Why is the Secure Boot toggle greyed out on my BIOS setup?

Lord_Revan 0 Reputation points
2026-09-24T20:39:42.9233333+00:00

unnamed

Here is the picture for reference.

Why is this the case? What can I do to rectify it?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings
0 comments

5 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-09-24T20:40:03.3933333+00:00

    A greyed-out Secure Boot setting is commonly caused by firmware configuration rather than Windows itself. Based on the available guidance, the most common cause is that CSM/Legacy Support is enabled, which prevents Secure Boot from being activated normally.

    What to check:

    1. In BIOS/UEFI, look for CSM, Legacy Support, or legacy boot options.
    2. If CSM is enabled, change legacy-related boot options to UEFI only where available.
    3. Disable CSM/Legacy Support.
    4. Save changes and reboot back into BIOS.
    5. Check whether the Secure Boot option is now selectable.

    Also verify these prerequisites:

    • The system must be booting in UEFI mode.
    • In Windows, open msinfo32 and check BIOS Mode. It should show UEFI.
    • If the firmware has an option to load or restore Secure Boot keys, that may be required on some PCs before Secure Boot becomes available.

    Important:

    • Be careful when changing BIOS settings. Incorrect firmware changes can prevent the PC from starting correctly.
    • If the BIOS keeps re-enabling CSM or the Secure Boot option remains greyed out after saving changes, that points to a firmware or manufacturer-specific limitation. In that case, manufacturer support is the next step.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Craig Long 18,830 Reputation points
    2026-09-24T21:09:51.11+00:00

    Using the up arrow on your keyboard, can you navigate to "Secure Boot" and press (+) or (-) to toggle it between Enabled/Disabled? Press Enter to save a setting. Often, it says what to press and how to exit.

    On some PCs, you can repeatedly press the boot key and select either "Legacy Boot" or "UEFI Boot," then choose to boot from the USB.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. EmilyS726 271.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-24T21:26:06.1766667+00:00

    The screenshot actually shows Secure Boot is already enabled, so there is nothing you need to change if your goal is to use Secure Boot or meet Windows 11 requirements.

    Are you trying to disable it for any reason? What's the context here? Sometimes you need to set a BIOS password in order to make changes here.

    Was this answer helpful?

  4. Horace Wiggins 535 Reputation points
    2026-09-25T11:42:55.6+00:00

    This has already been given as an answer, but maybe this will help too.

    https://techterms.com/definition/uefi

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Craig Long 18,830 Reputation points
    2026-09-25T22:06:23.76+00:00

    I don't see that Secure Boot is greyed out. Find out which key to use to select Secure Boot and which key to toggle it.

    I don't know why you can't select it.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.