How to fix the Authenticate to Save/Restore GPT message when upgrading to Windows 11.

Question

How to fix the Authenticate to Save/Restore GPT message that occurs when upgrading to Windows 11.

Answer 1

Based on the "Authenticate to Save/Restore GPT" message is typically shown when upgrading or installing Windows 11 on a system using UEFI with a GUID Partition Table (GPT) disk. This message is often seen during BIOS/UEFI boot or recovery operations — not from Windows itself — and usually relates to BIOS security features (like Secure Boot, Platform Trust Technology, or Intel PTT). It may appear when:

• You upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
• There are changes in boot settings (e.g., TPM, Secure Boot, Boot Mode).
• Disk partitioning was altered (e.g., disk was wiped or converted).

I will recommend you some steps to eliminate or bypass it safely:

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• Enter BIOS and Clear Secure Boot Keys (then Reset to Defaults)

This message often relates to Secure Boot trying to verify GPT integrity.

• Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually Del, F2, F10, or Esc depending on the brand).
• Go to Security or Boot tab.
• Locate Secure Boot:
  • If it's enabled, disable it temporarily.
  • If it has a "Clear Keys" or "Reset to Factory Keys" option, do that.
• Save changes and reboot.

-> If this works, you can re-enable Secure Boot after successfully booting into Windows.

- Check for TPM / PTT Settings

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, and enabling or reconfiguring TPM settings can cause the message.

• Go to BIOS → Security.
• Look for:
  • TPM, Intel PTT, or fTPM.
  • Ensure it's Enabled.
• If you see any “Clear TPM” option, do NOT select it unless instructed (it can wipe BitLocker keys).

- Switch Boot Mode to UEFI if it not already

Windows 11 requires UEFI boot. Some BIOSes trigger this GPT message when switching from Legacy to UEFI.

• In BIOS, find Boot Mode:
  • Change it to UEFI Only (not Legacy or CSM).
• Save and Exit.

- Check GPT Disk Format in Windows

After you boot into Windows, confirm your disk uses GPT:

• Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc).
• Right-click your system disk → Properties → Volumes tab.
• Look for Partition Style: It should say GUID Partition Table (GPT).

*If not, you may need to convert MBR to GPT (only if Windows is not installed properly yet).

- Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

Some older BIOS versions may not handle GPT authentication correctly during upgrades.

• Visit your motherboard/computer manufacturer’s website.
• Download and apply the latest BIOS update.Look for Partition Style: It should say GUID Partition Table (GPT). If not, you may need to convert MBR to GPT (only if Windows is not installed properly yet).