How to remove the ‘SecureBoot isn’t configured correctly’ watermark on Windows 8.1

2 min. read

Published on October 20, 2013

published on October 20, 2013

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For those who were one of the lucky ones to successfully download and install the Windows 8.1 update while numerous users are experiencing difficulties, you are likely to be enjoying all the new consumer requested features that the update brings to Windows 8. However, there is one annoyance that has poped up regarding Secure Boot, leaving an annoying watermark on the desktop.

Some Windows 8.1 users are reporting that they have a watermark stating “SecureBoot isn’t configured correctly.” Here is why it appears and how you can fix it, for now at least.

“Secure Boot helps increase the security of Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 PCs by stopping unauthorized software from running. If you see a “SecureBoot isn’t configured correctly” message in the lower-right corner of the desktop, it means that Secure Boot has either been turned off or hasn’t been set up correctly on your PC,” Microsoft explains.

If you need to turn on Secure Boot for your device, if it is capable, head over to your BIOS menu and enable it. The Secure Boot feature, for the most part, is available on UEFI-based computers.

Microsoft also explains that if you turned off Secure Boot and installed your own drivers, you will likely need to reset your Windows installation before you can turn Secure Boot on again. Simply Reset or Refresh Windows 8.1 via the System Settings app.

Apparently the only solution to disable the watermark is to actually enable Secure Boot in the BIOS. At the moment, there seems to be no workaround to remove the watermark if the Secure Boot option is disabled in the BIOS.

Have you discovered another method that works?

Update: Microsoft has rolled out a hotfix that removes the watermark.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.