How to Make Windows 11 Safer with Firmware Protection

What Is Firmware Protection?

Windows 11 Firmware Protection is a security feature that guards your computer’s startup. It checks that only safe and trusted software runs before Windows loads, helping to stop malware attacks before they can begin by protecting your PC’s core startup instructions.

Firmware Protection works like a security guard at your PC’s startup, checking everything is safe before Windows even loads. This extra layer of protection helps:

• Stop malware attacks that try to hide deep inside your PC.
• Make sure only trusted software runs when your PC turns on.
• Keep your PC’s firmware safe from being changed without permission.
• Give extra security to special devices called Secured-core PCs.

How to Turn On Firmware Protection in 🪟 Windows 11

You can turn on Windows 11 Firmware Protection using the Windows Security app for a stronger defense during startup. Open the Windows Security app, then go to Privacy & Security, followed by Windows Security, and click ‘Open Windows Security’ to find and activate this feature.

1. Open the Windows Security app. You can do this by clicking the ⊞ Start button, then selecting Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security, and then click Open Windows Security.
2. In the Windows Security window, click on Device security.
3. Look for the section called Core isolation and click on Core isolation details.
4. Find the switch for Firmware protection and toggle it On.
5. If the Firmware Protection option is grayed out and you can’t change it, you may need to adjust a setting in the Windows Registry. (Don’t worry, we’ll explain that below.)

6. After turning it on, 🔄 restart your computer to make sure the changes take effect.

How to Enable Firmware Protection Using Windows Registry

If the Windows Security app doesn’t show the option, you can enable Firmware Protection using the Windows Registry. Press ⊞ Win+R, type ‘regedit’ and press Enter to open the Registry Editor, then navigate to 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control.copy

1. [Admin Required] Press ⊞ Win+R keys to open the Run box. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to this folder path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\SystemGuard
3. 🖱️ Right-click on the SystemGuard folder, then choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name this new value Enabled.
5. Double-click the Enabled value and set its data to 1 to turn on Firmware Protection.
6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
7. 🔄 Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Summary

Turning on Windows 11 Firmware Protection adds a crucial security layer by stopping malware before your PC starts. It ensures only trusted software runs when your computer boots, protecting the important firmware that helps your PC start safely and preventing attacks.

• Stopping malware that tries to attack your PC before Windows starts.
• Making sure your PC only runs trusted software during startup.
• Protecting the important firmware that helps your PC start.
• Giving extra security especially if you have a Secured-core PC.

By following these simple steps, you help protect your PC from hidden threats and keep your Windows 11 experience safe and smooth.