How to resolve Secure Boot failed issues for Acer device

Question

Client has acer device that is failing to load into windows due to secure boot failure, We have attempted to factory reset Secure boot in bios as well as clearing TPM, please see below for anwsers to fault questions

What is the exact Acer laptop model? - Swift SFG14-71

Which Windows version was installed before the issue occurred? - Windows 11

What Secure Boot update were you attempting to apply when the failure occurred? - Applied the latest firmware update provide by Acer for that model laptop

Which BIOS option was selected after the failure (for example, Restore Factory Keys)? - Restore Factory first then in attempt to resolve we cleared TPM

Were any other BIOS settings changed? - Nothing else was changed

Can the user still access the BIOS/UEFI settings? - Yes

Is Secure Boot currently enabled or disabled? - Currently it is disabled to allow the user to boot to windows and work, but when enabled we get the secure boot issue

Is the device configured for UEFI or Legacy boot mode? - UEFI

Does Windows Boot Manager appear in the boot options? - Yes

Is the SSD/storage drive detected in the BIOS? - Yes

What is the exact error message displayed on the screen? - Splash screen with just the words Secure Boot Failed

Can the device boot from a Windows installation or recovery USB? - Unsure client and device are remote and do not have access to a Windows boot USB

Was BitLocker enabled prior to the issue? - Yes I believe so

Has Startup Repair or the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) been attempted? - No but can’t get to repair window with secure boot on

Has Acer provided any specific recommendations other than contacting Microsoft? - They suggested the issue may be the boot partition but confirmed this is not the case

 

Answer 1

Hi Daniel Brixey,

Based on the details provided, the issue does not appear to be related to the SSD or Windows Boot Manager, as the device can still boot into Windows when Secure Boot is disabled, the SSD is detected in BIOS, and the system is configured for UEFI boot mode. The behavior suggests a Secure Boot key validation or firmware-related issue that started after the recent Acer firmware update.

As a next step, please check the BIOS for an option such as Install Default Secure Boot Keys, Load Factory Keys, or a similar setting. After restoring the default Secure Boot keys, save the changes, verify that Windows Boot Manager is the first boot option, then re-enable Secure Boot and test the device again. If BitLocker was previously enabled, make sure the recovery key is available before making additional BIOS or TPM changes.

If the issue continues, try booting from a Windows 11 installation or recovery USB and run Startup Repair. This can help repair EFI boot files and verify that the boot configuration is properly recognized when Secure Boot is enabled.

Should the problem persist after these steps, it would be worth checking with Acer for any newer BIOS version or model-specific recovery guidance for the Swift SFG14-71, as they may have additional recommendations related to the firmware update.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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