How to Fix a Grayed-Out Legacy Boot Option in the BIOS on Windows
Newer computers come with Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) as the new standard. However, Legacy BIOS is still largely part of most active systems due to legacy software and hardware support. Switching from UEFI to Legacy BIOS is easy using the firmware utility. But what if the legacy boot option is grayed out in BIOS?
This can happen for a few reasons. A common reason for the grayed-out BIOS is if you have Secure Boot or Platform Trusted Technology (TPM) enabled. Issues with Modern Standby supported system is another reason that prevents you from switching from UEFI to Legacy BIOS.
Here is how to fix the Legacy Boot grayed-out in BIOS issue on your Windows system.
What Causes the Legacy Boot Grayed Out Problem?
You may find the Legacy Boot option grayed out if the UEFI settings, such as Secure Boot and TPM are enabled in the BIOS utility. In some instances, the BIOS utility can tell you why you could’t switch to the Legacy boot option.
Boot into your BIOS utility and openAdvanced BootOptions. Next, check theEnable Legacy Option ROMsoption. You may see an error prompt explaining why the Legacy option cannot be enabled. It usually hints that PPT/TPM or Secure Boot is enabled.
If you don’t have any such option, try the troubleshooting steps below to restore the Legacy boot option in BIOS.
1. Disable Secure Boot to Enable Boot
Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that protects your computer against malware by allowing only trusted system software to run on your computer. When enabled, it will perform a cryptographic check during the boot process to verify the integrity of the system image.
However, if you have Secure Boot enabled, it will likely disable Legacy Boot as well. You’ll need todisable Secure Boot in your BIOS utilityto fix the issue.
The below steps to disable Secure Boot are for an HP Pavilion computer. For other systems, refer to your system manual.
To disable secure boot:
2. Disable Trusted Platform Technology (TPM)
In addition to Secure Boot, you may also have enabled Trusted Platform Module (TPM), disabling Legacy BIOS. To fix the issue, check if TPM is enabled on your PC, which is likely a case on a Windows 11 running system, and disable the option if necessary.
You can disable TPM from the BIOS setup utility. Here’s how to do it.
3. Disable Modern Standby
Modern Standby (S0) is a newer power mode available on select modern computers. It is enabled by default on compatible systems but can cause issues with Legacy Boot.
To fix the issue, try todisable Modern Standby on your Windows computer. Once disabled, restart your PC to see if you can switch to Legacy Boot now.
Restore a Grayed Out Legacy Boot Option in Your BIOS
You can fix the grayed-out Legacy boot option in BIOS by disabling Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Technology. In addition, disable Standard Standby (S0) to fix the problem.
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