Question

Windows: Secure Boot - what is it and how can I activate it?

Answer 1

What is Secure Boot?
How do I turn on Secure Boot?

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Would you like to learn more about Secure Boot under Windows? We have all the relevant information for you..

With the help of the Windows "Secure Boot" function, the system start is supposed to be stabilized and made more secure. This feature must also be activated in order to use Windows 11. In this article we will show you what this is good for and how you can activate Secure Boot.

• What is Secure Boot?
• How do I turn on Secure Boot?

What is Secure Boot?

Windows has the " Secure Boot " function in its UEFI BIOS . This only lets Windows start if it is really safe. Secure Boot only enables Windows to start if certain firmware elements such as the boot loader have not been changed by third parties. These firmware components require a specific key so that they can be executed in Secure Boot. This prevents sensitive parts of your system from being damaged or hijacked by malware such as viruses or worms. Secure Boot has been activated by default since Windows 8.

However, there were always stability and compatibility problems, especially with older hardware. This is why many processor manufacturers have deactivated the secure boot function at the factory. In this way, errors when starting Windows can be avoided. In order to be able to use Windows 11, Microsoft now requires an operating system with Secure Boot.

How do I turn on Secure Boot?

To ensure a stable start and, if necessary, compatibility with Windows 11, you must activate Secure Boot. You can do this in just a few clicks:

1. Start your PC and press the appropriate key during startup to enter the BIOS. Usually it is [F1], [F2], [F12], [Esc] or [Del] .
2. If you are in the BIOS of your computer, you have to look out for the " Secure Boot " function. Unfortunately, not every BIOS has the same structure. It is usually located in an area called " Security ", " Security ", " Boot ", " Secure " or " Authentication ".
3. You then have to set the " Secure Boot " function to activated / enabled . If this is deactivated / disabled , Secure Boot is currently not switched on.
4. Then you have to exit the BIOS. Do not forget to save all changes with " Save Changes and Exit ". Saving and quitting often also works via [F10] .
5. Your computer can now start up normally. A restart may be necessary.

Secure Boot is enabled on this device.

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