Secure Boot is an important security feature built into modern computers. It helps protect your system from harmful software by making sure only trusted programs load when your computer starts. Many people see the message Secure Boot can be enabled when system is in User Mode while checking BIOS settings or when trying to turn on Secure Boot. This message can be confusing if you don’t know what User Mode or Setup Mode means.
In this detailed guide, I will explain everything in simple words. You will learn what Secure Boot is, why this message appears, how to fix it, and how to enable Secure Boot safely without breaking your system.
What Is Secure Boot
Secure Boot is a security feature designed to protect your PC during startup. When your computer turns on, many small files load before Windows starts. Hackers sometimes create harmful programs that hide in this stage. Secure Boot blocks these threats by allowing only trusted software to run.
This protects your system from
– Rootkits
– Boot-level malware
– Unauthorized operating systems
– Tampered startup files
Instead of checking programs after Windows starts, Secure Boot protects your PC from the very beginning. That is why many security tools recommend enabling it.
Understanding User Mode and Setup Mode
Your system has two main modes when it comes to Secure Boot
1. User Mode
This is the normal working mode. It means the PC already has Secure Boot keys installed. But Secure Boot itself may still be disabled.
In User Mode, you can turn on Secure Boot anytime.
2. Setup Mode
This mode is used when the system does not have Secure Boot keys or the keys are reset. It means Secure Boot is not ready to run because the system is still waiting for new security keys.
When your system is in Setup Mode, Secure Boot cannot be enabled until the keys are installed.
Why You See “Secure Boot Can Be Enabled When System Is in User Mode”
This message appears because your BIOS is already in User Mode, but Secure Boot is disabled.
It is basically a reminder telling you that Secure Boot is available, but you must enable it manually.
- In short, the message means
- Your PC supports Secure Boot
- You are in the correct mode
- You only need to switch Secure Boot from Disabled to Enabled
This message is normal and does not indicate any problem.
Common Reasons Secure Boot Is Not Enabled
There are a few reasons why Secure Boot remains off even if the system is in User Mode.
1. You installed Windows in Legacy Mode
If your system is using Legacy BIOS instead of UEFI, Secure Boot cannot run.
2. Your disk is MBR instead of GPT
Secure Boot requires the hard drive to use GPT partition style.
3. You changed hardware recently
Sometimes new graphics cards or motherboard changes disable Secure Boot.
4. Boot keys were cleared in BIOS
If keys are deleted, Secure Boot stays disabled until they are restored.
5. You installed another OS
Linux or older Windows versions may not support Secure Boot.
How to Check if You Are in User Mode
Follow these steps
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Restart your PC
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Enter BIOS using F2, F10, F12 or Delete
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Go to Security or Boot tab
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Find Secure Boot options
You will see something like
Secure Boot Mode – User Mode
Secure Boot State – Disabled
This confirms your PC is ready for Secure Boot.
How to Enable Secure Boot Step by Step
If your system shows secure boot can be enabled when system in user mode, it means your PC is ready for Secure Boot, and you only need to turn it on. Below is the safest and simplest method to enable Secure Boot without creating errors.
Step 1 Make sure your system is using UEFI
Before enabling Secure Boot, confirm your computer is running in UEFI mode.
What you will see
-
If it says UEFI, you can enable Secure Boot
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If it says Legacy, Secure Boot will not work until you convert the disk
Why this step matters
Secure Boot is supported only on UEFI systems. Legacy mode cannot run it.
Step 2 Convert MBR to GPT if needed
If your BIOS mode is Legacy, your disk is most likely MBR. Convert it safely.
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator
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Type this command exactly
mbr2gpt convert allowfullos
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Press Enter and wait for the conversion
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Restart your computer after it finishes
Why this step matters
GPT is required to use UEFI and Secure Boot. The above tool converts your disk without deleting files.
Step 3 Enter BIOS settings
Now that your system is ready, access the BIOS to enable Secure Boot.
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Restart your computer
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During startup, press the BIOS key shown on your screen
Common keys include F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc
Why this step matters
Secure Boot can only be turned on from BIOS, not from Windows.
Step 4 Find the Secure Boot option
Inside the BIOS, look for the Secure Boot setting.
You will usually find it under
-
Boot
-
Security
-
Authentication
Why this step matters
Different laptop brands place the option in different menus, so you may need to explore.
Step 5 Set Secure Boot to Enabled
Once you find the Secure Boot setting, turn it on.
If the option is greyed out
Why this step matters
Your system already shows secure boot can be enabled when system in user mode, so once enabled, it will work normally.
Step 6 Save changes and restart your PC
This final step activates Secure Boot.
After restart
Why this step matters
Without saving, the changes will not apply.
What If Your PC Shows Secure Boot Greyed Out
If the Secure Boot option is greyed out, it means your system is blocking the change. Below are the most common fixes to unlock it safely.
1 Disable CSM or Legacy Boot
Many computers lock Secure Boot when CSM is active.
Why this works
CSM allows older boot methods that are not compatible with Secure Boot. Turning it off unlocks the option.
2 Restore Factory Keys
If the Secure Boot keys are missing, the option becomes locked. Restoring them fixes this.
Why this works
Secure Boot needs trusted keys to run. Restoring factory keys puts your device back in User Mode so Secure Boot can be enabled.
3 Update your BIOS firmware
Some older BIOS versions do not fully support Secure Boot or have bugs that disable the option.
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Visit your laptop or motherboard brand website
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Download the latest BIOS update
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Install it carefully following the manufacturer instructions
Why this works
Updating BIOS adds modern UEFI features, fixes compatibility issues, and often unlocks the Secure Boot option.
Benefits of Enabling Secure Boot
Turning on Secure Boot gives you strong security benefits.
1. Protection before Windows loads
Malware cannot run at startup.
2. Stops unauthorized operating systems
Nobody can run a modified OS on your PC.
3. Required for modern features
Certain Windows features and games require Secure Boot.
4. Better overall system safety
Reduces hacking risk for everyday users.
Is Secure Boot Necessary
Many people ask if Secure Boot is really needed.
The answer depends on how you use your PC.
- You should enable Secure Boot if
You use your PC for banking or work
You want maximum security
You install updates regularly
You play modern games that require it
- You may not need it if
You run multiple operating systems
You install custom drivers or software
You use older hardware
But for most Windows users, Secure Boot is a strong layer of protection and worth enabling.
Why Your System Shows the Message Again
You might see secure boot can be enabled when system in user mode multiple times if you keep Secure Boot disabled. This message is normal and simply reminds you that your PC supports Secure Boot but you have not enabled it yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does “secure boot can be enabled when system in user mode” mean?
This message means your computer supports Secure Boot and is currently in User Mode, which already has valid Secure Boot keys installed. You simply need to go into BIOS and turn Secure Boot on.
2. Why is Secure Boot still disabled even though I’m in User Mode?
Even when you see secure boot can be enabled when system in user mode, Secure Boot stays off until you manually enable it. Your PC is ready, but you must switch it from Disabled to Enabled in BIOS settings.
3. Does Secure Boot slow down my computer?
No. Secure Boot does not affect performance. It only checks startup files, which happens very quickly.
4. Will enabling Secure Boot delete any data or apps?
No. Enabling Secure Boot does not delete files, programs, or settings. It only adds protection to your startup process.
Final Thoughts
The message Secure Boot can be enabled when system is in User Mode is simply a confirmation that your system supports Secure Boot and you can turn it on safely. Enabling Secure Boot improves your PCs protection against malware right from startup. With the steps explained above, you can enable it easily without any technical confusion.
