Windows 11 upgrade disabled secure boot

Question

Windows 11 upgrade disabled secure boot

Callum Learmonth 0

I upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10, I had secure boot enabled , now it is disabled and i can t re enable it as windows wont boot, i dont want to loose all my files and settings and apps , is there a way to renable secure boot and get windows 11 to boot up , I have tried everything i can tfind online, I have spoken to MSI who sup[ply the motherboard and Microsoft, and no one can help . i have been told need sto be a fresh install but will loose all files and settings

3 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Ivan B 87,315 Independent Advisor

Hi ,

What is the motherboard model?

Thanks

Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T08:12:59.2566667+00:00

MSI B550 Gaming plus max
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T13:00:39.7433333+00:00

Hi,

Did you update the BIOS? If not, please update the BIOS.

https://download.msi.com/bos_exe/mb/7B86vHP1.zip

How to update BIOS: https://storage-asset.msi.com/files/pdf/How_to_flash_the_BIOS.pdf

Enable secure boot, but clear the keys.

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Thanks.
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T14:35:17.54+00:00

hi yes BIOS was updated according to msi support i have tried to enable and clear keys but still wont boot windows up if secure boot enabled
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T14:39:18.86+00:00

Hi,

When you enable secure boot, take a picture of the boot sequence tab and post it here.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T14:45:44.7933333+00:00

Is this what u mean?
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T14:47:17.5966667+00:00

Hi

I'm sorry, I meant for you to enable secure boot, access the BIOS, go to the boot tab, take a picture and post it here.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T14:55:13.4+00:00

I m not sure where boot tab is only thing in bios for boot is either this bit or the bit says boot , when I sear h boot thos comes up
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T15:11:16.96+00:00

20251124_150855.jpg
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T15:53:05.3366667+00:00

Hi ,

Now access the boot menu in the UEFI Hard Disk BBS tab, take a picture and post it here.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T16:01:06.87+00:00

1764000034902371001460629166461.jpg
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T16:29:02.12+00:00

Hi ,

You will do the following: access the BIOS > Settings > Advanced > Windows OS configuration

Disable Fast Boot.

Access Secure Boot and see if Key Management is enabled.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T16:34:53.0133333+00:00

Looks enabled
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T16:37:20.33+00:00

Hi,

Key management: Is this the correct standard?

Take a picture and post it here.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T16:41:32.34+00:00

17640024693604574251327115264787.jpg
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T17:43:11.5833333+00:00

Hi ,

You will delete the keys, save them > access the BIOS again, go to the same options and select the option "Enroll factory keys" and select "Save keys" and save the BIOS > access the BIOS again, go to the "Exit/Save" tab > select UEFI: Windows Boot Manager and see if Windows will start.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T17:52:08.2133333+00:00

Trying now will let u know
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T17:56:53.0233333+00:00

No still won't boot look like it will need a clean install is there a way to keep files and settings if I reinstall windows
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T18:06:05.7233333+00:00

Hi ,

If you're reinstalling, you can recreate the boot partition to try and maintain Secure Boot. However, if you're trying to activate it for gaming, a clean Windows reinstallation would be more recommended, since upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 can affect game performance, and using the USB method would unfortunately format the SSD drive.

If you back up your files and create a Windows USB installation drive, I can instruct you on how to do that.

Give feedback if the information was useful or not.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T18:09:09.36+00:00

Yes ease happy to do a clean install as this has been going on for over a month

Answer 2

Callum Learmonth 0

20251124_150917.jpg

Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T15:11:55.63+00:00

20251124_150917.jpg

Answer 3

Ivan B 87,315 Independent Advisor

Hi ,

If you back up your files, I will then instruct you on how to create a USB installation drive so we can perform a clean reinstallation of Windows 11.

Thanks

Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T18:25:50.0266667+00:00

Ok will use windows back up to back up files
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T18:51:02.2466667+00:00

can u suggest a back up program windows only backs up to cloud and do i back up my drive as well or will this cause issues later?
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T19:10:54.92+00:00

Hi ,

For OneDrive files, if you've already set it up, the files will already have green "OK" icons indicating that the backup has been made.

I recommend that you back up manually. Access OneDrive on the web or any other cloud system, select the files, and upload them.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/upload-and-save-files-and-folders-to-onedrive-a5710114-6aeb-4bf5-a336-dffa7cc0b77a

You can use Windows Backup, which will save your folders and user settings.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/criar-c%C3%B3pias-de-seguran%C3%A7a-e-restaurar-com-backup-do-windows-87a81f8a-78fa-456e-b521-ac0560e32338

When you reinstall Windows and log back in with your Microsoft account, you will be asked if you want to restore the backup.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-24T19:47:29.3266667+00:00

ok back up will take me a while, so ill message once its done
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-24T20:09:02.63+00:00

Hi,

I'm waiting.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T07:45:27.0566667+00:00

Sorry fell alseep i amml ready ro make a installation usb
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T09:31:28.9266667+00:00

Hi ,

Okay, you need an 8GB USB flash drive. Next, download the media creation tools from the link below:

Windows 10: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

Windows 11: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2156295

Connect the 8GB USB flash drive if you have important files on it. Back up your data to the cloud or an external hard drive.

The USB flash drive will be formatted.

Select "Download tool now" and then "Run". You need to be an administrator to run this tool.

If you agree to the license terms, select "Accept".

On the "What do you want to do?" page, select "Create installation media for another PC" and then "Next".

The application will automatically identify the correct version of Windows 10/11 for your system. Then select "Next". Select the media you want to use: USB drive. Connect an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. All content on the USB drive will be erased.

Select the drive letter of the connected USB drive, click Next > wait. This will create the installation drive. Upon completion, a message will inform you that the drive is ready.

Let me know when you finish creating the USB drive.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T10:30:58.6966667+00:00

Ok it's doing its thing might be a while will let u know when done
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T11:30:02.0833333+00:00

Hi,

Okay, I'll wait.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T13:56:58.4666667+00:00

ok disc done
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T16:26:10.9866667+00:00

Hi,

After creating the USB installation drive, you will download ShowKeyPlus to note your Windows product key.

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pkvzcprx9nv?hl=en-US&gl=US

You will access the BIOS, disable Secure Boot, save the BIOS settings, access it again, go to the Boot tab, set USB Flash Drive as the first boot device, save it in the BIOS, and on the screen select any key and press any key.

The Windows 11 Setup starts once the device boots from the Windows installation media. If you don't see the setup screen, your PC might not be set up to boot from a drive.

Check your PC manufacturer's website for information on how to change your PC's boot order and then try again. In the Select language settings window, select language and localization settings, and then select Next.

In the Select keyboard settings window, select keyboard settings, and then select Next.

In the Select setup option window, select Install Windows 11, select I agree everything will be deleted including files, apps, and settings, and then select Next

Screenshot of the Windows 11 Setup using the installation media.

If the Product key window appears:

Select I don't have a product key

Select the version of Windows you probably use and Home.

In the Applicable notices and license terms window, select the Accept button

In the Select location to install Windows 11 window:

Delete all partitions on Disk 0 that aren't listed as Unallocated Space. Partitions are deleted by selecting and highlighting each one individually and then selecting ❌Delete Partition

Warning: If a device has more than one disk, there might be additional disks listed, for example, Disk 1. Don't modify or delete the partitions on any other disks besides Disk 0.

Once all partitions on Disk 0 are deleted, there should only be one item left called Disk 0 Unallocated Space. Make sure Disk 0 Unallocated Space is selected and highlighted, and then select Next

In the Ready to install window, select Install

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-25T16:58:44.0933333+00:00

Thank u will do this after work and let u know how it goes
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-25T19:10:13.0633333+00:00

Hi,

Finish the installation, enable secure boot, and try again.

Thanks
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-27T03:59:08.31+00:00

Hi ,

Did you manage to solve the problem?

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-27T07:34:01.3633333+00:00

Managed to reinstall windows but cant get secure boot to work , im beginning to think it's best waiting until I upgrade motherboard and cpu and the try again, so frustrating, I do everything I am supposed to
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-27T07:40:47.58+00:00

It took me till last night to finally get windows to reinstall
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-27T10:08:33.39+00:00

Hi,

Even after reinstalling Windows following the instructions, it didn't activate?

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-27T13:34:57.9733333+00:00

Yeah im wondering if MB is faulty
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-27T14:03:28.9766667+00:00

Hi,

When you activate and save, does the screen go black when you try to access Windows?

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-27T16:13:47.67+00:00

Yes then comes up with repairing windows, then click to enter advanced start up only way it loads up is if I disable secure boot
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-27T17:59:44.9166667+00:00

Hi,

If the Windows boot option appears in the BIOS, it's configured as UEFI: Windows Boot Manager.

Thanks
Callum Learmonth 0 Reputation points

2025-11-27T19:13:48.5533333+00:00

yeah thats y i think MB is faulty and is stopping the secure boot from working properly
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-28T00:25:56.4333333+00:00

Hi,

I understand it appears in the BIOS as Windows Boot Manager?

Thanks
Ivan B 87,315 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-29T15:38:08.62+00:00

Hi ,

Did you manage to solve the problem?

Thanks

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Windows 11 upgrade disabled secure boot

3 answers

Your answer