How to Make Windows 11 Safer with Firmware Protection

What Is Firmware Protection?

Windows 11 Firmware Protection is a built-in security setting that blocks bad code from running before your computer even starts up. By checking your system’s core startup instructions, Windows 11 Firmware Protection stops deep-level malware attacks from taking over your PC before the main operating system has a chance to load.

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

Windows 11 Firmware Protection can be turned on using the built-in Windows Security app to stop low-level startup attacks. Open the Windows Security app, click Device Security, and open Core isolation details to find and turn on the setting that locks down your startup code.

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

Windows 11 Firmware Protection can be enabled using the Windows Registry if the main settings app hides the option from you. Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Run box, then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control to add the keys that force this security setting on.

1. [Admin Required] Press Windows + 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

Windows 11 Firmware Protection keeps your computer safe by stopping malicious software from hijacking your hardware before the operating system even loads. Turning on Windows 11 Firmware Protection gives your PC an extra layer of defense that blocks deep-level attacks and ensures only trusted code runs during startup.

• 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.

For more details, you can visit the official Microsoft page on System Guard Secure Launch and SMM Protection.

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