Skip to main content

Troubleshooting: "This PC can't run Windows 11" (Secure Boot Error)

Windows 11 installation requires that users enable Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Secure Boot before installing Windows 11.

note

This guide focuses specifically on Secure Boot-related causes and does not cover TPM 2.0 configuration.

warning

This was written in 2022. Instructions and information might be outdated.

Table of Contents​

1. Issue Description​

If you run into the error message "This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements." when trying to update or install Windows 11, this might be a Secure Boot issue.

The error can be due to a disabled BIOS setting or an outdated partition style (MBR) that prevents UEFI features from working, thus blocking Windows 11 from installing properly.

2. Diagnostics: Checking System State​

Before making changes, verify whether or not the issue is related to Secure Boot.

  1. Click on the Windows Start button.

  2. Type System Information on the search bar.

  3. Click System Information on the Best match menu.

  4. Click System Summary at the top left of the System Information window.

  5. Locate Secure Boot State on the Item column to the right.

  6. Locate BIOS Mode on the Item column to the right.

note

Logic Check:

  • If Secure Boot State is On and BIOS Mode is UEFI, the installation error is not related to Secure Boot. You should investigate TPM 2.0 or other hardware requirements.
  • If BIOS Mode is Legacy, follow the disk conversion steps before attempting to enable Secure Boot.
  • If Secure Boot State is Off and BIOS Mode is UEFI, follow the instructions below to enable it.

3. Root Cause: Legacy Partition Styles​

Before enabling Secure Boot, you need the correct partition style on your drive.

If your BIOS Mode is listed as Legacy, your disk is likely using the MBR (Master Boot Record) partition style.

Modern Secure Boot requires the GPT (GUID Partition Table) style. You must convert the disk before enabling Secure Boot in the BIOS.

4. MBR to GPT Partition Conversion​

If BIOS Mode is set to Legacy, you need to convert your drive from MBR to GPT.

Warning: Although the mbr2gpt tool is designed to preserve data, always backup your files before modifying partition structures.

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  3. After reboot, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

  4. Run the validation command: mbr2gpt /validate

  5. If the terminal returns Validation completed successfully, then run the conversion: mbr2gpt /convert

  6. Type exit and press Enter to restart the system.

5. Enabling Secure Boot in UEFI​

Once the current drive is set to GPT, you can proceed to enabling Secure Boot.

warning

Enabling Secure Boot requires accessing your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings. Any incorrect configuration in this environment can prevent your system from booting. Do not change any settings other than those strictly mentioned in this guide unless you are an experienced user.

  1. Click on Windows Start button.

  2. Click on Settings.

  3. Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.

  4. Click Advanced Startup under Restart now.

  5. Click on UEFI Firmware Settings.

  6. Select Restart.

Your system should restart and open the BIOS. Once inside the BIOS:

  1. Navigate to the Security or Boot tab.

  2. Navigate to the Secure Boot option and press Enter.

  3. Select Enabled and press Enter.

  4. Navigate to the Exit tab.

  5. Select Save Changes and Exit to reboot.

tip

You can also manually access the BIOS by pressing the BIOS key when booting up (e.g., Delete, Esc, F10, or F12). You can check your motherboard manual for the corresponding key if necessary.

6. Verification​

After the system reboots, repeat the diagnostic steps from 2. Diagnostics: Checking System State to check if the information now matches the requirements.

RequirementExpected Value
BIOS ModeUEFI
Secure Boot StateOn

If all values match the table, then the system is fully configured to support Windows 11 installation.