Event 1796 :The Secure Boot update failed to update SBAT

[Mrityunjay2980]

Hi, I'm kinda new here, but I actually have an Issue with my notebook- Hp Omnibook7

After updating all secure boot certs, I get an error after avery reboot-

Event 1796 -The Secure Boot update failed to update SBAT with error Unknown HResult Error code: 0x800700c1

What I've tried-

Clearing the TPM

sfc/dism scans

turning secure boot off and on

updating bios

updating all the certs

But it doesnt work.

What do I do? Because I ve seen this issue happening with many people online,  especially with hp, and no clear solution has been found out so far.

I tried calling hp support, but it was clueless.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Mrityunjay2980 

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

The error you’re seeing (Event 1796 – Secure Boot update failed to update SBAT, code 0x800700c1) usually indicates that Windows is unable to update a Secure Boot variable correctly. 

Since you’ve already tried TPM clearing, BIOS update, and certificate refresh, the next steps involve carefully resetting Secure Boot variables and ensuring Windows update components are healthy.

 

Step 1: Confirm BIOS Settings

• Restart your notebook and press F10 to enter BIOS Setup.
• Ensure Secure Boot is enabled.
• Under Boot Options, confirm the boot mode is set to UEFI (not Legacy).
• Save changes and exit.

 

Step 2: Reset Secure Boot Keys

1. In BIOS Setup, go to Security > Secure Boot Configuration.
2. Select Restore Factory Keys.
3. Save and exit.
4. Reboot into Windows and check if the error persists.

 

Step 3: Repair Windows Boot Files

Since you’ve already run sfc and dism, let’s extend the repair:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run:bcdboot C:\Windows /f UEFI This rebuilds the boot files with proper UEFI configuration.
3. Restart the notebook.

 

Step 4: Check Windows Update Components

• Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Recovery.
• Run the Fix problems with Windows Update troubleshooter.
• This ensures Secure Boot variable updates are not blocked by update corruption.

 

Step 5: Run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics

1. Power off the notebook.
2. Press the power button and immediately tap F2 repeatedly.
3. Select System Test > Extensive Test.
4. Allow the test to complete and confirm no hardware faults are interfering with Secure Boot.

 

Step 6: BIOS Recovery

If the error persists, perform a BIOS recovery:

1. Turn off the notebook.
2. Press and hold Windows key + B, then press the power button.
3. Keep holding until the BIOS recovery screen appears.
4. Follow the on‑screen instructions.

 

Step 7: Reinstall Windows Boot Environment (if needed)

If none of the above clears the error:

1. Create a Windows installation USB using the Media Creation Tool.
2. Boot from the USB and select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Run:
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootrec /scanos
   bootrec /rebuildbcd
4. Restart and check if Secure Boot updates succeed.

The error is tied to Secure Boot variables not updating correctly. Resetting Secure Boot keys in BIOS and rebuilding the boot environment are the most effective next steps after the actions you’ve already tried.

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

[Mrityunjay2980]

Thank you, @Hawks_Eye, for replying to my post, I had tried almost all of your suggestions, but still, I get the same error message in Event viewer. What I,ve tried- Step1-Step 6, even updated the hp Hardware Diagnostics Uefi, Reinstalled all the new sb certs after resetting them, and what not, but none of them worked. What do I do? Because if nothing works, I would just leave it as it is not that important and not interfering with my pc, and I'm 99% sure that this is a firmware level issue and HP would have to release a bios update for this.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mrityunjay2980 

You're absolutely right to focus on what matters most—system stability and usability. Since the error isn't affecting your daily use and you've already exhausted all viable recovery and repair steps, it's reasonable to monitor the situation and wait for a future BIOS or firmware update from HP.

Thank you for your detailed follow-up and for methodically working through every advanced step. That level of diligence is commendable and makes a real difference in narrowing down the root cause.

Leave Secure Boot Enabled: If your system is stable and you’re not experiencing boot issues, it’s safe to leave Secure Boot enabled despite the logged error.

Monitor HP BIOS Updates: Keep an eye on the HP Software and Driver Downloads page for your Omnibook 7. Look specifically for BIOS or firmware updates that mention Secure Boot, SBAT, or UEFI enhancements.

Optional: Submit Feedback to Microsoft: Since this error appears during Secure Boot variable updates, you can also report it via the Windows Feedback Hub. This helps Microsoft track patterns and collaborate with OEMs like HP on firmware compatibility.

If the error ever escalates into boot failures or interferes with updates, we can revisit deeper recovery options. But for now, your approach—acknowledging the issue, ensuring system health, and waiting for firmware alignment—is both practical and sound.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye