Windows update and driver installation fails after enabling Secure Boot

Understanding and Resolving Windows Update and Driver Installation Failures Post-Secure Boot Activation

Encountering persistent issues with Windows updates and driver installations can be a frustrating experience, especially after enabling features like Secure Boot. If you’ve recently enabled Secure Boot on your system and subsequently faced failures in updating Windows or installing device drivers, you’re not alone. This article discusses common problems, diagnostic steps, and potential solutions to help you restore your system’s stability.

Background

Secure Boot is a security feature that ensures your device boots using only trusted software. While it enhances security, enabling Secure Boot can sometimes interfere with system updates and driver installations, especially if certain drivers or system files are not compatible or properly signed.

Case Study: Troubleshooting a Post-Secure Boot Update Failure

Hardware Configuration

Processor: Intel Core i7-10700K
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition
Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-E (BIOS updated to latest version)
Memory: 2x16GB Corsair DDR4-3200
Storage Devices: Samsung 970 EVO+ 1TB (x2), Samsung 870 QVO 2TB
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (Build 26100)

Symptoms

Windows updates fail with error code 0x800703F1.
Inability to install new GPU drivers, even when downloading directly from vendor websites.
System errors indicating corrupt or missing system files.
Failure of various troubleshooting steps, including command-line utilities and manual reinstallation methods.

Troubleshooting Steps Undertaken

Clearing Windows Update Cache:
Deleted contents within the \\SoftwareDistribution\\Download folder to refresh update components.
System File Check and DISM:
Ran sfc /scannow and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth).
Outcome: SFC detected unfixable corrupted system files.
ISO Mounting and Offline Repair Attempts:
Tried mounting a Windows 11 ISO to run offline DISM repairs; failed to mount the image properly.
External Boot and Setup Reinstallation:
Created bootable Windows 11 media; attempted repair via setup.exe, which failed at approximately 60%.
BIOS Update and Troubleshooters:
Ensured BIOS was updated; ran