How to enable secure boot

In today’s digital landscape, securing your PC right from the boot process is more important than ever. Imagine a user who has just built a new custom computer or upgraded their operating system and is keen to ensure that their machine starts up securely. With threats like malware and rootkits lurking, they’re likely wondering, “How do I enable secure boot on my device to protect against these risks?” Let’s dive into the steps required to activate this essential feature.

To enable secure boot, access your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings during startup, navigate to the Secure Boot option, and toggle it to ‘Enabled’.

To elaborate, enabling Secure Boot involves a few straightforward steps that typically begin when you power on your computer. First, you’ll need to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. This usually involves pressing a specific key (like F2, DEL, or ESC) immediately after turning on your PC.

Once inside the BIOS/UEFI menu, look for a tab related to ‘Boot’ or ‘Security.’ Here, you should find the Secure Boot option. If it’s not already enabled, you’ll need to set it to ‘Enabled.’ Be aware that some systems might require you to set an administrator password before allowing changes to Secure Boot settings.

After enabling Secure Boot, it’s essential to save your changes–usually done by pressing F10–before exiting the BIOS/UEFI. Your computer will reboot, and Secure Boot will now be activated, providing a higher level of security against unauthorized software during the boot process. Remember, the exact names and locations of these options can vary by manufacturer, so consult your motherboard or PC documentation for any specific guidance.