Enable Secure Boot for ASRock Motherboard: A Fix October 2025

Does your computer feel vulnerable to malware attacks? You’re not alone. Every day, thousands of users face security threats that target their computers during startup. Secure Boot for ASRock motherboard is your essential defense against these dangers.

This security feature acts like a bouncer at a club, checking that only trusted software can start when you turn on your PC. In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to enable Secure Boot on your ASRock motherboard, fix common problems like “Secure Boot can be enabled when system in User Mode,” and understand why this feature is crucial for Windows 11 compatibility and overall system security.

What Is Secure Boot and Why Your ASRock Motherboard Needs It?

Secure Boot is a security feature built into modern ASRock motherboards. Think of it as a security guard for your computer. When you turn on your PC, Secure Boot checks that only trusted software can start running.

It’s part of something called UEFI (the modern version of BIOS) that protects your computer from bad software trying to take control during startup.

The main benefits of enabling Secure Boot on your ASRock motherboard include:

• Better protection against malware: Malicious software can’t load during startup
• Windows 11 compatibility: Secure Boot is required for Windows 11 installation
• System stability: Only verified software runs during boot process
• Peace of mind: Your computer is more secure from the moment you turn it on

Secure Boot works differently from the old Legacy BIOS system. While Legacy BIOS would start any software you told it to, Secure Boot only starts software that has a proper digital signature.

This means viruses and malware can’t sneak in during the boot process. For secure boot for asrock motherboard users, this protection is essential in today’s world of sophisticated cyber threats.

How to Check Secure Boot Status on Your ASRock System?

Before you make any changes, it’s important to check whether Secure Boot is currently enabled or disabled on your system. There are two easy ways to do this.

Method 1: Using System Information in Windows

1. Click the Start button and type “System Information”
2. Open the System Information app
3. Scroll down to the “Secure Boot State” section
4. You’ll see one of these messages:
   • “On” – Secure Boot is enabled and working
   • “Off” – Secure Boot is disabled but the system supports it
   • “Unsupported” – Your system doesn’t support Secure Boot

Method 2: Checking Directly in ASRock UEFI BIOS

1. Restart your computer
2. Press F2 or Delete repeatedly when the ASRock logo appears
3. In the BIOS, look for the “Security” or “Boot” tab
4. Find the “Secure Boot” option to see its current status

If you see “asrock secure boot not active” in either location, it means Secure Boot is enabled in BIOS but not working properly. This usually happens when the system is in Setup Mode instead of User Mode, which we’ll fix later in this guide.

Step-by-Step Guide: Turn On Secure Boot ASRock

Enabling Secure Boot on your ASRock motherboard is straightforward when you follow these steps. This process works for most modern ASRock motherboards, including the latest models.

Step 1: Enter ASRock BIOS

1. Completely shut down your computer
2. Press the power button to turn it on
3. Immediately start pressing F2 repeatedly
4. Keep pressing until the BIOS screen appears
5. If F2 doesn’t work, try the Delete key instead

This is the first step to turn on secure boot asrock. If you’re having trouble getting into BIOS, you might need to disable Fast Boot first or use the Windows Advanced Startup method.

Step 2: Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module)

Secure Boot requires UEFI mode to work properly. The Compatibility Support Module (CSM) allows older Legacy BIOS devices to work, but it conflicts with Secure Boot.

1. In the BIOS, go to the “Boot” tab
2. Find “CSM” or “Compatibility Support Module”
3. Set it to “Disabled”
4. Save changes and restart your computer
5. Enter BIOS again using F2 or Delete

Step 3: Navigate to Security Settings

1. Go to the “Security” tab in BIOS
2. Look for “Secure Boot” or “Secure Boot Control”
3. If you don’t see it, check under “Advanced” or “Boot” tabs
4. Different ASRock models may place this option in slightly different locations

Step 4: Enable Secure Boot Option

1. Set “Secure Boot” to “Enabled”
2. If prompted about installing default keys, select “Yes”
3. If the option is greyed out, you may need to enroll Platform Keys first
4. This is the core step for asrock uefi enable secure boot

Step 5: Save and Exit

1. Press F10 to save changes and exit
2. Confirm when prompted
3. Your computer will restart with Secure Boot enabled

Congratulations! You’ve successfully enabled Secure Boot on your ASRock motherboard. Your system is now more secure against boot-level malware attacks.

Understanding ASRock Secure Boot User Mode vs Setup Mode

Many ASRock users get confused when they see messages about User Mode and Setup Mode. Understanding these modes is key to solving Secure Boot problems.

What is User Mode?

User Mode is the normal operating state for Secure Boot. When your system is in User Mode:

• Secure Boot can be enabled and disabled
• The Platform Key is installed
• Your system trusts the operating system
• Everything works as expected

What is Setup Mode?

Setup Mode is like a preparation state. When your system is in Setup Mode:

• Secure Boot cannot be enabled
• No Platform Key is installed
• The system is waiting for configuration
• You’ll see error messages

How to Switch from Setup Mode to User Mode?

If you see the message “Secure Boot can be enabled when system in User Mode,” follow these steps:

1. Enter BIOS using F2 or Delete
2. Go to “Security” > “Secure Boot”
3. Select “Key Management” or “Platform Key”
4. Choose “Install Default Secure Boot Keys”
5. Confirm when prompted
6. Your system will automatically switch to User Mode

This process is essential for asrock secure boot user mode configuration. Once in User Mode, you can enable Secure Boot without seeing error messages.

ASRock Secure Boot Platform Key: The Complete Guide

The Platform Key (PK) is one of the most important parts of Secure Boot, yet many users don’t understand what it is or why it matters.

What is a Platform Key (PK)?

The Platform Key is like a master password for your system’s security. It’s a special digital signature stored in your BIOS that helps your system verify the authenticity of the operating system during boot. When you enroll a Platform Key:

• Your system enters User Mode
• Secure Boot becomes available
• Unauthorized bootloaders are blocked

How to Enroll Default Platform Keys on ASRock?

1. Enter BIOS using F2 or Delete
2. Navigate to “Security” > “Secure Boot”
3. Select “Key Management” or “Platform Key”
4. Choose “Enroll All Factory Default Keys”
5. Confirm when prompted
6. Save changes and exit

This process solves most asrock secure boot platform key issues. The default keys are provided by Microsoft and work with Windows and most Linux distributions.

What to Do When Platform Key Options Are Greyed Out?

If you can’t access the Platform Key options, try these steps:

1. Set “Secure Boot Mode” to “Custom” first
2. Then try accessing “Key Management” again
3. If still greyed out, check if CSM is disabled
4. Some older ASRock models may have limited Platform Key support

ASRock Motherboard TPM Enable: Working with Secure Boot

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot work together to provide complete system security. Many users confuse these features, but they serve different purposes.

What is TPM and How It Relates to Secure Boot

TPM is a security chip on your motherboard that stores encryption keys and helps protect your system. While Secure Boot checks software during startup, TPM provides ongoing security during operation. For Windows 11, you need both features enabled.

How to Enable TPM on ASRock AMD Motherboards?

1. Enter BIOS using F2 or Delete
2. Go to “Advanced” > “CPU Configuration”
3. Look for “AMD fTPM Switch”
4. Set it to “AMD CPU fTPM”
5. Save changes and restart
6. Enter BIOS again
7. Go to “Advanced” > “Trusted Computing”
8. Set “Security Device Support” to “Enable”
9. Save and exit

This asrock motherboard tpm enable process is essential for Windows 11 compatibility on AMD systems.

How to Enable TPM on ASRock Intel Motherboards?

1. Enter BIOS using F2 or Delete
2. Go to “Advanced” > “CPU Configuration”
3. Select “Security”
4. Click on “Intel Platform Trust Technology”
5. Set it to “Enable”
6. Save changes and exit

Windows 11 Requirements: Both TPM and Secure Boot

Windows 11 requires both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled. If you’re planning to upgrade to Windows 11, make sure both features are properly configured on your ASRock motherboard.

Common Problems: ASRock Can’t Enable Secure Boot

Many ASRock users face issues when trying to enable Secure Boot. Here are the most common problems and their solutions.

Problem 1: Secure Boot Option is Greyed Out

If the Secure Boot option is greyed out in your BIOS:

1. First, disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
2. Make sure your system is in UEFI mode, not Legacy
3. Check if your Windows installation is UEFI-based
4. Update your BIOS to the latest version
5. Some very old ASRock models may not support Secure Boot

Problem 2: “Secure Boot Can Be Enabled When System in User Mode” Error

This is the most common issue ASRock users face:

1. Go to “Advanced” > “Security”
2. Set “Secure Boot” to “Enabled”
3. Under “Key Management,” select “Install Default Keys”
4. After installing keys, Secure Boot will be available
5. This directly addresses the asrock can’t enable secure boot problem

Problem 3: System Boots to UEFI Instead of OS

If your system keeps booting to UEFI after enabling Secure Boot:

1. Check your boot order in BIOS
2. Make sure your Windows Boot Manager is first
3. Try disabling Fast Boot temporarily
4. Reinstall Windows in UEFI mode if necessary

Problem 4: Secure Boot Enabled But Not Active

If you see “asrock secure boot not active” in System Information:

1. Enter BIOS and verify Secure Boot is enabled
2. Check that Platform Keys are installed
3. Ensure CSM is disabled
4. Try resetting BIOS to default settings
5. Re-enable Secure Boot step by step

Secure Boot for ASRock Motherboard

Here’s a quick reference for the most important Secure Boot tasks on ASRock motherboards:

Key Steps to Enable Secure Boot:

1. Enter BIOS with F2 or Delete key
2. Disable CSM under Boot tab
3. Go to Security > Secure Boot
4. Install default Platform Keys
5. Enable Secure Boot
6. Save and exit

ASRock Secure Boot Status Meanings:

Status	What It Means	Action Needed
On	Secure Boot is working	No action needed
Off	Secure Boot is disabled	Enable in BIOS
Not Active	Enabled but not working	Check Platform Keys
Unsupported	System doesn’t support it	Upgrade hardware

Common Error Messages and Solutions:

Error Message	Cause	Solution
“Can be enabled when system in User Mode”	No Platform Key	Install default keys
“Option greyed out”	CSM enabled or Legacy mode	Disable CSM, check UEFI mode
“Boots to UEFI”	Wrong boot order	Check boot priority settings

Pro Tips for ASRock Secure Boot Success

Follow these pro tips to avoid common problems and ensure Secure Boot works perfectly on your ASRock motherboard.

Tip 1: Always Update BIOS Before Enabling Secure Boot

Before you enable Secure Boot, check for BIOS updates on the ASRock website. Newer BIOS versions often fix Secure Boot bugs and improve compatibility. To update:

1. Visit ASRock’s support page
2. Download the latest BIOS for your model
3. Use the BIOS flash utility to update
4. Restart and enter BIOS setup

Tip 2: Backup Your BIOS Settings Before Making Changes

Making BIOS changes can sometimes cause problems. Backup your current settings first:

1. Enter BIOS setup
2. Go to “Exit” tab
3. Select “Save Profiles” or “Save User Settings”
4. Save to a USB drive
5. If something goes wrong, you can restore these settings

Tip 3: Use Default Keys Unless You Have Specific Needs

Most users should use the default Secure Boot keys provided by Microsoft. Only custom key installation if:

• You’re running a custom Linux distribution
• You have specific security requirements
• You’re an advanced user who understands the risks

Tip 4: Test Boot After Each Major Change

Don’t make all your changes at once. Follow this sequence:

1. Disable CSM and test boot
2. Install Platform Keys and test boot
3. Enable Secure Boot and test boot
4. Enable TPM and test boot

This approach helps you identify which change caused a problem if something goes wrong.

Real-World Example: Mark, a college student, wanted to install Windows 11 on his ASRock B550 motherboard. He kept getting errors until he followed these steps exactly.

By updating his BIOS first, then disabling CSM, installing default keys, and finally enabling Secure Boot, he successfully installed Windows 11 and now enjoys better security and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Secure Boot for ASRock motherboard is an essential security feature that protects your computer from malware attacks during startup. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned how to enable Secure Boot, understand User Mode vs Setup Mode, enroll Platform Keys, enable TPM, and troubleshoot common issues. By following these steps, you’ve made your computer significantly more secure against modern cyber threats.

Remember that Secure Boot works best when combined with other security practices like keeping your system updated, using antivirus software, and practicing safe browsing habits. Whether you’re installing Windows 11, protecting sensitive data, or just want peace of mind, properly configured Secure Boot is your first line of defense.

Take a few minutes right now to check your Secure Boot status using System Information in Windows. If it’s not enabled, follow the steps in this guide to turn it on. Your future self will thank you for the added security and protection you’ve provided for your ASRock system.