06 Dec How to Fix Secure Boot Can Be Enabled When System in User Mode

Upon turning on your PC, encountering a perplexing error message “Secure Boot can be enabled when the system in User Mode” instead of the expected normal booting process can be frustrating. However, this error can be fixed with some technical know-how. In order to do so, we must first understand that the error message is triggered when the firmware on the motherboard tries to enable Secure Boot and discovers that the operating system is not in User Mode.

To resolve secure boot can be enabled when system in user mode, we need to switch the system to User Mode and disable Secure Boot, then switch back to Setup Mode and re-enable Secure Boot. With these steps, the error message will no longer appear and the system should boot normally.

What is Secure Boot?

Let’s start by getting clear on what Secure Boot even is. Chances are you enabled it a while ago and forgot all about it since it’s not something you deal with regularly.

Secure Boot basically acts as a security guard when your PC is turning on, making sure no shady programs try to sneak onto your computer and mess things up before the operating system loads. It checks that all the boot software is legit before letting your PC continue starting.

So, Secure Boot itself isn’t generally the problem. The real issue here is that one of your PC’s settings got switched to “User Mode” instead of “UEFI Mode.” What’s the difference, you ask? Good question.

UEFI Mode vs. User Mode

UEFI Mode is a newer, better (and more complex) startup protocol that stands for “Unified Extensible Firmware Interface.” Don’t worry about remembering that mouthful.

The key facts about UEFI Mode are:

• It’s the default mode for any relatively modern computer. Older PCs used something called BIOS Mode instead.
• It supports cool features like Secure Boot to improve security.
• It can handle new storage devices like NVMe SSD drives way better than the outdated BIOS Mode.

User Mode, on the other hand, basically bypasses all the advanced UEFI startup capabilities and tells your hardware to use legacy BIOS routines when booting. No security checks, support for new devices, or anything fancy.

Since Secure Boot relies on UEFI functions to work properly, it throws a fit when activated at the same time as User Mode. So the fix here is to switch your firmware settings back to UEFI Mode instead.

Firmware Settings

Speaking of firmware, it’s important you understand what that is next. Firmware essentially refers to low-level software burned onto chips on your PC’s motherboard that control basic operations like booting up, managing hardware, etc.

The firmware options we care about live in your BIOS settings. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. Decades ago, it was the key system firmware. Now UEFI has taken over most of those duties, but everyone still uses the name BIOS out of habit.

The key is realizing your motherboard firmware and BIOS settings control how Secure Boot functions. So that’s where we need to go to get everything fixed up properly.

Specifically, there are typically two relevant options we need to configure related to boot protocols and Secure Boot:

1. Switch from User/Legacy Mode to UEFI Mode
2. Make sure Secure Boot itself is enabled

If you have those two settings correct, your PC should stop throwing this error on startup. Of course that’s easier said than done, so let me walk you through the whole process. There are a lot of extra buttons and technical jargon, so having someone guide you through everything in plain language is super helpful.

Accessing Your Firmware Settings

Our first task is accessing the firmware settings to make changes. Here’s a quick step-by-step:

1. Fully shut down your computer if it’s currently on.
2. Press the power button briefly and then let go – don’t hold it down for a full boot up.
3. Start tapping the special one-time BIOS access key for your PC model over and over as it’s powering on. This varies by manufacturer:
   • Dell = F2
   • HP = F10
   • Asus = ESC
   • Acer = F2
   • Lenovo = F2 or Fn + F2
   • And so on – search Google if unsure for your brand.

Once you succeed in entering the firmware menus before Windows launches, you should see blue text on a black background with option names and toggle settings. It will look basic and outdated, but don’t let the retro aesthetics throw you off! This is an incredibly powerful menu for configuring core options.

Take a minute to appreciate how incredible computer technology is that it allows average people like you and me to control advanced settings like boot protocols and security guards! Our PCs give us an amazing amount of access if we take the time to gently peel back the layers.

Now back to business! Let’s get you switched into UEFI Mode.

Switching from User/Legacy Mode to UEFI Mode

The specifics around changing boot modes depend a bit on your motherboard model and BIOS version, but I can explain the general process at least.

You’ll first want to locate the Boot or Boot Protocol section. The most common options you’ll see are:

• UEFI Mode
• Legacy/User Mode
• CSM (Compatibility Support Module) – enables User Mode

Your goal is to disable CSM and make sure UEFI is the sole option enabled.

On older BIOSes, this setting was often called “Launch PXE OpROM policy”. You’ll want to switch it from “User” or “Legacy only” to “UEFI only” mode.

Sometimes there’s also separate fields for configuring boot devices like your hard drive explicitly as GPT/UEFI vs. Legacy MBR.

Enable UEFI with GPT partitioning wherever possible.

A Brief Word on RAID & Optane Memory Modules

If your PC uses Intel RAID or Optane Memory modules, be extra careful here. Sometimes switching modes can disable critical storage volumes if not handled properly. Back up your data if at all concerned something could get wiped accidentally.

Consider disconnecting RAID arrays or Optane devices first, configuring UEFI Mode without them active, and then plugging them back in after rebooting successfully in UEFI Mode.

There are special procedures required for maintaining their config data when transitioning boot protocols. But leave that advanced process for a follow-up guide.

Today we’ll assume you have a straightforward SSD or HDD setup without fancy RAID or caching hardware complications.

Activating Secure Boot

Alright, now that UEFI Mode is fully operational, we’re 50% of the way there!

Assuming you had Secure Boot enabled previously, it should automatically reactivate itself properly after switching to UEFI. But let’s double check anyway.

Navigate to the Secure Boot section of your firmware settings. Make sure it’s currently enabled, not disabled.

You might also see options for “Secure Boot Mode” with choices like “Standard” or “Custom”.

Choose “Standard” unless you have specifically imported custom boot certificates before. The “Custom” setting won’t allow Secure Boot to function without signed bootloaders.

Finally, some motherboards include advanced Key Management features for messing with the underlying Secure Boot certificates and hashes.

I recommend not touching those unless you really know what you’re doing. They can totally break Secure Boot if misconfigured. Stick with the basic on/off toggle for simplicity and safety.

Reboot and Enjoy Increased Security

Alright my friend, go ahead and select “Save Changes and Exit” in your firmware settings. Your computer will reboot itself automatically.

Now when you power back on, it should load much quicker with no more pesky boot error hampering the process!

Notice the difference in speed between Legacy and UEFI startup modes. It’s quite dramatic on newer platforms.

Beyond just silencing that obnoxious message, properly configuring UEFI with Secure Boot enabled makes your whole machine more stable, reliable, and secure against malware trying to secretly embed itself in the boot process. So we really did your PC a valuable favor today!

Give yourself a pat on the back my friend!

Resolving tricky firmware and boot issues feels so satisfying. You’ve mastered a topic most casual users never even attempt touching.

Let me wrap up by summarizing everything we covered today in case you need any reminders down the road after forgetting specifics.

Key Takeaways:

• Secure Boot checks your PC’s boot process hasn’t been tampered with and blocks malware from injecting itself.
• For Secure Boot to work, your motherboard must use UEFI firmware instead of the outdated legacy BIOS.
• You access firmware settings by tapping a special one-time BIOS key as soon as you power up before Windows launches.
• Look for options around Boot Protocol, CSM, Launch PXE OpROM, and Secure Boot itself to toggle.
• Make sure boot devices utilize GPT partitioning and UEFI modes when possible.
• Enable Secure Boot once UEFI settings are fully switched over and functioning.
• Optionally manage Secure Boot certificates and key databases if truly needing custom configurations.

And with that, you’re now a Secure Boot expert ready to troubleshoot any issues related to switching modes or getting the protection mechanism running properly!

If weird boot problems pop up again, you’ll know just what to tweak under the hood to get things locked down securely once more.

Below, I’ve also included answers to people’s frequent questions about related UEFI and Secure Boot topics. Feel free to browse them if you want even more knowledge to impress your techie friends!

FAQs

Q: Do I really need Secure Boot enabled? What are the risks of leaving it disabled?

A: Secure Boot provides valuable protection against advanced malware trying to secretly embed itself in your PC’s boot process before the operating system loads. So leaving it disabled does reduce a layer of security shielding your system. However, the risks are still relatively low for casual home users just browsing the web and using basic programs. But if you deal with more sensitive data, definitely keep Secure Boot turned on for better safety.

Q: What happens if I delete all the Secure Boot keys and certificates?

A: Deleting Secure Boot’s databases of trusted certificate and cryptographic keys will prevent it from allowing any bootloaders or operating systems to launch. Your PC will become stuck in a non-bootable state, requiring a motherboard reset process to restore factory settings. So don’t mess with those databases unless you have backup recovery plans ready!

Q: Can I revert from UEFI Mode back to Legacy BIOS Mode if needed?

A: Generally yes – changing boot modes multiple times is supported. Although it’s best to pick one and stick with it unless absolutely necessary. Shuffling back and forth can sometimes cause issues. The same cautions around RAID or Optane hardware losing its config data applies equally during the reversal process too. So only toggle modes when required.

Q: What if my motherboard doesn’t seem to support switching to UEFI Mode?

A: If your firmware settings are truly lacking options to disable CSM or toggle the boot mode over to UEFI, then likely you are running legacy BIOS firmware without UEFI capabilities. Upgrading to a newer motherboard would be required to use Secure Boot properly in that situation. Although frankly any PC still on legacy-only BIOS is likely well outdated at this point anyway. Time for an upgrade!

Q: If I was hacking my friend’s PC as a prank, could I lock them out with Secure Boot tricks?

A: While imaginative pranking ideas involving Secure Boot do seem amusing, I of course cannot recommend tampering with anyone’s equipment without consent, nor provide advice to damage or deny people access to their systems. I’ll simply advise finding fun but ethical ways to surprise your friends instead. Stay safe out there!

And there you have it – hopefully those FAQs cleared up some other common areas of confusion around UEFI, Secure Boot, and negotiating the tricky settings involved there!

Let me know if any other questions come up. I’m always happy to chat more about this topic or help troubleshoot any other problems that pop up related to getting your boot protocol squared away properly.

Otherwise, enjoy your now faster-booting and more malware-resilient machine!

In Conclusion

Fixing issues related to improperly configured firmware settings or confusing system errors on boot rarely make anyone’s list of favorite activities.

Frankly, most people see weird technical messages like “Secure Boot can be enabled when the system in User Mode” and instantly tune out, hoping the problem disappears on its own eventually (or at least after forced reboots).

But hopefully, this walkthrough demonstrates that even firmware-related issues aren’t too terrifying to tackle for average folks once someone explains exactly what all those BIOS options actually mean!

So next time your computer starts spouting off some nonsensical error text filled with randomly capitalized abbreviations and tech jargon, take a breath and remember – no problem is unsolvable with a little guidance and know-how.

We took that vague Secure Boot misconfiguration warning and turned it into a meaningful learning experience about your PC’s boot process instead! Not such a bad deal after all, huh?

Let me know if any other questions or boot troubles pop up in the future. And may your operating systems forever load smoothly and securely thanks to trusty old Secure Boot standing guard over the system initialization routine like the steadfast sentinel it was born to be!