Secured Boot Enabled, Computer goes into Recovery Mode on Boot.

Understanding Secure Boot Activation and Recovery Mode Issues on the EVGA Z370 FTW Motherboard

Introduction

Secure Boot is a vital feature designed to ensure the integrity of your system during startup by only allowing trusted software to load. While enabling Secure Boot can enhance security, it can sometimes lead to unforeseen boot issues, such as the system entering recovery mode immediately after enabling the feature. This guide explores common causes of this problem and provides troubleshooting steps tailored for users with the EVGA Z370 FTW motherboard and Windows 11.

Scenario Overview

Consider a user who has a well-configured system with the following specifications:

• Motherboard: EVGA Z370 FTW
• CPU: Intel Core i7-8700
• GPU: EVGA RTX 3080 Ti
• Operating System: Windows 11
• Storage: GPT-partitioned NVMe SSD
• UEFI Firmware: Enabled
• Compatibility Support Module (CSM): Disabled
• TPM: Enabled and verified
• BIOS Version: Up to date

Despite these configurations, enabling Secure Boot results in the system entering recovery mode instead of booting into Windows normally. The user can revert to non-secure boot mode to access Windows, but the problem persists when Secure Boot is activated.

Possible Causes

1. Compatibility Issues with Hardware or Drivers:
   Secure Boot can conflict with certain hardware components, especially if their drivers or firmware are not compatible with secure boot policies.

2. Bootloader or Operating System Configuration:
   UEFI boot entries and the Trusted Boot configuration might be misaligned, especially if the OS was installed without Secure Boot considerations.

3. Secure Boot Key and Policy Settings:
   Failure to provision or reset keys correctly can lead to boot failures. Resetting factory keys or provisioning custom keys improperly can cause integrity check failures.

4. Firmware Settings or Firmware Bugs:
   Sometimes, a BIOS/UEFI firmware bug may prevent successful Secure Boot activation.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Verify Boot Mode and Firmware Settings
2. Confirm UEFI Mode is Enabled and CSM is Disabled.
3. Ensure the Storage is GPT, which is compatible with Secure Boot.

4. Reset Secure Boot keys: Use the BIOS option to “Reset to Factory Keys” or “Restore Defaults” related to Secure Boot.

5. Check and Update Firmware and Drivers

6. Keep your BIOS up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve Secure Boot compatibility.
7. Update NVMe drivers and any related storage or chipset drivers within Windows.