October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Redmond desk3 min

Fix “Windows Boot Manager Has Been Blocked by the Current Security Policy”

The Secure Boot policy message means UEFI rejected the selected Windows Boot Manager, but it does not reveal why. Check recent changes and your boot entry before using model-specific recovery steps.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

This message means your PC’s UEFI firmware rejected the selected Windows Boot Manager under its current Secure Boot policy. It does not, by itself, prove that Windows or the drive is damaged. Start by checking what changed and whether the firmware still sees the Windows drive and boot entry; then use the PC maker’s model-specific instructions before changing Secure Boot settings.

What the message means

Secure Boot runs in UEFI firmware before Windows starts. It checks signatures in the boot chain, including the Windows Boot Manager, against firmware databases of permitted and revoked signatures. A revoked signature takes precedence over an allowed entry. If the firmware does not accept the selected boot manager under that policy, it blocks it from running.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The wording does not identify the reason for rejection. A change to firmware settings, a mismatch between the firmware’s trust configuration and boot software, or another device-specific boot issue could be involved. The message alone does not establish that the boot files, disk, or Windows installation are corrupted.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What to check before changing firmware settings

  1. Note what changed. Record whether the problem began after a BIOS/UEFI update, a Secure Boot setting change, a Windows reinstall, or a change to the boot device. These details can help the manufacturer narrow down the cause.
  2. Check whether the drive and boot entry appear. In UEFI settings, look for the Windows drive and an entry named Windows Boot Manager. Firmware menus and labels vary by model. If either is missing, consult the PC maker’s support instructions rather than assuming Secure Boot is the only problem.
  3. Use the manufacturer’s directions to reach UEFI settings. Microsoft explains that Secure Boot is generally managed in BIOS/UEFI, and that menu names and access methods vary by manufacturer. On supported PCs, Windows Advanced startup may offer a route to UEFI Firmware Settings: Microsoft’s Secure Boot guidance.

Use Secure Boot changes as a diagnostic clue, not a blanket fix

If temporarily disabling Secure Boot lets the PC start, that suggests the rejection is related to the firmware’s Secure Boot policy, but it does not identify the underlying cause. Treat the test as temporary and follow the PC maker’s instructions to restore Secure Boot when appropriate. Microsoft warns that firmware changes can prevent a device from starting and recommends contacting the manufacturer if Secure Boot cannot be enabled or disabled as expected.

#1 Best Overall
64GB - 16-in-1, Bootable USB Drive 3.2 for Linux & Windows 11, Zorin | Mint | Kali | Ubuntu | Tails | Debian, Supported UEFI and Legacy
  • ✅For beginners, refer image-7, its a video boot instruction, and image-6 is "boot menu Hot Key list"
  • ✅16-IN-1, 64GB Bootable USB Drive 3.2 , Can Run Linux On USB Drive Without Install, All Latest versions.
  • ✅Including Windows 11 64Bit & Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)、Kali 2026.02、Ubuntu 26.04、Zorin Pro 18、Tails 7.8.1、Debian 13.5.0、Garuda 2026.03、Fedora Workstation 44、Manjaro 25.06、Pop!_OS 22.04、Solus 2026.04、Archcraft 26.05、Neon 2026.06、Fossapup 9.5、Sparkylinux 8.3, All ISO has been Tested
  • ✅Supported UEFI and Legacy, Compatibility any PC/Laptop, Any boot issue only needs to disable "Secure Boot"

Do not clear, replace, or restore Secure Boot keys as a generic repair. Some PCs may have an option to load built-in keys, but the available controls and risks differ by model. Microsoft also discusses resetting BIOS to factory settings in some circumstances; do not use that as a universal step, since a reset can change other firmware settings. Get model-specific guidance before proceeding.

When to contact the manufacturer

Contact the PC manufacturer or qualified support if the boot manager remains blocked, the firmware cannot see the drive or Windows Boot Manager, or you cannot safely restore Secure Boot. Provide the device model, the exact message, when it began, and any recent firmware or boot changes. Microsoft’s guidance also recommends manufacturer help when Secure Boot changes continue to fail.

Rank #2
CORRSQ 30-in-1 Bootable USB Drive
  • 1. COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 11, 10, 8.1 & 7 Designed for compatible 64-bit PCs and laptops that support USB booting. Works with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 installation and recovery options.
  • 2. INSTALL, REINSTALL & REPAIR Provides access to installation and recovery options for startup failures, boot errors, system crashes, failed updates, system repair and reinstallation. Results depend on the condition of the computer and the cause of the problem.
  • 3. READY-TO-USE BOOTABLE USB Reusable installation and recovery media that helps eliminate the need to download large system files or create bootable media yourself. Insert the USB drive, open the computer’s boot menu and select the appropriate installation or recovery option.
  • 4. HELP KEEP OLDER PCS USEFUL Refresh, reinstall or maintain a compatible older computer before deciding whether replacement is necessary. Suitable for home computers, office workstations, PC enthusiasts and technicians who regularly work with supported systems.
  • 5. IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY & LICENSE INFORMATION Supports compatible 64-bit computers with UEFI or Legacy BIOS USB booting. No Windows license, activation key or product key is included. Activation may require an existing digital license or a separately purchased valid product key. Back up important files before installation or repair.

How the June 2026 certificate date fits in

Microsoft says Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011 begin expiring in June 2026. Devices that have not received the relevant updates may still start and receive ordinary Windows updates, but may not receive future Secure Boot protections for early-boot components. That transition is useful background, not evidence that certificate expiration caused a particular PC to display this message: Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificate information.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why online recovery instructions may not apply to your PC

A Microsoft Q&A user described one Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3-15IMH05 (Type 81Y4) case in which restoring factory keys and other attempts did not resolve the issue; the user reported success booting SecureBootRecovery.efi from a FAT32 USB drive. This is one user’s account, not official general guidance. It does not establish that the file or procedure is suitable for other models, so follow your manufacturer’s recovery instructions instead: Microsoft Q&A.

Best Value
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Flair, USB-A Flash Drive, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds
  • High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
  • Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
  • Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
  • Sleek, durable metal casing
  • Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Rank #4
32GB Bootable USB Drive 3.0 for Latest Windows 11 pro/Home,Widows10 pro/Home USB Installer Dollar,Multi-Language,UEFI and Legacy,System Install,Password Reset,Data Recovery.Fix Desktop & Laptop.
  • ✅Important Note 1: This not an automatic repair tool. Follow the instructions in Figures 3 and 4 to set up booting from USB drive to enter USB PE system, Supported UEFI and Legacy.System files for Installation Only, No License.
  • ✅Important Note 2: None of the functions require booting into a regular Windows system. It is recommended not to plug it into a normal system as an ordinary USB flash drive, since some tools may be falsely detected as viruses by antivirus software.Remove the USB drive after system repair/Installation is completed.
  • ✅Backup important data by this USB PE system before installing Windows, The data that needs to be backed up is usually located on the desktop of the system's "C:" drive.
  • ✅Bootable USB 3.0 for Installing Windows 11/10/ (64Bit Pro/Home/Education ), Latest Version, Multilingual package support(For specific operation instructions, please refer to the manual.),No TPM Required.Key not included.
  • ✅Windows Password Reset : If BitLocker is enabled on the hard drive, you must disable BitLocker before resetting the Windows password.
Rank #3
64GB Bootable USB Installer for Windows 11, 10 & 7 Home/Pro with WinPE Repair Tools
  • [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
  • [WinPE Repair & Recovery Tools] — Boot into the included WinPE utility suite to backup system and important files, troubleshoot startup problems, repair boot issues, recover data, recover Win User accounts password, and diagnose common PC problems.
  • [All-in-One PC Rescue USB] — Combines Win 11, 10, and 7 installation media with PC repair, recovery, and diagnostic tools on one bootable 64GB USB drive, helping you troubleshoot and restore a computer without needing multiple discs or downloads.
  • [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
  • [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.