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Fix Secure Boot that blocks a driver

We'll confirm the driver is blocked, disable Secure Boot temporarily to install, or use signed drivers—or tell you when to call support.

Troubleshooting · Devices & software
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Admin access to the PC
  • Driver from the manufacturer (if available)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the driver is blocked by Secure Boot, then disable it temporarily or use a signed driver.

Check Secure Boot

Goal: Confirm Secure Boot status in UEFI firmware.

  • Restart the PC and press the firmware key (F2, Del, Esc, or F12—check your PC manual).
  • Go to Security or Boot. Find Secure Boot.
  • Good: Secure Boot is Enabled—unsigned drivers are blocked. Proceed to Disable Secure Boot.
  • Bad: Secure Boot is already Disabled—it is not the blocker. Check driver signature or try a signed driver.

Disable Secure Boot

Goal: Disable Secure Boot temporarily to install the unsigned driver.

  • In UEFI, set Secure Boot to Disabled. Save and exit.
  • Boot into Windows. Install the driver.
  • Restart and re-enable Secure Boot if your PC or organization requires it.
  • Good: The driver installs and the device works. Re-enable Secure Boot.
  • Bad: The driver still fails—check driver signature or call support.

Use signed driver

Goal: Use a Microsoft or manufacturer-signed driver so Secure Boot can stay on.

  • Open Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, Optional updates. Install any driver for the device.
  • Or download the driver from the PC or device manufacturer for your exact Windows version.
  • Good: A signed driver installs. Secure Boot stays on.
  • Bad: No signed driver exists—you may need to keep Secure Boot off or replace the device.

When to get help

Contact the PC manufacturer or IT if:

  • The PC will not boot and you cannot enter Safe Mode or UEFI.
  • The driver still fails with Secure Boot off.
  • Your organization requires Secure Boot and no signed driver exists.

Verification

  • The driver loads and the device works in Device Manager.
  • Secure Boot is re-enabled if required.
  • No blue screen or boot failure after the fix.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the driver fails or causes boot failure.
  2. Disable Secure Boot Enter UEFI, disable Secure Boot, install driver.
  3. Use signed driver Get driver from Windows Update or manufacturer.
  4. Roll back Safe Mode, roll back or uninstall the driver.
  5. Call support PC will not boot or no signed driver exists.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • PC model and Windows version
  • Secure Boot status in UEFI
  • Driver name and source
  • Error message or blue screen code

Does the driver fail to load or cause a boot failure?

Check Device Manager for yellow warnings, or note if the PC blue-screens after a driver install.

Check Device Manager for the device. If it has a yellow warning, or the PC blue-screens or hangs at boot right after installing a driver, Secure Boot may be blocking it. Good: driver fails or boot fails after install. Bad: different symptom—see driver install or boot guides.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is Secure Boot enabled in UEFI?

Enter UEFI at boot (F2, Del, Esc). Check Security or Boot for Secure Boot.

Restart, press the firmware key. Go to Security or Boot. Find Secure Boot. Enabled: unsigned drivers are blocked—disable temporarily to install. Disabled: Secure Boot is not the blocker—check driver signature or other causes.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Disable Secure Boot and install the driver

In UEFI, set Secure Boot to Disabled. Save and exit. Boot, install the driver. Re-enable Secure Boot afterward if required. If the driver installs, Secure Boot was the blocker.

Done

Try a Microsoft or manufacturer-signed driver

Check Windows Update, Optional updates for the driver. Or get the driver from the PC or device manufacturer for your Windows version. Signed drivers load with Secure Boot on.

Done

Call support

Contact the PC manufacturer or IT if the PC will not boot, you cannot enter UEFI, or the driver still fails with Secure Boot off.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Secure Boot block a driver?
Secure Boot only loads drivers signed by Microsoft or trusted publishers. Old hardware, custom drivers, or drivers from unknown publishers fail the signature check. Disabling Secure Boot lets unsigned drivers load, but re-enable it afterward for security.
Can I fix Secure Boot blocking a driver myself?
Yes. Enter UEFI firmware (often F2, Del, or Esc at boot), find Secure Boot, disable it temporarily, install the driver, then re-enable. Use Microsoft-signed drivers when available.
When should I call support for Secure Boot and drivers?
If the PC will not boot after changes, you cannot enter UEFI, or the driver still fails with Secure Boot off. Provide PC model, Windows version, and the driver or error message.

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