If you’re trying to enable Legacy Boot mode on your system but find the option grayed out, you’re not alone. This is a common issue, especially on newer PCs with UEFI firmware.
The grayed-out Legacy Boot option typically results from settings like Secure Boot or PTT (Platform Trust Technology) being enabled. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several methods to resolve this issue step-by-step.
Why is Legacy Boot Grayed Out?
Here are the most common reasons:
- Secure Boot is enabled – prevents enabling Legacy Boot for security.
- PTT or TPM is enabled – may conflict with Legacy Boot.
- BIOS settings have become corrupted or locked – requiring a reset to default.
What To Do When Legacy Boot Option Is Grayed Out?
Follow the methods given below when Legacy boot option is greyed out.
1. Disable Secure Boot
This typically happens when Secure Boot is enabled. Follow these steps to fix this.
- The first step is to enter BIOS. If you are already in BIOS, select Boot or Secure Boot. Or, press the dedicated key to enter
- BIOS or UEFI settings. The common keys for this are F2, F10, ESC, or DEL – depending upon your manufacturer.
- You can also enter BIOS via Settings. To do that, go to Windows Settings. Then select System. Then Recovery.
- Next, select the Restart Now option next to the Advanced Start-up option.
- Now, go to the Boot or Secure Boot option in BIOS. The settings may differ as per your system.
- Select Secure Boot Enabled Option. Uncheck the box and apply the changes. Change Secure Boot to Disabled. Confirm your action.
- Click Apply and confirm your action to save the changes.
2. Disable PTT in BIOS
If the PTT option is enabled you will not be able to change the legacy option. So, turn off the PTT in BIOS. Follow these steps to do that.
- In the BIOS settings, go to the Security option. Expand it. Now select the PTT Security option.
- Now uncheck the PTT on option.
- Now, go to Advanced Boot Options or a similar section. It is mostly under the general section.
Look for Enable Legacy Option ROMs or similar option. - Try to enable it. Once done, click on Apply.
3. Reset BIOS
If you still cannot enable or disable the Legacy Option, go to Secure Boot section.
- Select Restore Settings. You can choose BIOS defaults.
- Confirm and Apply.
- Press F10 or select Save & Exit to reboot your system with the new settings. Once done successfully you should now be able to tweak the settings in BIOS and also the Legacy Option will not be greyed out this time.
Wrapping Up
Enabling Legacy Boot can be necessary for older operating systems or bootable utilities that don’t support UEFI. If the option is grayed out, disabling Secure Boot, turning off PTT, or resetting BIOS usually resolves the issue.
Always be cautious when making changes in BIOS, and document current settings before applying changes.
Once the settings are applied, you should now be able to enable the Legacy Boot option without restrictions.
