You need a secure boot-compatible computer to install Windows 11.
But there are other reasons to enable secure boot when available.
It is a safety standard that prevents malicious codes from running on your PC during boot.
But what if secure boot option is grayed out in BIOS?
This can happen due to incorrect changes to your BIOS options.
you’re able to load the default boot configuration to restore secure boot on Windows.
Here is how to troubleshoot and fix the secure boot grayed-out problem in the BIOS.
On some computers, you may need to enable an administrator password to enable secure boot.
To set an administrator password, you better get into the BIOS Security tab.
The following steps are for an HP Pavilion laptop.
Refer to your manufacturer’s manual for other OEM devices.
To do this, open theSecuritytab in BIOS and selectAdministrator Password.
Next, key in your administrator password, but leave theEnter New PasswordandConfirm New Passwordfields blank.
PressEnteragain to save the changes.
Disable Fast Boot in BIOS
Fast Boot is a UEFI/BIOS feature.
However, the same can also prevent you from enabling secure boot in BIOS.
To fix the issue, boot into the BIOS Setup Utility and disable Fast Boot.
This feature may not be available on all computers.
If not available, skip to the next solution.
Note that the fast boot feature is different from Fast Startup.
Fast Boot is a BIOS feature, whereasFast Startup is a Windows feature to speed up the boot process.
To disable fast boot in BIOS:
3.
Most BIOS utilities allow you to perform a restore in the BIOS Security tab.
To restore BIOS Security parameters to factory defaults:
4.
Update BIOS
If the issue persists, your problem may be due to outdated BIOS firmware.
A BIOS update is recommended if your motherboard or laptop manufacturer recommends it.
Any updates will be available via the laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s websites.
You may also need totemporarily turn off Windows Security protectionand third-party antivirus.
Next, check your current BIOS version.
You don’t want to install an older version of BIOS on your gear.
So, press theWinkey, typesystem information, and bring up the System Information app from the search results.
In the System Information dialog, locate and check theBIOS Version/Dateentry.
Note down the BIOS version, for example,AMI F.27, 3/17/2022.
Unlike other driver and software feature updates, updating your BIOS can be tricky.
This option, however, is not available for all computers.
Alternatively, you’ve got the option to also manually install BIOS from within Windows.
For example, on an HP computer, go to theHP Drivers page.
Select your rig manually or let the website detect the rig for you.
Next, check for the pending drivers and BIOS updates.
If detected, download the HP Notebook System BIOS Update (Intel / AMD Processors).
check that to compare the version with the version installed on your PC.
If same or older, you don’t need to patch your BIOS.
To update BIOS, fire off the firmware file and follow the on-screen instructions.
your setup will restart into the BIOS Update utility.
SelectApply Update Nowand wait for the update to finish installing.
Once done, boot into BIOS and test whether the Secure Boot option is available.
check that to enable your antivirus and BitLocker protection again.
In other instances, incorrect BIOS security parameters and outdated BIOS can cause the issue.
