Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Windows 8 to 8.1 Pro Upgrade SecureBoot Error

Windows SecureBoot issue fix for Windows 8 to 8.1 Pro upgrade

Quick Answer: Check if the UEFI firmware is updated and ensure that the Secure Boot option is enabled in the BIOS settings.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The 'SecureBoot isn't configured correctly' error message can be frustrating when it appears on your Windows 8.1 Pro desktop, especially after upgrading from Windows 8. This issue affects users who have upgraded their system to Windows 8.1 and are using a UEFI-based BIOS.

It's particularly annoying because the watermark persists even though you've verified that SecureBoot is disabled in both UEFI mode and Legacy Boot mode. In this guide, we'll explore possible reasons for this error and provide two methods to resolve it without resorting to hacking system DLLs.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that Windows 8.1 Pro requires SecureBoot to be enabled in order to function properly. When you upgraded from Windows 8, the system attempted to boot into UEFI mode, which relies on SecureBoot. However, since SecureBoot was disabled in your BIOS settings, Windows 8.1 Pro couldn't determine whether it's running in a secure environment or not.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be that there are issues with your UEFI firmware or the boot process itself. In some cases, the UEFI firmware may not be properly configured or updated, leading to the SecureBoot error message.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Enable SecureBoot through UEFI Firmware

  1. Step 1: Press the key specified in your UEFI settings (usually F2, F12, or Del) during boot-up to access the UEFI firmware. Navigate to the 'Advanced' tab and look for the 'Secure Boot' option.
  2. Step 2: Select 'Enabled' from the Secure Boot dropdown menu and save the changes. Then, restart your computer to apply the new settings.
  3. Step 3: Once you've enabled SecureBoot in the UEFI firmware, Windows 8.1 Pro should be able to boot properly without displaying the watermark.

Disable SecureBoot through BIOS Settings

  1. Step 1: Restart your computer and press the key specified in your BIOS settings (usually F2, F12, or Del) during boot-up to access the BIOS setup utility.
  2. Step 2: Navigate to the 'Advanced' tab and look for the 'Secure Boot' option. Select 'Disabled' from the Secure Boot dropdown menu and save the changes. Then, restart your computer to apply the new settings.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the 'SecureBoot isn't configured correctly' error message on your Windows 8.1 Pro desktop, you can try enabling SecureBoot through the UEFI firmware or disabling it through BIOS settings. If you're unable to access the UEFI firmware or BIOS settings, you may want to consider seeking further assistance from a qualified IT professional.

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