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Best Ways to Fix This PC Must Support Secure Boot Message

You can either activate Safe Boot or bypass its verification

8 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Windows 11 is officially available for download, so it comes as no surprise that you want to install it right away. Microsoft introduced a new set ofsystem requirements, and Secure Boot is one of them. On some machines, it isn’t enabled by default.

This feature is part of the newest Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) specification, and it basically defines a new interface between the OS and the firmware or BIOS.

If you don’t have this feature enabled, during the Windows 11 setup you will see the messageThis PC can’t run Windows 11followed byThis PC must support Secure Boot.

If your PC meets Windows 11’s hardware requirements but Secure Boot is disabled, enabling it in BIOS is not so complicated. Before that, here’s what you need to know about the Secure Boot feature.

What does This PC must support secure boot mean?

The most recent Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) specification, version 2.3.1, includes Secure Boot as one of its features. This feature defines a completely new interface between the operating system and any firmware or BIOS that may be present.

A machine is better able to withstand malicious software attacks and infections when the Secure Boot feature has been activated. And all of its settings have been specified.

Windows 11 requires the UEFI Secure Boot feature in order to install it. Even if you have this feature, it might be turned off, hence the error messages:

Follow along as we will show you how to turn on Secure Boot or how to bypass this check as well as the TPM 2.0 one.

When enabled, Secure Boot helps your computer to resist malware attacks that may not be detected by antivirus software. It identifies any unwanted modifications of the boot loaders and the system files by validating their digital signatures.

Practically, if such a trespassing action is detected, it will be blocked from running before it attacks or infects the system.

You can see the Secure Boot like a security gate. When you access it with a valid code, it will pass through the gate and will be executed. If not, Secure Boot blocks the code at the entry point.

Should you be worried if it is disabled? Clearly no. If you use your machine for basic tasks, you will still be safe.

However, you may see it as an important element in your computer’s security. That’s why enabling it is recommended as it helps you ensure better defense against all kinds of threats.

How do I fixThis PC must support Secure Booton Windows 11?

1. Check if Secure Boot is enabled without entering BIOS

One of the best things about Windows is that it’s very flexible. And easy to use and the same reflects in this scenario. To check if Secure Boot is enabled you don’t need to boot into BIOS and waste your time.

Instead, you can use msinfo32 just like we described in the steps above to check this information quickly.

2. How to enable Secure Boot for Windows 11 (from BIOS)

Remember, for this solution to work, you also need to have a UEFI boot system and not the Legacy BIOS. It’s another Windows 11 requirement that you need to comply with.

If you have to make extra changes, we have an article onhow to switch from UEFI to Legacy BIOSbut the guide can go both ways.

How do I enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?

TPM is a security component and a prerequisite for Windows 11 that has been the focus of controversy due to the fact that it is required in order to install the most recent version of the operating system.

A lot of different manufacturers use the integrated version that is attached to other chips. The firmware-based versions are also quite common. And they operate within a reliable execution environment on your central processing unit (CPU).Check out our post on how toenable TPM 2.0 in different versions of BIOSin order to be able toupgrade to Windows 11.

Can you install Windows 11 without Secure Boot?

It is no longer a secret that in order to install Windows 11, you will require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, but it is also no longer a secret that you may enable these features using the UEFI BIOS Mode.

On the other hand, we have a solution that will assist you in installing Windows 11 on Legacy BIOS without TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot checks being performed.

Make sure that you have a backup copy of all the crucial data on your drive before beginning the procedure, then take a look at how toinstall Windows 11 without Secure Boot.

How to bypass the Secure Boot requirement? (Insider account needed)

This solution will enable you to bypass the Secure Boot check from the installation of Windows 11 so you won’t need to make any changes to your BIOS.

To download the Windows 11 ISO, you will need a Windows Insider account and you need to be listed in the Dev Channel. On the other hand, you can download the Windows 10 ISO without it.

So, the Secure Boot feature is not absolutely necessary but when it comes to your PC, nowadays you shouldn’t spare any efforts to protect your data and privacy.

Of course, you can also get an extra layer of defense with thebest antiviruses with unlimited licensethat will help you forget all about activation headaches. Check out the updated list ofantivirus programs for Windows 11as well.

Did this article help you enable Secure Boot and solve the errorThis PC Must Support Secure Boot To Run Windows 11? Share your feedback in the comments section below.

Best Ways to Fix This PC Must Support Secure Boot Message#

What does This PC must support secure boot mean?#

How do I fixThis PC must support Secure Booton Windows 11?#

1. Check if Secure Boot is enabled without entering BIOS#

2. How to enable Secure Boot for Windows 11 (from BIOS)#

How do I enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?#

Can you install Windows 11 without Secure Boot?#

How to bypass the Secure Boot requirement? (Insider account needed)#