Introduction

Secure Boot is a powerful security feature built into modern computers to protect your system from unauthorized software, rootkits, and boot-level malware. Many users need Secure Boot enabled for tasks like installing Windows 11, running anti-cheat games like Valorant, or improving overall device security.

Before we start, remember:
👉 Secure Boot is NOT dependent on any operating system.
It is a hardware-level BIOS/UEFI setting, not a Windows feature.

In this article, you will learn what Secure Boot is, how it works, and how to enable it on different PCs including Windows 11, Windows 10, HP, ASUS, Gigabyte, and Lenovo systems.

Internal links to your older articles:

• Learn how to enter BIOS: https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-enter-bios-in-windows-11-easy-step-by-step-guide
• Fix Windows reset issues: https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-fix-there-was-a-problem-resetting-your-pc-windows-11
• Windows 11 setup without internet: https://multicaretechnical.com/windows-11-setup-without-internet-complete-guide

What is Secure Boot?

Secure Boot is a security mechanism built into UEFI-based systems.
Its main function is to ensure that only trusted and verified software can load during startup.

How Secure Boot Works

• It checks digital signatures of bootloaders and drivers.
• If the signature is valid → The system boots normally.
• If invalid → The system blocks the untrusted software to prevent infection.

Difference Between Turning Secure Boot On and Off

Secure Boot ON

• Protects against boot-level malware.
• Required for Windows 11 compatibility.
• Required for Vanguard Anti-Cheat (Valorant).
• Ensures trusted boot loaders only.

Secure Boot OFF

• Allows installation of unsigned OS (Linux, older Windows).
• Less secure system environment.
• Games like Valorant will NOT launch.

How to Enable Secure Boot – Complete Guide

Below are all the requested subheadings with clear steps.

How to Enable Secure Boot

1. Shut down your computer.
2. Press the correct BIOS key (F2, Del, Esc, F10, depending on device).
3. Enter UEFI BIOS Settings.
4. Go to Security, Boot, or Advanced tab.
5. Find Secure Boot option.
6. Set it to Enabled.
7. Save changes and restart.

If you don’t know how to enter BIOS, follow this guide:
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-enter-bios-in-windows-11-easy-step-by-step-guide

How to Enable Secure Boot Windows 11

1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Click Restart Now under “Advanced Startup”.
3. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings.
4. PC reboots into BIOS.
5. Navigate to Boot / Security tab.
6. Enable Secure Boot.
7. Save and restart.

How to Enable Secure Boot Windows 10

Similar steps to Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
2. Click Restart Now under “Advanced Startup”.
3. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
4. Enable Secure Boot in BIOS.

How to Enable Secure Boot in Gigabyte Motherboard

1. Restart PC → Press DEL to enter BIOS.
2. Go to BIOS → Boot tab.
3. Set Windows 8/10 Features to Windows 8/10 / WHQL.
4. Go to Secure Boot option.
5. Set it to Enabled.
6. Save changes.

How to Enable Secure Boot in HP Laptop

1. Restart → Press F10.
2. Open System Configuration or Security.
3. Find Secure Boot Configuration.
4. Enable Secure Boot.
5. Save & exit (F10).

If you see Legacy Mode, disable it first.

How to Enable Secure Boot in BIOS (General Method)

Works for Dell, Acer, MSI, Sony, Toshiba, etc.

1. Enter BIOS with F2 / DEL / F10 / Esc.
2. Disable Legacy Support or enable UEFI Mode.
3. Go to Security / Boot tab.
4. Enable Secure Boot.
5. Save and exit.

How to Enable Secure Boot for Valorant

Valorant requires Secure Boot + TPM 2.0.

Steps:

1. Restart PC → Enter BIOS.
2. Enable:
   • TPM / PTT / fTPM
   • UEFI Boot Mode
   • Secure Boot
3. Save and restart.

The game will start normally once Secure Boot is enabled.

How to Enable Secure Boot in ASUS BIOS

1. Press F2 or DEL to enter BIOS.
2. Go to Advanced Mode (F7).
3. Navigate to Boot tab.
4. Find Secure Boot.
5. Set to Enabled.
6. Save changes.

How to Enable Secure Boot Gigabyte

(Repeated heading requested; simplified)

Same steps as earlier:

1. Enter BIOS with DEL.
2. Go to Boot tab.
3. Enable Secure Boot.

How to Enable Secure Boot in Lenovo

1. Restart laptop → Press F1 or F2.
2. Go to Security tab.
3. Select Secure Boot.
4. Turn Enabled on.
5. Save settings.

Conclusion

Secure Boot is an essential hardware security feature that protects your system from unauthorized boot files and malware. It is not dependent on Windows or any operating system—it is purely a UEFI firmware setting.

By following the appropriate method for your brand (HP, ASUS, Gigabyte, Lenovo), you can easily enable Secure Boot and keep your system secure.

FAQs

1. Why can’t I enable Secure Boot?

You may need to disable Legacy Mode or switch to UEFI Mode first.

2. Does Secure Boot slow down performance?

No, it has zero impact on system performance.

3. Is Secure Boot required for Windows 11?

Yes, Secure Boot support is required.

4. Can I install Linux with Secure Boot on?

Some Linux distributions support it; others require turning it off.

5. Does Valorant need Secure Boot?

Yes, Valorant will not run without Secure Boot + TPM 2.0.