How to Enable Secure Boot on Windows? 2 Effective Methods to Safeguard Your Device

Last Updated:Sep 28, 2024

Enabling secure boot on your computer is important to keep your device safe from harmful viruses that are all over the internet. Upon turning on your computer, the secure boot feature ensures that only programs you trust can run; in other words, only safe programs are allowed to be launched. 

This shields your system from viruses and other threats. If you are using Windows 11 or intend to upgrade, make sure to enable Secure Boot. To help you out with the process, this article has described the steps of how to enable a secure boot.

Secure Boot is a system that protects your computer from harmful viruses and malware. It functions as a security wall, ensuring that only safe and trusted software runs when your computer boots up. This helps keep your system secure by blocking any potential threats right from the beginning.

How to Enable Secure Boot?: Primary Method

Using the secure boot system can be more difficult than it appears. You must carefully follow specific steps, as even one error can complicate the process. 

To help you, we are providing a complete set of instructions. Below are the steps you need to follow.

  1. Restart your computer. When the logo appears, press the F2 key (most commonly used) multiple times until the BIOS settings appear.
    BIOS settings
Notes

Bear in mind that the BIOS’s key command will differ between the laptops and PC brands.

  1. In the BIOS, find the Boot section.
  1. Have a look at the two different modes, Limited and Advanced Mode. Switch to Advanced Mode
  1. Afterwards, locate the two tabs Boot and Security in the top bar.
  1. Navigate both of them to find a Secure Boot Status.
    Find Secure Boot Status
  1. Toggle it on and choose Enable.
    Choose to enable from the options
  1. Head over to the Save and Exit tab OR press F10 to save your changes and exit the BIOS.
    Save and exit the changes
  1. After the computer restarts, Secure Boot will be active, protecting your system from harmful software.

Hence, the above-mentioned is the primary method to turn on the secure boot in your system.

Alternative Method to Enable the Secure Boot (Using System Settings)

Besides the above-mentioned method, you can also use this alternative method to enable the secure boot.

  1. Click on Start and go to Settings.
    Go to Settings
  1. Open Windows Update.
    Open Windows Update
  1. Head over to Advanced options.
    Navigate to Advanced options
  1. Click on Recovery and then hit Restart now.
    Click on Recovery
  1. Beside the Advanced startup, hit Restart now.
    Hit Restart now
  1. Tap on Troubleshoot>> Advanced Options.
    Click on Troubleshoot
    Choose Advanced options
  1. Click on UEFI Firmware settings to get into BIOS.
    Hit UEFI Firmware Settings
  1. Navigate to settings, find the Secure Boot option and switch it to “Enabled.”
  1. Save your changes and exit BIOS.

Common BIOS Command Keys for Different Brands 

The BIOS command keys vary from brand to brand. So to keep all the important commands handy, take a look at the table mentioned below. Also, F2 and DEL are one of the most commonly used across the different operating devices. 

BrandBIOS Key
Apple DEL/F2
AcerF2/DEL
AsrockDEL
AsusDEL
CompaqF10
DELLF2
HPF10
IntelF2
LenovoF2 
MSIDEL
SamsungF2
SonyF1/F2/F3
ToshibaEsc/F1/F12

Taking note of the above-mentioned keys can help you to save your time from scratching your head out of confusion and questioning yourself, why the command is not working. 

How to Check the Status of Secure Boot?

To make sure your computer is safe, you may need to check or turn on Secure Boot. 

  1. First, check if the secure boot is already active without entering BIOS
  1. Press ‘Windows + R‘ to open the Run box.
    Press Windows+R
  1.  Type msinfo32, and hit OK.
    Hit OK
  1. Check the status for Secure Boot State in the System Summary.
    Secure Boot System
  1. If it says “On,” it is good to go. If it says “Off,” you’ll need to enable it.

Why Secure Boot is Important?

Secure Boot is crucial because it helps keep your computer safe from harmful software like viruses that might sneak in when you start it up. By only allowing the authentic and signed software to be run on your system, you can ensure the credibility of the software without being concerned about its disastrous implications. 

However, it is not the only practice that ensures your device’s safety and security, but it is one of the primes that you should not neglect. Particularly when using multiple software releases that might be buggy from third-party sources, since they are the playground of malicious scammers and viruses. 

As a coin has two sides, the downside of the secure boot is that it will restrict the unsecured or pirated software from installing when in urgent need. 

Conclusion 

Secure boot makes a boundary that prevents attackers and malicious viruses from entering your safe space. At first, it may look daunting to enable it, but, the steps are easier than it seems. 

Along with the robust security and privacy, you will no longer encounter error messages and notifications warning you to apply secure boot Valorant or, for Fifa 23. 

Activating it and connecting two monitors to a laptop will leverage your gaming experience and workflow productivity, providing you with a secure interface. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for how to enable Secure Boot?

To enable secure boot, restart your computer>> BIOS key command>> secure boot option>> Set it to “Enabled,”>>Save your changes. This will turn on Secure Boot.

Why Secure Boot not be active in games like Valorant?

If Secure Boot is not active, games like Valorant may not run properly. Ensure Secure Boot is enabled in BIOS to fix this issue and meet game requirements.

How can I check if Secure Boot is enabled without entering BIOS?

To check if the secure boot is turned on, press ‘Windows + R,’ type msinfo32, and look at the status in System Summary. If it says “Off,” that means it is not enabled.

What should I do if secure boot is enabled but not active?

If secure boot is enabled but not active, you may need to recheck your BIOS settings or update your system. Sometimes a restart or BIOS update can resolve this issue.

How to turn on a secure boot for games like FIFA 23?

To turn on games like FIFA 23, make sure secure boot is enabled in BIOS. If Secure Boot is not enabled, you may face issues with game performance and compatibility.

Vandana Gandhi

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