The Secure Boot update failed to update a Secure Boot variable with HResult Error code: 0x800700c1

[BfrP]

How to fix following error from event log: The Secure Boot update failed to update a Secure Boot variable with HResult Error code: 0x800700c1 HResult Error code: 0x800700c1. Event ID 1796

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @BfrP 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for sharing this—I'm really sorry you're seeing that Secure Boot update error in your event log. It’s unsettling when system-level features like Secure Boot throw cryptic codes like 0x800700c1, especially when everything else seems to be working fine. 

Let’s walk through a few steps to help resolve this and restore system integrity.

 

1. Check Secure Boot Status Sometimes the system attempts to update Secure Boot variables when Secure Boot is disabled.

• Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
• In System Summary, look for Secure Boot State.
• If it says Off, reboot into BIOS and enable Secure Boot:
  • Restart your laptop and press Esc or F10 to enter BIOS.
  • Navigate to Security > Secure Boot Configuration.
  • Set Secure Boot to Enabled, then save and exit.

2. Reset and Re-enable Secure Boot This refreshes the firmware variables.

• Enter BIOS again and temporarily disable Secure Boot.
• Save and exit, boot into Windows.
• Restart and re-enter BIOS, then re-enable Secure Boot.
• Save and exit again.

3. Clear TPM (Trusted Platform Module) TPM stores Secure Boot keys and may need a reset.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Security > Security Processor Details.
• Click Security Processor Troubleshooting > Clear TPM.
• Follow prompts and restart your system.

4. Run System File and Health Scans Corrupted system files can block Secure Boot updates.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run:
  sfc /scannow
  dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
• Restart after completion.

5. Update BIOS and Firmware Outdated firmware can prevent Secure Boot variable updates.

• Visit the HP 15-fd0000 driver page.
• Download and install the latest BIOS and firmware updates for Windows 11.

6. Review Windows Update History Some users reported this error after specific updates.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History.
• Look for any Secure Boot DBX or firmware updates around the time the error began.
• If found, uninstall the update or wait for a patch.

7. Check for Third-Party Security Conflicts Security software can interfere with Secure Boot updates.

• Temporarily disable or uninstall third-party antivirus or endpoint protection.
• Restart and check if the error persists.

This error doesn’t usually affect day-to-day performance, but resolving it ensures your system remains secure and compliant with firmware standards. 

Please try these steps and let me know how your system responds. I truly hope this clears up the issue and restores peace of mind.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[BfrP]

Thank you HAWKS_EYE for your help. I am experiencing  Event ID 1796 for Secure Boot from 1st day after I start NEW laptop. Same error we have on another my wife's NEW laptop. Looks like it is systemic, wide error for BRAND NEW laptops. I expected to find official HP opinion and solutions from HP. Why customer need DIY on New Warranted laptops? Your recommendations are not something that entry level, ordinary customer can or should do. It is even complicated and risky and time consuming (update BIOS, etc) for intermediate level customers. I said that not to blame you, but to share my thoughts. I think HP has good support, but it would be great to see  HP official handling of Secure Boot Event ID 1796 issues on brand new machines.

As time going, I will try your recommendations starting from top to bottom. I already verified that my SECURE BOOT is ON. Now moving to your recommendation #2: Reset and Re-enable Secure Boot

I tried it , but was prompted for "Recovery key" to be entered to proceed. You did not mention that and  I did not expected that. I spend some exiting time to finding my recovery keys. Is it something expected ? I just did not proceed with disable secure boot. I decided ask you and  research more on that to find all risks of secure boot reenabling. Is it safe to do? How to safe to do that?

I appreciate your help.

Thank you.

[Hawks_Eye]

You are Welcome @BfrP.

You're absolutely right to raise these concerns, and I truly appreciate the thoughtful way you've expressed them. It’s frustrating—and frankly unfair—when brand-new devices show system-level errors like Event ID 1796 right out of the box. You're not alone in expecting a smoother experience, especially when Secure Boot is meant to enhance security, not complicate it.

Let’s address your key points clearly:

 

Why You Were Prompted for a Recovery Key

Yes, this is expected behavior—but it should have been mentioned upfront. When Secure Boot or BitLocker is active, changing boot configurations (like disabling Secure Boot) can trigger a BitLocker recovery prompt. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to the boot environment.

• Where to find the recovery key:
  You can retrieve it from your Microsoft account at https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey, assuming BitLocker was enabled and linked.

 

Is It Safe to Reset and Re-enable Secure Boot?

Yes, if done carefully, it’s safe—but I agree it’s not something entry-level users should be expected to handle without guidance.

Here’s how to make it safer:

1. Back up important data before making BIOS changes.
2. Ensure you have your BitLocker recovery key before proceeding.
3. Avoid changing other BIOS settings—just toggle Secure Boot off, reboot, then toggle it back on.
4. Do not interrupt the boot process during these transitions.

Let me know how you'd like to proceed—whether it's continuing with the steps cautiously, seeking a warranty-based fix, or raising this with HP directly. You’re handling this with clarity and care, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[BfrP]

Thank you. I will do that and let you know results

[Hawks_Eye]

You're very welcome, @BfrP. 

Your diligence and clarity in navigating this issue are commendable.

Looking forward to hearing how it goes. 

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[BfrP]

I did reenabling Secure Boot: 1st disabled it and then enabled it.  Problem with Event ID 1796 still exist, not resolved. At this point I would like to get HP support for my problem

[BfrP]

May I ask how to raise issue with event ID 1796 with HP directly?

Thank you

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

If after following these steps you still face issues, consider reaching out to our customer support over the phone for further assistance. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye