Fix “System in Setup Mode: Secure Boot Can Be Enabled When System in User Mode” – Windows 11/10 (2025 Guide)

If you see the error “System in Setup Mode: Secure Boot Can Be Enabled When System in User Mode” while configuring Windows or BIOS, it can be confusing. Secure Boot is a security feature designed to protect your PC from malware during startup.

This error usually appears when Secure Boot is disabled or the system is in setup mode, preventing you from enabling it directly. Understanding the cause and applying the right fixes can help you enable Secure Boot safely and improve your system security.

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Common Causes of This Secure Boot Error

1. PC is in Setup Mode (instead of User Mode) — BIOS hasn’t switched to standard mode.
2. Secure Boot is disabled in BIOS/UEFI.
3. Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware.
4. Legacy boot or CSM mode enabled instead of UEFI.
5. Incorrect Windows installation mode (MBR instead of GPT).
6. Third-party software or firmware conflicts.

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Fix 1: Check Secure Boot Status in BIOS/UEFI

1. Restart your PC → press the BIOS key during startup (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc).
2. Go to Security → Secure Boot.
3. If it shows Setup Mode, change to User Mode if available.
4. Enable Secure Boot.
5. Save changes and exit BIOS.

✅ Switching from setup to user mode is essential before enabling Secure Boot.

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Fix 2: Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

Outdated firmware can prevent Secure Boot from switching modes.

1. Check your motherboard manufacturer for the latest BIOS update.
2. Follow their instructions to update safely.
3. Restart PC and recheck Secure Boot status.

✅ A modern BIOS/UEFI ensures Secure Boot works correctly.

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Fix 3: Switch from Legacy Boot to UEFI

Secure Boot only works with UEFI mode.

1. Enter BIOS → go to Boot Options.
2. Disable Legacy/CSM Boot.
3. Enable UEFI Boot Mode.
4. Save and restart your PC.

💡 If Windows was installed in MBR mode, you may need to convert it to GPT for UEFI.

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Fix 4: Convert MBR Disk to GPT (if needed)

Secure Boot requires GPT partition style.

1. Press Windows + X → select Disk Management.
2. Check your system drive → right-click → Properties → Volumes → Partition Style.
3. If it’s MBR, use MBR2GPT.exe to convert without data loss: mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS
4. Reboot and enable Secure Boot in BIOS.

✅ GPT ensures compatibility with Secure Boot and UEFI.

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Fix 5: Clear Secure Boot Keys in BIOS

Sometimes old keys prevent switching modes.

1. Enter BIOS → go to Secure Boot → Key Management.
2. Select Clear Secure Boot Keys.
3. Save changes → enable Secure Boot again.

✅ Clearing keys refreshes Secure Boot configuration for proper activation.

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Fix 6: Enable TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)

Secure Boot works best with TPM 2.0 enabled.

1. Open BIOS → go to Security → TPM Device.
2. Ensure TPM 2.0 is enabled.
3. Save changes and reboot.

💡 This is especially important for Windows 11, which requires TPM 2.0 for full security.

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Fix 7: Reset BIOS to Default Settings

If previous BIOS tweaks caused conflicts:

1. Enter BIOS → select Load Defaults or Reset to Default.
2. Save changes and reboot.
3. Check Secure Boot status and attempt enabling.

✅ Restores proper system configuration for Secure Boot activation.

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Fix 8: Reinstall Windows in UEFI Mode

If Secure Boot still fails, Windows installation mode may be incompatible.

1. Backup important files.
2. Create a Windows installation USB.
3. Boot in UEFI mode → install Windows on a GPT disk.
4. After installation, Secure Boot can be enabled.

💡 This ensures full compatibility with modern firmware security features.

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Fix 9: Disable Fast Boot Temporarily

Fast Boot can sometimes block Secure Boot changes.

1. Enter BIOS → Boot → Fast Boot → Disable.
2. Save and restart → enable Secure Boot.

✅ Disabling Fast Boot allows BIOS to recognize system changes properly.

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Fix 10: Contact Motherboard/PC Manufacturer Support

If all else fails:

• Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support page.
• Provide BIOS version, Windows version, and error details.
• Follow their guidance to enable Secure Boot safely.

✅ Manufacturer support can help with system-specific quirks or firmware issues.

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Additional Tips

• Always backup important data before making BIOS or disk changes.
• Avoid disabling Secure Boot unless absolutely necessary.
• Keep BIOS and Windows updated to prevent future security issues.
• Document BIOS settings before making changes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is Setup Mode vs. User Mode in BIOS?
A1: Setup Mode allows configuration changes to Secure Boot. User Mode locks Secure Boot and prevents changes until proper keys are installed.

Q2: Can I enable Secure Boot on an MBR disk?
A2: No. Secure Boot requires a GPT disk with UEFI. MBR must be converted to GPT first.

Q3: Will enabling Secure Boot affect my current Windows installation?
A3: Only if the system is not UEFI or GPT. Otherwise, enabling Secure Boot improves security without affecting data.

Q4: Is Secure Boot mandatory for Windows 11?
A4: Yes. Windows 11 requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 for installation.

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Conclusion

The “System in Setup Mode: Secure Boot Can Be Enabled When System in User Mode” error occurs when Secure Boot cannot be activated due to BIOS configuration, legacy boot, or partition style issues.

Start by checking BIOS settings, switching to UEFI, enabling TPM, and clearing old keys. If needed, convert your disk to GPT or reinstall Windows in UEFI mode. Following these 10 step-by-step fixes will allow you to enable Secure Boot safely, ensuring better system security and compatibility with modern Windows features.