How to enable Secure Boot in Windows 11

Secure Boot is a feature in Windows 11 designed to help protect your PC from malicious software during the startup process. Enabling Secure Boot can help ensure your system is free from rootkits and other types of malware that can load before your operating system. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to enable Secure Boot in Windows 11, ensuring your system boots up securely.

Secure Boot is a security standard developed by members of the PC industry to ensure that your PC boots using only software that is trusted by the PC manufacturer. When your PC starts, Secure Boot checks the software against a database of trusted software. If the software isn’t trusted, Secure Boot will not allow it to run, thereby preventing malware and unauthorised software from starting.

Checking Secure Boot status in Windows 11

Before enabling Secure Boot in Windows 11, you should check if it’s already enabled on your system. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Start Menu and type “System Information.”

2. Select System Information from the search results.

3. In the System Summary section, look for Secure Boot State.

If the Secure Boot State says “On,” it means Secure Boot is already enabled. If it says “Off,” follow the steps below to enable it.

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Preparing to enable Secure Boot

Enabling Secure Boot may require changing some settings in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. Be cautious as incorrect changes can affect your system’s performance.

1. Backup your data to ensure no important files are lost during the process.

2. Update your BIOS/UEFI firmware to the latest version. Visit your PC manufacturer’s website for the latest updates.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI settings

To enable Secure Boot, you need to access the BIOS or UEFI settings of your PC. Here’s how to do it:

1. Restart your computer.

2. As your PC starts, press the BIOS/UEFI access key (often F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) repeatedly. The key varies by manufacturer, so consult your PC’s manual if needed.

Once in the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the Boot tab.

Enabling Secure Boot

In the BIOS/UEFI settings, follow these steps to enable Secure Boot:

1. Locate the Secure Boot option. It is usually found under the Boot tab or the Security tab, depending on your BIOS/UEFI version.

2. Set Secure Boot to Enabled. If the option is greyed out, you may need to set a BIOS admin password first.

3. Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Your PC will now restart with Secure Boot enabled, providing an extra layer of security during the boot process.

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Troubleshooting and additional tips

If you encounter issues enabling Secure Boot, it could be due to legacy BIOS settings or incompatible hardware. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Ensure your system is using UEFI rather than legacy BIOS. You may need to convert your disk from MBR to GPT format to switch to UEFI mode.

2. Check for firmware updates from your PC manufacturer to ensure compatibility with Secure Boot.

Enabling Secure Boot is a vital step in securing your PC, especially when combined with Safe Mode Windows 11 for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. Ensuring that Windows 11 Safe Mode and Secure Boot are both correctly configured will provide robust protection against a variety of threats.

Enabling Secure Boot in Windows 11 is an essential measure to enhance your system’s security. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safeguard your PC against unauthorised software and malware from the moment it powers on. This proactive approach to security will help you maintain a reliable and secure computing environment.