Windows 10: I cannot upgrade to win11 because I cannot enable secure boot, but I should be able to

Help Request: Setting Up Bootable SSD with EFI and NTFS PartitionsHello everyone,I am trying to set up secure boot so I can install windows 11. I cannot. I can't change the existing SSD drive or set up a new one. I cannot even do a clean install. Microsoft is no help. I have EaseUS partition manger, macrium reflect, Norton utilties, if any of those might help.I have two SSD drives, one of which currently is the boot drive, and two standard HDDs. System info is at the end of postHere is my latest attempt but I am more than willing to try something else:Current Setupartition 1: 500 MB, forma

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upgrading to win11

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Upgrading to Windows 11 from a system that originally did not have Secure Boot enabled can be a bit tricky, but it is possible without doing a clean install. Here are the steps you can follow to upgrade to Windows 11 by enabling Secure Boot and using a Windows 11 disk image:

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before making any changes, ensure that you have a complete backup of your important files and data. This is crucial to prevent any data loss during the process.

Step 2: Check Secure Boot and UEFI Mode

1. Enter BIOS:
   
   • Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (usually Delete, F2, or F10) to enter the BIOS setup.
     
2. Enable UEFI Mode:
   
   • In the BIOS, find the Boot menu.
     
   • Ensure that the boot mode is set to UEFI. If it’s set to Legacy, change it to UEFI.
     
3. Enable Secure Boot:
   
   • In the BIOS, navigate to the Secure Boot section.
     
   • Enable Secure Boot.
     
   • Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.
     
     If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
     

Step 3: Fix Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

After enabling Secure Boot, you might need to update your Boot Configuration Data (BCD) to ensure your system can boot correctly:

1. Create a Windows 11 Installation Media:
   
   • Download the Windows 11 Installation Media from the official Microsoft website.
     
   • Create a bootable USB drive using the tool provided.
     
2. Boot from Installation Media:
   
   • Insert the USB drive into your PC and restart.
     
   • Boot from the USB drive by selecting it in the BIOS boot menu.
     
3. Repair the Boot Configuration:
   
   • Once the Windows Setup screen appears, select Repair your computer at the bottom left corner.
     
   • Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
     
   • In the Command Prompt, type the following commands to fix the BCD:
     
     
   • Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC. Ensure it boots into Windows.
     

Step 4: Upgrade to Windows 11

1. Run Windows 11 Setup:
   
   • After booting into Windows, insert the Windows 11 installation media (USB drive) if it's not already inserted.
     
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to the USB drive.
     
   • Run setup.exe from the USB drive.
     
2. Follow the Upgrade Process:
   
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade to Windows 11.
     
   • Choose the option to keep your files and apps when prompted.
     

Step 5: Verify Secure Boot and Windows 11 Installation

1. Check Secure Boot:
   
   • After the upgrade, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now under Advanced startup.
     
   • In the boot menu, select UEFI Firmware Settings and check that Secure Boot is still enabled.
     
2. Verify Windows 11 Installation:
   
   • After rebooting into Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About to verify that Windows 11 is installed.
     

If you encounter any issues during the process, feel free to ask for further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

upgrading to win11

i have rebuilt my PC several times. the most recent (several months ago) involved the following:

i9-13900K, Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, 64Gb RAM. i know that this is able to run win11; however, since i used the same disks rather than install a clean version of windows (and all the apps that are currently installed), the PC won't upgrade because the 'secure boot' options were never enabled in the original installation.

if i enable secure boot in the BIOS, rebooting results in the PC going back to the BIOS.

is there any way to use one of the win11 disk images (after changing the BIOS) to reboot and upgrade to win11 rather than having to do a clean install? i know i can do a clean install but i would rather not do so.

 

Upgrading to win11 secure boot issue

Hi Mitch

Were you able to enable Secure Boot in BIOS?