Fix Security Error Secure Boot Version Check Failed Error

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If you're encountering the frustrating "Security Error: Secure Boot Version Check Failed" message when attempting to boot your Windows setup from a USB flash drive, you're not alone. This error often arises from the interaction between your system's Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware and the Secure Boot feature, designed to enhance system security by ensuring that only trusted software can boot during startup. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of this error, exploring its underlying causes, and providing step-by-step solutions to overcome this hurdle and successfully install Windows.

Decoding the Secure Boot Mechanism and the Error

To effectively address this error, it's essential to grasp the fundamental principles of Secure Boot. Secure Boot is a security protocol embedded within the UEFI firmware, acting as a gatekeeper for the boot process. It meticulously verifies the digital signatures of the operating system loaders and other critical boot components before allowing them to execute. This process ensures that the system boots only from software that is trusted and authorized by the system's manufacturer or the user. In essence, Secure Boot acts as a shield against malicious software, such as bootkits and rootkits, that may attempt to compromise the system during startup. The "Security Error: Secure Boot Version Check Failed" error signifies that the UEFI firmware has detected a discrepancy or incompatibility during this verification process. The digital signature of the bootable media, in this case, your Windows setup USB drive, doesn't match the expected signature or isn't recognized as trusted by the firmware. This mismatch triggers the security mechanism, halting the boot process and displaying the error message. Several factors can contribute to this signature verification failure, including incorrect boot settings in the UEFI firmware, corrupted boot files on the USB drive, or compatibility issues between the USB drive's bootloader and the Secure Boot configuration.

Common Causes of the Error

Several factors can trigger the “Security Error: Secure Boot Version Check Failed” error. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for effective troubleshooting:

  • Secure Boot Enabled in UEFI Settings: This is the most prevalent cause. When Secure Boot is enabled, the UEFI firmware rigorously checks the digital signatures of bootable media. If the USB drive's signature is not recognized or is deemed invalid, the error will appear. Secure Boot is a crucial security feature, but it can sometimes interfere with booting from external media like USB drives, especially if the media contains an operating system version or bootloader that is not explicitly trusted by the UEFI firmware.
  • Incorrect Boot Order: If the boot order in your UEFI settings is not configured to prioritize the USB drive, the system might attempt to boot from another source, potentially leading to the error. The boot order dictates the sequence in which the system checks for bootable devices during startup. If the USB drive is not listed as the first boot device, the system might bypass it and attempt to boot from the hard drive or another storage device, triggering the Secure Boot error if those devices also fail the security checks.
  • Corrupted or Incompatible Boot Files: A corrupted or incomplete Windows setup on the USB drive can lead to signature verification failures. If the files required for the boot process are missing, damaged, or incompatible with the system's UEFI firmware, the Secure Boot mechanism will likely flag the USB drive as untrusted. This corruption can occur due to various reasons, including errors during the USB drive creation process, file transfer issues, or even physical damage to the drive.
  • UEFI Firmware Compatibility Issues: In some instances, older or outdated UEFI firmware might not properly recognize or support the bootloader on the USB drive, resulting in the error. Firmware is the low-level software that controls the hardware components of your computer, and outdated firmware may lack the necessary drivers or compatibility features to handle newer bootloaders or operating systems. This is especially relevant when attempting to boot from a USB drive created with a newer version of Windows or a different operating system than what the firmware was originally designed to support.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Detailed Guide

Now, let's explore the solutions to address the “Security Error: Secure Boot Version Check Failed” error. Follow these steps meticulously to resolve the issue:

1. Disabling Secure Boot in UEFI Settings

The most common solution involves temporarily disabling Secure Boot in your UEFI settings. Keep in mind that disabling Secure Boot may slightly reduce your system's security posture, but it's often necessary to boot from external media. Here’s how to disable Secure Boot:

  1. Access UEFI Settings: Restart your computer and repeatedly press the designated key to enter the UEFI setup utility. This key varies depending on the manufacturer but is commonly one of the following: Del, F2, F10, F12, or Esc. The specific key is usually displayed briefly during the startup process.
  2. Navigate to the Boot or Security Section: Once in the UEFI setup, use your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate to the “Boot”, “Security”, or “Authentication” section. The exact names and layout may differ based on your motherboard manufacturer and UEFI version.
  3. Locate the Secure Boot Option: Look for an option labeled “Secure Boot”, “Secure Boot Control”, or something similar. It might be located under a submenu or advanced settings.
  4. Disable Secure Boot: Change the setting to “Disabled”. You might need to select the option and then choose “Disabled” from a drop-down menu or press Enter to toggle the setting.
  5. Save Changes and Exit: After disabling Secure Boot, navigate to the “Exit” or “Save & Exit” section. Select the option to save your changes and exit the UEFI setup. The system will usually prompt you to confirm your changes before exiting.

2. Adjusting the Boot Order

Ensure that your USB drive is the primary boot device. This step ensures that your system attempts to boot from the USB drive first, bypassing any other potential boot sources that might trigger the Secure Boot error. Here's how to adjust the boot order:

  1. Enter UEFI Settings: As before, restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the UEFI setup utility.
  2. Navigate to the Boot Section: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Boot” section.
  3. Change Boot Order: Look for a section labeled “Boot Order”, “Boot Priority”, or something similar. You should see a list of bootable devices, including your hard drives, SSDs, and removable devices like USB drives.
  4. Prioritize USB Drive: Use the arrow keys to select your USB drive and then use the designated keys (often F5, F6, +, or -) to move it to the top of the boot order list. This will ensure that your system attempts to boot from the USB drive before any other device.
  5. Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the UEFI setup utility.

3. Verifying and Recreating the Bootable USB Drive

If the issue persists, the USB drive itself might be the culprit. Verify the integrity of your Windows setup files and recreate the bootable USB drive using a reliable tool like the Windows Media Creation Tool. This tool is designed to create bootable USB drives for Windows installations, and it ensures that the necessary files are correctly copied and formatted. Here's how to recreate the bootable USB drive:

  1. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows Media Creation Tool for your desired Windows version.
  2. Run the Tool: Execute the downloaded file. You'll be prompted to accept the license terms.
  3. Select “Create installation media”: Choose the option to create installation media for another PC.
  4. Choose Language, Edition, and Architecture: Select the language, Windows edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that you want to install. Ensure that these settings match your system's requirements.
  5. Select USB Flash Drive: Choose the USB flash drive as the media to use. Make sure you have a USB drive with sufficient storage capacity (at least 8GB is recommended).
  6. Select the USB Drive: Select your USB drive from the list. Be careful to choose the correct drive to avoid data loss.
  7. Download Windows: The tool will download the necessary Windows files and create the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time depending on your internet connection speed.
  8. Retry Booting: Once the process is complete, try booting from the USB drive again.

4. Updating UEFI Firmware

Incompatible or outdated UEFI firmware can sometimes cause boot-related issues. Updating your UEFI firmware can resolve compatibility problems and improve system stability. However, this process carries some risk, so proceed with caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely.

  1. Identify Your Motherboard Model: Determine your motherboard model. You can find this information in your system documentation, on the motherboard itself, or using system information tools in your operating system.
  2. Visit Manufacturer’s Website: Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website and navigate to the support or downloads section for your specific model.
  3. Download the Latest UEFI Firmware: Look for the latest UEFI firmware update for your motherboard. Download the file to your computer.
  4. Read Instructions Carefully: Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions for updating the UEFI firmware. The update process varies depending on the motherboard manufacturer, and it's crucial to follow the instructions precisely to avoid damaging your system.
  5. Prepare a USB Drive: You'll likely need a USB drive to flash the new firmware. Format the USB drive using the FAT32 file system.
  6. Copy Firmware File: Copy the downloaded firmware file to the USB drive.
  7. Boot into UEFI Update Utility: Restart your computer and enter the UEFI setup utility. Look for an option to update the UEFI firmware. This option might be located in the “Tools”, “Advanced”, or “BIOS” section.
  8. Select Firmware File: Select the firmware file from the USB drive and initiate the update process. The update process can take several minutes, and it's crucial not to interrupt it.
  9. Restart System: Once the update is complete, your system will restart automatically.

5. Checking for Hardware Issues

While less common, hardware issues like a faulty USB drive or a problem with the USB ports can also trigger the error. Try using a different USB drive or a different USB port to rule out these possibilities. If the error persists across multiple USB drives and ports, there might be a more serious hardware issue with your system that requires professional attention.

Conclusion: Mastering the Secure Boot Challenge

The “Security Error: Secure Boot Version Check Failed” error can be a significant obstacle when trying to boot from a USB drive. However, by understanding the role of Secure Boot and the potential causes of the error, you can systematically troubleshoot the issue and get your system booting from the USB drive successfully. Remember to proceed methodically, trying each solution one at a time, and carefully following the instructions provided. If you encounter persistent issues, consulting your system's documentation or seeking assistance from a qualified technician might be necessary. By mastering the Secure Boot challenge, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your system's security mechanisms and enhance your ability to troubleshoot boot-related problems effectively.