Computer is showing no display after secure boot enabled

Resolving No Display Issue After Enabling Secure Boot on Windows 10 PCs

Introduction

Secure Boot is a vital security feature available in modern UEFI BIOS firmware that ensures your device boots using only trusted software. While enabling Secure Boot enhances security, improper configuration or certain hardware/software compatibility issues can lead to boot problems, such as a black screen during startup. This article provides a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting and resolving display issues that occur after enabling Secure Boot on a Windows 10 system.

Understanding the Problem

Many users have reported encountering a black screen immediately after enabling Secure Boot in the BIOS settings. Typically, the system begins to boot, shows the Windows loading screen briefly, and then transitions to a black display. This issue can arise due to several reasons, including BIOS misconfiguration, hardware incompatibilities, or corrupted boot settings.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

Verify BIOS Settings
Disable Secure Boot: Re-enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings and disable Secure Boot to check if the system resumes normal display.
Reset BIOS to Default: Resetting BIOS settings to factory defaults can resolve misconfigurations. This usually involves selecting the “Load Defaults” option within the BIOS menu.
Reset CMOS
Hardware Reset: Removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes can reset BIOS settings. Ensure your system is powered off and unplugged before removing the battery. After reinserting the CMOS battery, attempt to boot again.
Reset via Jumper: Some motherboards have a clear CMOS jumper. Consult your motherboard manual for instructions.
Check Hardware Components
Remove Non-essential Hardware: Disconnect any peripherals or expansion cards (like GPU) that aren’t necessary for booting. Attempt to boot with minimal hardware to identify potential conflicts.
Re-seat Components: Ensure that RAM modules, GPU, and other hardware are properly seated.
Use Safe Mode or Recovery Options
Boot into Safe Mode: If the display is working intermittently, try booting into Safe Mode to troubleshoot driver issues.
Windows Recovery: Boot from a Windows 10 installation media and select “Repair your computer” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair.”
Verify Driver and Compatibility Issues
GPU Compatibility: Certain graphics cards may have issues when Secure Boot is enabled. Check manufacturer documentation for compatibility notes.
Update BIOS Firmware: Ensure your motherboard BIOS is up to date to support Secure Boot properly.