I'm trying to set up a dual boot with Pop!
OS and Windows because I play Valorant on the weekends, and I really want to give Linux a shot. The problem is with Secure Boot – every time I try to disable it, the option is grayed out. I've also fiddled with settings like CSM and Fast Boot, and I changed Secure Boot to 'Other OS', which actually caused some issues when I played Valorant. I've read that someone mentioned only Microsoft could disable Secure Boot? That sounds extreme! I'm totally lost here. Any tips on how to get past this Secure Boot hurdle and get Linux installed?
5 Answers
Lol, there's no way Microsoft has to disable your Secure Boot! It can be done from your BIOS settings. Just make sure you dive into your BIOS menus; you should find the options there.
Many Linux distributions don’t play well with Secure Boot since they need signed bootloaders. Windows often requires it, but you can turn it off. Try disabling BitLocker if you have it on, as that can mess with dual booting too. Then you can install Linux without Secure Boot being an issue.
Do you have an Asus motherboard? Mine's similar, and I just set CSM to disabled and Secure Boot to 'Other OS' for my dual boot setup with Debian and Arch. You really don’t need Secure Boot enabled when using Windows unless you're using BitLocker, in which case changing Secure Boot settings might help.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll retest those settings. Really hoping it works this time.
Secure Boot can be tricky, but it’s just a matter of getting the right settings. For your UEFI, simply enter the BIOS, disable Secure Boot, and install Linux. You can re-enable it after if you want to jump back into Windows. Just remember to pull out the installation media after you're done!
Sounds straightforward, but my Secure Boot option is still grayed out. Might be a manufacturer-specific thing.
You might want to check out Linux distros that support Secure Boot like Ubuntu. Some others do too, so it’s worth searching.
I’ll check BitLocker next time. I tried toggling CSM already, and it seems you’re right about that! I just want to get Pop!
OS working.