Ubuntu – Should I turn secure boot off

16.04secure-boot

I recently installed Ubuntu 16.04 LTS with Secure Boot on. I did not understand the relevance of it at the time. Should I turn it off to prevent future problems, or is it ok to leave it on?

Thank you

Best Answer

If your computer is operating correctly, I wouldn't change a thing.

Secure Boot is usually only an issue if you try to load a 3rd party kernel module. For example, if you need to compile and install a wireless networking driver, it won't load and drive your device if Secure Boot is enabled. Here is an example of a relevant question: How do I get a Realtek RTL8723BE wireless card to work?

Important: For new Ubuntu kernels installed on a system with Secure Boot on UEFI, the unsigned kernel module may not load.

There are many other examples aside from wireless.

Here is another very helpful question and answer: Why do I get "Required key not available" when install 3rd party kernel modules or after a kernel upgrade?