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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Boot and Lockup
- OPERATING SYSTEM BOOT MODE CHANGE (021)

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12-01-2020 04:05 AM
I attempted to change my boot options. I got the error OPERATING SYSTEM BOOT MODE CHANGE (021).
Unfortunately, the code provided isn't working and the esc key isn't working either. I've been stuck with this error
12-01-2020 04:59 AM - edited 12-01-2020 08:28 AM
Hello,
Operating System Boot Mode Change (021):
- This message indicates that the Secure Boot mode has been disabled in the BIOS. If you did not make this change, there might be an external security problem (hacking attempt). Press the Esc key to keep Secure Boot mode enabled if you did not initiate the change.
If you encounter the following message:
After a complete BIOS re-flash the default configuration is as follows:
- Secure Boot = Disabled
- Boot Mode = Legacy (Other modes will be set by Preinstall at the factory according to the OS to be preinstalled.)
A change to the operating system Secure Boot mode is pending. Please enter the pass code displayed below to complete the change. If you did not initiate this request, press the ESC key to continue without accepting the pending change.
Operating System Boot Mode Change (021)
XXXX + ENTER - to complete the change
ESC – continue without changing
For more information, please visit: www.hp.com/go/techcenter/startup
Replace the XXXX crosses with the code shown on the screen and press the Enter key, and the computer will start with the changed parameters.
Don't hesitate to contact us in case of need.
Best regards,
12-01-2020 07:56 AM - edited 12-01-2020 08:00 AM
are you posting laptop to DESKTOP FORUM if yes why?
A1:
well put it back
if you turned off secure boot , turn it back on.
if set boot order wrong put that back to HDD or SSD0 first. as it was. or.
if using secureboot , boot order will show windows boot manager as a choice.
did you do some major change or only changed boot options
did you load new OS
did you flash the BIOS upgrade?
is the RTC coin dead>? battery,,,,,
if this is a laptop remove the huge battery and test on AC power only anytime ESC key is dead.
next is RTC coin cell dead, (answering for out of of the blue fails not BIOS UPGRADES OF ANY KIND)
power on , cold booted, even do a 10 second power button push to force cold hard boot then hammer ESC or F2 or F12
all will work.
8 year old laptops all batteries are bad or for sure suspected, and is a 1st thing first rule, never ever skipped or you will do bad things next like:
1; flashing BIOS and bricking PC.
2: reloading W10 OS and losing all data yours.
steel your self. now. IMO 😎 Age matters, nothing in the PC has a more lower life span than stinky batteries. ok?
I never post to laptops due to not ever wanting to tell anyone how to do 35screws and 5 very fragile ribbon cables inside.
not me. but just did. posted to wrong forum.