Windows 11 has introduced some cutting-edge features to increase system security to a much higher level. One of the highlighted features of Windows 11 is Secure Boot. With Secure Boot enabled, the system can only boot from trusted hardware and software. This protects your computer from malware and other security threats. We highly recommend that users enable this feature on their Windows 11 system. In this article, we will discuss how to activate Secure Boot on Windows 11.
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The Challenge of Activating Secure Boot on Windows 11
Activating Secure Boot can be a little challenging for users who have never dealt with this feature before. Some users may also have difficulties navigating through the BIOS settings or finding the Secure Boot option. This is why we have created this guide to help users activate Secure Boot on Windows 11 with ease.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we start with the methods, here are some things that you need to prepare:
- A Windows 11 computer
- Access to the BIOS settings
- Administrator access
Method 1: Activating Secure Boot via the BIOS Settings
Activating Secure Boot on a Windows 11 computer can be done through the BIOS settings. This method requires users to access the BIOS, navigate through the settings, and find the Secure Boot option. Here is how you can activate Secure Boot via the BIOS settings:
- Restart your computer
- Press the BIOS access key repeatedly until the BIOS setup screen appears
- Select Boot from the BIOS menu
- Find the Secure Boot option and select it
- Set Secure Boot to Enabled
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings
Pros:
- Secure Boot is enabled directly in the BIOS system
- Prevents any non-secure software from booting up
Cons:
- Requires BIOS access and some technical knowledge to navigate through the settings
- Incorrect changes to BIOS settings can cause problems with the system
Method 2: Activating Secure Boot Using The ‘msinfo32’ Command Prompt
You can also use the ‘msinfo32’ command prompt to activate Secure Boot on your Windows 11 computer. This method is suitable for users who are more comfortable with using the command prompt instead of accessing the BIOS settings. Here is how you can activate Secure Boot using the ‘msinfo32’ command prompt:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator
- Type ‘msinfo32’ and press Enter
- Select System Information, then go to the Tools menu and select the System Configuration option
- Find the Boot Configuration option and select it
- Select the Secure Boot option and set it to Enabled
Pros:
- Does not require navigating through the BIOS settings
- Suitable for users who are comfortable using command prompt
Cons:
- Incorrect commands can cause problems with the system
- May not be suitable for users who are not familiar with the command prompt
Method 3: Activating Secure Boot Using Windows PowerShell
Another method to activate Secure Boot on Windows 11 is through Windows PowerShell. Windows PowerShell can execute scripts to automate system tasks, including enabling Secure Boot. Here is how you can activate Secure Boot via Windows PowerShell:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator
- Type the following command "Set-VMFirmware -VMName MachineName -SecureBootTemplate MicrosoftUEFICertificateAuthority" and press Enter
- Replace MachineName with your computer’s name
Pros:
- Enables Secure Boot through script execution
- Can be used to automate system tasks
Cons:
- Requires basic knowledge of Windows PowerShell to execute the script
- Incorrect commands can cause problems with the system
Why Can’t I Activate Secure Boot on Windows 11: Fixes
Sometimes users may encounter some issues when activating Secure Boot on their Windows 11 system. Here are some reasons why you may not be able to enable Secure Boot and their fixes:
Q: Why can’t I find Secure Boot in the BIOS settings?
A: Some computers may not support Secure Boot. Check your hardware compatibility and update your BIOS firmware to the latest version.
Q: Why is Secure Boot disabled after a system update or BIOS update?
A: A system update or BIOS update can reset system settings to default. Make sure to check your system settings after an update and enable Secure Boot again.
Q: Why can’t I execute the Windows PowerShell script?
A: Make sure to open Windows PowerShell as an administrator and check for any typos in the command.
Additional Tips
- Always make sure to update your system and firmware to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues
- Secure Boot can sometimes block non-trusted software, so make sure to disable it if you are experiencing issues with a trusted software
- When in doubt, refer to your computer’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for support
5 FAQs About Activating Secure Boot on Windows 11
Q: Does activating Secure Boot cause any performance issues?
A: No, activating Secure Boot does not cause any performance issues.
Q: Can I activate Secure Boot on a non-UEFI system?
A: No, Secure Boot requires a system with UEFI firmware.
Q: Does Secure Boot provide absolute security?
A: No, Secure Boot provides an additional layer of security but it is not an absolute guarantee against all security threats.
Q: Can I disable Secure Boot after enabling it?
A: Yes, you can disable Secure Boot by going to your computer’s BIOS settings and setting Secure Boot to Disabled.
Q: Is Secure Boot only available on Windows 11?
A: No, Secure Boot is also available on previous versions of Windows.
In Conclusion
Windows 11’s Secure Boot feature provides an additional layer of security to protect your computer from malware and other security threats. Activating Secure Boot requires access to the BIOS settings, Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt. Always make sure to backup your data before making system changes, and refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for the latest information on Secure Boot. With this guide, we hope you can activate Secure Boot on your Windows 11 computer with ease.
