Secure boot enabled but not active is a common issue faced by many users, especially those who have recently upgraded their computer systems. This situation often arises when the secure boot feature is enabled in the BIOS settings but is not functioning as intended. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide some effective solutions to help you resolve it.
Secure boot is a security feature designed to ensure that only trusted and authorized software runs on your computer. It prevents malicious software from infecting your system by verifying the digital signatures of the operating system and other critical components. When secure boot is enabled but not active, it means that the feature is turned on in the BIOS settings, but it is not functioning correctly, which can lead to various problems, such as system instability, boot failures, or even hardware malfunctions.
There are several reasons why secure boot might be enabled but not active. One of the most common reasons is a corrupted or outdated firmware. The firmware is the software that runs on your computer’s hardware and controls its basic functions. If the firmware is outdated or corrupted, it may not be compatible with the secure boot feature, resulting in the issue at hand.
Another possible cause is a misconfiguration in the BIOS settings. Users may accidentally change the settings or update the firmware without properly configuring the secure boot feature. This can lead to the secure boot feature being enabled but not active.
To resolve the issue of secure boot enabled but not active, follow these steps:
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (such as F2, Del, or Esc) during the boot process.
2. Navigate to the “Secure Boot” or “Boot Security” section in the BIOS settings.
3. Check if the secure boot feature is enabled. If it is, make sure that the “Enable” option is selected.
4. Verify that the “Secure Boot Mode” is set to “UEFI” or “Legacy”. If it is set to “Legacy”, change it to “UEFI”.
5. Check if the “Secure Boot Key” is set to “Custom”. If it is set to “Default”, change it to “Custom”.
6. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
7. Restart your computer and check if the secure boot feature is now active.
If the issue persists, you may need to update your firmware or restore the BIOS settings to their default values. To update the firmware, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest version for your computer model. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to update the firmware.
If updating the firmware does not resolve the issue, you can try restoring the BIOS settings to their default values. To do this, enter the BIOS settings and navigate to the “Load Default Settings” or “Restore Defaults” section. Select “Yes” to confirm the restore process.
In conclusion, the issue of secure boot enabled but not active can be caused by various factors, such as corrupted firmware or misconfigured BIOS settings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and ensure that your computer’s secure boot feature is functioning correctly.
