Quick fix: The OEM boot logo is rendered by firmware before Windows loads — Windows can’t customize it. Some OEMs (Dell, HP) provide BIOS-level customization for the boot logo. Without OEM support, Secure Boot is the protection that prevents arbitrary boot image changes. Custom logos require Secure Boot disable, which is the trade-off.

You want to replace the manufacturer logo (HP, Dell, ASUS, Lenovo) shown during boot with a custom image. Windows itself doesn’t control this — it’s a firmware-level (UEFI/BIOS) feature. Some OEMs allow customization; most don’t. Secure Boot enforces the verified boot image.

Symptom: You want to customize the OEM boot logo without disabling Secure Boot.
Affects: Windows 11 PCs with OEM-defined boot logos.
Fix time: Varies (often impossible without disabling Secure Boot).

What the boot logo is and where it lives

The image you see at boot before Windows starts is in firmware (UEFI). It’s part of the OEM’s firmware image, signed at OEM’s factory. Secure Boot validates this signature; replacing the logo breaks the signature unless you re-sign.

Method 1: Check OEM support for logo customization

Visit the laptop OEM’s support site. Search for “boot logo customization” or “BIOS image upload.”
Some enterprise-class systems (Dell Precision, HP Z series, Lenovo ThinkStation) have a BIOS tool to upload a custom logo signed by the OEM.
If supported, follow the OEM’s procedure. Secure Boot stays enabled because the OEM signs your image.

Method 2: Use a Linux-based tool to replace logo (Secure Boot disable required)

The HackBGRT tool can replace the BIOS boot logo via EFI boot manager modification.
Requires Secure Boot disabled.
Disable Secure Boot in BIOS settings.
Boot from a Linux USB. Install HackBGRT following its instructions.
Boots now show your custom image.
Trade-off: Secure Boot is off; some Windows features (BitLocker, Credential Guard) lose protection.

Method 3: Skip the logo entirely

In BIOS, look for Quiet Boot or Boot Logo options. Disable.
Boot shows text-mode firmware messages instead of the logo.
Less visually polished but doesn’t require Secure Boot changes.

Verification

Boot shows your custom logo (Method 1/2) or no logo (Method 3).
If Secure Boot was preserved (Method 1 only), Settings → System → Device security shows Secure Boot active.

If none of these work

For most consumer laptops, the OEM doesn’t support logo customization, and HackBGRT requires Secure Boot disable. Accept the OEM logo or accept the security trade-off. For enterprise systems, contact the OEM rep about signed custom logo deployment.

Bottom line: Custom boot logo without Secure Boot disable requires OEM support, which most consumer brands don’t offer. Either accept the OEM logo or trade Secure Boot for customization.