Authenticate to Save/Restore GPT after Windows update 2026-02

[Elizabeth206]

Just updated Windows 11 with the 2026-02 Security update (KB5077181).  Now, every time I boot the laptop I get a screen with the Authenticate to Save/Restore GPT.  It gives three options:

1) overwrite backup GPT with HDD GPT.

2) overwrite HDD GPT with backup GPT.

3) No Action.

I choose no action, but I worry about what it means.  Are others experiencing this?  How should I respond?

[Pallipurath · Accepted solution]

Hi @Elizabeth206,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

The “Authenticate to Save/Restore GPT” message you’re seeing is indeed tied to BIOS/UEFI security features rather than Windows itself. It usually appears when Secure Boot, TPM/PTT, or boot mode settings don’t align with the disk’s GUID Partition Table (GPT). Here’s a structured way to resolve it:

Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup

• Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (often Esc, F2, F10, or Del depending on your HP model).
• Navigate to the Boot or Security tab.

Secure Boot Settings

• If Secure Boot is enabled, try disabling it temporarily.
• Look for options like Clear Secure Boot Keys or Restore Factory Keys.
• Save changes and reboot.
• Once Windows boots successfully, you can re‑enable Secure Boot.

TPM / PTT Configuration

• In BIOS, under Security, check for TPM, Intel PTT, or fTPM.
• Ensure it is Enabled.
• Avoid selecting “Clear TPM” unless instructed, as it can wipe BitLocker keys.

Boot Mode

• Confirm the system is set to UEFI Only (not Legacy or CSM).
• Windows 11 requires UEFI boot with GPT.

Check Disk Partition Style

• Once in Windows, open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc).
• Right‑click your system disk → Properties → Volumes tab.
• Confirm Partition Style: GUID Partition Table (GPT).
• If it says MBR, you’ll need to convert to GPT (only if reinstalling Windows).

Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

• Visit HP’s support site for your exact model.
• Download and install the latest BIOS update.
• Older BIOS versions sometimes mishandle GPT authentication during upgrades.

Take care and have an amazing day!

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Regards

Pallipurath.

[Elizabeth206]

Thank you for your thorough and timely response.

It makes me nervous to be making changes to the BIOS and GPT etc.  Does it not make sense to simple select one of the first two menu options in the original error message as listed below?

      1) overwrite backup GPT with HDD GPT.

      2) overwrite HDD GPT with backup GPT.