Enable Secure Boot to install Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with mandatory system requirements for users who want to upgrade from Windows 10 to the new version. These include using UEFI boot, GPT disk format, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot.

In this article, we'll focus on the latter, Secure Boot, and show you how to enable it for your Windows 11 install.

What is Microsoft Secure Boot?

Secure Boot is a feature of UEFI-based computers that is designed to provide a level of security previously unavailable by ensuring that the computer boots using only software components signed by Microsoft or the computer manufacturer (OEM).

That's why you can see that, due to the fact Windows 11 requires UEFI boot mode, and Secure Boot is tied to UEFI-based computers, enabling it is a necessary option for users. Keep reading, in the next part of this article we'll tell you how to turn it on.

How to Enable Secure Boot on Windows 11

Even if you aren't very computer-savvy, you should be able to do this with the steps below. Just make sure that you change your boot mode to UEFI before enabling Secure Boot. If you're unsure how to check your boot mode or don't know how to change it, check out this page: How to Check Your Computer's Boot Mode.

Step 1. Search for Advanced startup in the Windows search bar. Then choose Advanced startup options.

Step 2. Under Recovery > Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.

Click the “Restart Now” button.

Step 3: Your PC will restart and display the Choose an option screen. Select Troubleshoot.

Step 4. Select the Advanced options.

Select the "Advanced options"

Step 5: Select UEFI Firmware Settings.

Select "UEFI Firmware Settings"

Step 6. Your computer will now restart and enter the BIOS.

Step 7. In the BIOS settings, you will need to click on the Security tab.

Step 8: Find the “Secure Boot” option, use the up and down arrows to select it, and change the status to “Enabled.”

Download and install Windows 11

You now have Secure Boot enabled on your device. If you want to check, use this tool to see if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11. On the same page, you'll also find solutions for downloading and installing Windows 11. We've developed a set of tools to help you easily install Windows 11.

Windows 11 Requirements Checker for Free

Conclusions

Upgrading to Windows 11 is a different beast than other Windows 10 updates. You have to do more work to meet its requirements. But with our Windows 11 guide, you don't need to worry about how to upgrade if you're unsure. More importantly, you have the option to roll back to Windows 10 even after you find Windows 11 underwhelming. Good luck and enjoy the ride with the new Windows operating system!