Secure Boot Enabled but Not Active: 3 Easy Ways to Fix it

Explore these expert-tested methods to fix the issue

by Vladimir Popescu
Vladimir Popescu
Vladimir Popescu
Managing Editor
Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related. With an innate fascination... read more
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Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
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  • When you try to install Windows 11 but get this error, your BIOS might be outdated, or the bootloader is not configured correctly.
  • This guide will discuss all the potential fixes and probable causes for the issue.
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If you see the Secure Boot option enabled in BIOS, but on the system information page, it shows Not Active, then you are not alone. Many users reported that it stopped them from updating on Windows 11 but don’t worry; it can be fixed. 

Here, in this guide, we will walk you through steps to fix the issue right after discussing its causes. Let’s get started! 

Why is Secure Boot enabled but not active?

There could be various reasons why the error occurs on your computer, some of them are mentioned here: 

  • Secure Boot feature disabled –  If the Secure Boot option in UEFI firmware settings is set to Disabled, the feature will not work, even if it is technically enabled.
  • CSM enabled – If CSM is enabled in UEFI settings then you might face the error. You need to disable this setting to fix it.
  • BIOS is outdated – If BIOS is not up to date, it may not support the Secure boot feature. You need to update BIOS to get the feature enabled.

What can I do if Secure Boot is enabled but not active on Windows 11?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you need to update BIOS if outdated. Once done, follow these steps in sequence as mentioned below :

1. Disable the Compatibility Support Module (CSM)

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System, then click Recovery.System - Recovery Window -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11s 11
  3. Now click Restart now beside Advanced startup.Advanced Startup
  4. From Choose an option, select Troubleshoot.Choose an option - Troubleshoot-secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  5. Now click Advanced Options.Advanced options
  6. Select UEFI firmware settings, then click Restart. UEFI
  7. Now select the appropriate option to go into BIOS mode. 
  8. Go to the Boot or Security tab, navigate to CSM and select Disabled for it.secure boot enabled but not active windows 11UEFI with Compatibility Support Module
  9. Once done, click Save Changes & Reset.

2. Change the platform

  1. Go to BIOS mode by following the steps from method 1.
  2. Locate the System Mode, and select User instead of Setup.
  3. Go to Secure Boot Mode. If it stays Standard, switch it to Custom. SECURE BOOT MODE -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  4. Now change it back to Standard and accept Factory Defaults.

3. Enable Secure Boot 

  1. Go to BIOS mode by following the steps from method 1.
  2. From the Security or Boot menu, locate Secure Boot.Secure boot -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  3. Select Enabled. Now select Save changes and exit to confirm the changes.

So, these are methods that you need to follow to fix secure boot enabled but not active on Windows 11. Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments below.

Still experiencing issues?

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If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.

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