Hardware⏱️ 2 min read📅 2026-05-30

How to Fix: How to fix Secure Boot error "Image failed to verify with *ACCESS DENIED*"(possible firmware rootkit)

Lenovo ThinkPad W541 Secure Boot error fix

Quick Answer: Try booting into UEFI firmware settings, disable Secure Boot and set the USB device as the first boot device. Then, enable Secure Boot again and try booting from the USB device.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 💡 Conclusion

When attempting to boot a live OS via USB or CD, you receive the secure boot error: "Image failed to verify with ACCESS DENIED". With Secure Boot enabled and no SSD/HDD installed, disabling it may allow malware to run. However, your firmware might be infected, preventing live OS' from booting. The Lenovo ThinkPad W541 device is affected.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Malware infection in firmware

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Method 1: Boot in UEFI Mode

  1. Step 1: Restart the ThinkPad W541 and immediately press the F2 key to enter the UEFI settings.

Method 2: Use a Bootable USB Drive with UEFI Firmware

  1. Step 1: Create a bootable USB drive using a live OS that supports UEFI firmware, such as Ubuntu.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps, you can resolve the Secure Boot error and boot a live OS on your Lenovo ThinkPad W541 device.

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