS/UEFI settings — usually by pressing keys like F2, Del, or Esc during startup.

Step 1: Verify Secure Boot Status in Windows

Before changing any settings, check if Secure Boot is currently enabled or disabled.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This opens the System Information window.
  3. Look for the item called Secure Boot State in the System Summary section.
  4. If it shows On, Secure Boot is enabled. If Off, it is disabled.

This check helps you confirm whether Secure Boot needs to be enabled or fixed.

Step 2: Access Your PC’s BIOS/UEFI Settings

To enable or fix Secure Boot, you need to enter the BIOS/UEFI interface, where Secure Boot options are managed.

  1. Restart your PC.
  2. During the startup process, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI setup. Common keys include F2, Del, or Esc. Your PC manual or startup screen usually shows this.
  3. Once inside BIOS/UEFI, navigate using your keyboard (or mouse if supported).

Accessing BIOS is crucial because Secure Boot settings can only be changed from here.

Step 3: Enable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI

Once in BIOS/UEFI:

  1. Find the Secure Boot option. It may be under menus like Security, Boot, or Authentication.
  2. If Secure Boot is disabled, change its setting to Enabled.
  3. Make sure CSM (Compatibility Support Module) is disabled, as it can conflict with Secure Boot.
  4. Save your changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. Usually, this is done by pressing F10 and confirming the save.

Enabling Secure Boot here tells your PC to verify the integrity of boot files and prevent unauthorized software from loading.

Step 4: Check for BIOS/UEFI Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware might cause Secure Boot problems. To update:

  1. Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s official website.
  2. Locate the support or downloads section for your specific model.
  3. Download the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware update and follow provided instructions carefully.

Updating firmware can fix bugs and improve compatibility with Secure Boot.

Step 5: Use Windows Recovery to Fix Secure Boot Issues

If Secure Boot still doesn’t work, try repairing your system:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  3. After restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart.
  4. This will take you to BIOS/UEFI where you can confirm Secure Boot is enabled.
  5. If necessary, from the same Troubleshoot menu, you can run Startup Repair to fix boot-related problems.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If you are comfortable with command-line tools, you can check Secure Boot status using PowerShell:

Confirm-SecureBootUEFI

This command returns True if Secure Boot is enabled, otherwise False. This method is useful for quick verification without entering BIOS.

Additionally, you might need to reset BIOS settings to default if incorrect configurations prevent Secure Boot from working:

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI.
  2. Look for an option like Load Setup Defaults or Reset to Default.
  3. Save and exit, then try enabling Secure Boot again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Secure Boot not available on my PC?

Your PC might be using legacy BIOS instead of UEFI, or your hardware does not support Secure Boot. Secure Boot requires UEFI firmware.

Can I enable Secure Boot after installing Windows?

Yes, but Windows must be installed in UEFI mode. If installed in legacy mode, you may need to reinstall Windows using UEFI.

What happens if Secure Boot is turned off?

Your PC will not verify the integrity of boot files, potentially allowing malicious code to run during startup.

Does enabling Secure Boot affect dual-boot setups?

Secure Boot can block unsigned operating systems. Some Linux distributions support Secure Boot, but others may require it to be disabled.

How do I know if my PC supports Secure Boot?

Check your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s specifications, or look for Secure Boot options in BIOS/UEFI.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Secure Boot still does not work, consider these options:

  • Contact your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support for assistance.
  • Visit Microsoft’s official support page for Windows 11 Secure Boot issues: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows.
  • Consider professional help if you suspect hardware-related problems.

Conclusion

Secure Boot is an important security layer for Windows 11, and fixing it ensures better protection against threats. By verifying firmware mode, enabling Secure Boot in BIOS, updating your firmware, and using Windows recovery tools, you can resolve most issues.

Remember to proceed carefully when changing BIOS settings and keep backups of important data. With patience and the right steps, you can restore Secure Boot functionality and enjoy a safer PC experience.

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