How to Enable Secure Boot on Gigabyte for Windows 11 Systems

By / September 16, 2025

When Microsoft announced Windows 11, one of the most talked-about requirements was Secure Boot. If you’re using a Gigabyte motherboard, you’ll need to make sure Secure Boot is enabled before installing or upgrading to Windows 11.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

  • What Secure Boot is and why it matters.

  • How to check if it’s enabled.

  • A step-by-step guide to enabling Secure Boot on Gigabyte motherboards.

  • Common issues and how to fix them.

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to ensure your system meets Windows 11 requirements.

Summary — Key Takeaways

  • Secure Boot is required for Windows 11 installation and security.

  • Gigabyte motherboards support Secure Boot through BIOS settings.

  • You must enable UEFI mode before enabling Secure Boot.

  • Most errors happen if you’re still in Legacy/CSM boot mode.

What Is Secure Boot and Why Do You Need It?

Secure Boot is a security feature built into modern PCs with UEFI firmware. It ensures your computer boots only with software trusted by the manufacturer.

Think of it like a security guard at the entrance of your PC — only allowing verified code to run when you power on.

For Windows 11, Secure Boot helps:

  • Block malicious bootloaders.

  • Ensure system integrity.

  • Meet Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements.

How to Check If Secure Boot Is Enabled on Windows 11

Before changing BIOS settings, check if Secure Boot is already enabled:

  1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.

  2. Look for Secure Boot State in the System Information window.

  • If it says On → You’re good to go.

  • If it says Off or Unsupported → You’ll need to enable it in BIOS.

Step 1: Enter Gigabyte BIOS/UEFI

  1. Restart your PC.

  2. As soon as the Gigabyte logo appears, press Delete or F2 repeatedly.

  3. You’ll enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

đź’ˇ Tip: Some Gigabyte motherboards also allow F12 for a one-time boot menu.

Step 2: Switch from Legacy to UEFI Mode

Secure Boot only works in UEFI mode, not Legacy (CSM):

  1. In BIOS, go to BIOS Features.

  2. Find CSM Support (Compatibility Support Module).

  3. Set it to Disabled.

  4. Save and reboot back into BIOS.

Now your system is running in UEFI mode.

Step 3: Enable Secure Boot on Gigabyte Motherboard

  1. In BIOS, go to the Boot tab.

  2. Locate Secure Boot.

  3. Change the option to Enabled.

  4. If asked, set Secure Boot Mode to Standard (or “Custom” if you want to install your own keys).

  5. Save changes and exit (usually F10).

Your system will now boot with Secure Boot enabled.

Step 4: Verify Secure Boot Is Enabled

After rebooting into Windows:

  1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.

  2. Look again at Secure Boot State.

  3. It should now say On.

Troubleshooting: Secure Boot Not Working on Gigabyte?

Sometimes Secure Boot refuses to enable. Here’s how to fix common issues:

1. Secure Boot Option Is Greyed Out

  • Disable CSM Support first.

  • Ensure your boot drive is GPT partitioned (not MBR).

2. Windows Won’t Boot After Enabling Secure Boot

  • Go back into BIOS and set Secure Boot to Custom → Reset to factory keys.

  • Make sure your boot drive is installed in UEFI mode.

3. PC Still Says “Secure Boot Unsupported”

  • Your drive may be formatted as MBR. Convert it to GPT:

    • Open Command Prompt as admin.

    • Run: mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullos.

    • Reboot and re-enable Secure Boot.

Benefits of Enabling Secure Boot

Aside from Windows 11 compliance, Secure Boot helps with:

  • Improved security against boot-time malware.

  • Faster startup times with UEFI.

  • Future-proofing for new Windows updates.

Clean vs. Upgrade Install with Secure Boot

Method When to Use Pros Cons
Enable Secure Boot + Upgrade Already have Windows 11 installed Quick, no reinstall needed May carry old errors
Enable Secure Boot + Clean Install Fresh SSD or new drive Best performance, fewer issues Requires reinstalling apps

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to enable Secure Boot on Gigabyte for Windows 11 systems.

To recap:

  1. Enter BIOS by pressing Del/F2.

  2. Disable CSM Support.

  3. Enable Secure Boot in the Boot menu.

  4. Save changes and verify in Windows.

Enabling Secure Boot not only lets you meet Microsoft’s requirements but also adds an extra layer of protection against malware.

FAQs

1. Do I need Secure Boot enabled to install Windows 11?
Yes, it’s one of Microsoft’s mandatory requirements.

2. Can I disable Secure Boot after installing Windows 11?
Technically yes, but it reduces security and may cause future update issues.

3. Why can’t I see Secure Boot in my Gigabyte BIOS?
You must disable CSM first and use a UEFI-bootable drive.

4. Does enabling Secure Boot erase my data?
No, but converting MBR to GPT might affect partitions if done incorrectly. Always back up first.

5. Is TPM required along with Secure Boot for Windows 11?
Yes — both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot must be enabled.

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