Articles on: ggRock

VIII. - 🖧 Configure Client Machines for Network/Diskless (PXE) Boot

This guide walks you through BIOS configuration of your machines.



Table of Contents


Instructions


In order to install and set up ggRock we would need to complete following steps:




🛠️ BIOS Configuration


💡 This guide uses the ASRock X570 Taichi BIOS for example purposes. Menus and names may differ depending on your motherboard.


Want a tl;dr version of bios configuration? → Try this new FAQ-style rundown on BIOS config:🔧 BIOS Configuration for PXE Boot FAQ



🪟 Windows 11 Users – Important Notes


⚠️ If you're using Windows 11, you must boot in UEFI mode, and eventually have Secure Boot and TPM enabled for compatibility.
However, to boot ggRock for the first time and enroll Secure Boot certificates, you must temporarily disable Secure Boot (put the platform in setup mode).



✅ Windows 11 Boot Requirements Summary


Requirement

Status During Initial Setup

Final Status for Windows 11

UEFI Boot Mode

✅ Enabled

✅ Enabled

TPM

✅ Enabled

✅ Enabled

Secure Boot

❌ Disabled (initially)

✅ Enabled (after certs enrolled)



🔐 Enroll Secure Boot Certificates


After successfully booting into ggRock:


👉 Follow this guide to enroll your secure boot keys:

🔗 https://ggcircuit.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/GKB/pages/15861979/Configuring+Secure+Boot+BIOS+Settings+for+ggRock?atlOrigin=eyJpIjoiYTg2NTk5OTJmNTRjNDA2NDkyMzEyZDYzY2I5MGRiMjgiLCJwIjoiYyJ9


Once complete:


  • Re-enter BIOS
  • Set Secure Boot = Enabled
  • Save changes and reboot into Windows 11 via PXE



🔧 Step-by-Step BIOS Configuration


1. Access the System BIOS


  • Turn on the machine
  • Press the correct key (F2, DEL, ESC, etc.) during startup to enter BIOS/UEFI




2. Disable Secure Boot


  • Navigate to Security or Boot tab
  • Set Secure Boot = Disabled




3. Disable Fast Boot


  • In the Boot tab
  • Set Fast Boot = Disabled




4. Enable Boot from Onboard LAN


  • Find Onboard LAN Boot ROM or similar under Boot or Advanced settings
  • Set to Enabled


🔁 Some systems may require a reboot after enabling to unlock PXE boot options.



5. Enable PXE Boot Over IPv4


  • Enable PXE boot only over IPv4, not IPv6
  • Ensure this applies to the wired LAN port
  • Disable unnecessary boot devices to simplify boot order




6. Set Boot Mode to UEFI


  • Go to Boot or CSM (Compatibility Support Module) section
  • Ensure Network Boot Mode = UEFI
  • Avoid Legacy mode for PXE — it's not compatible with ggRock




7. Save and Exit


  • Save changes
  • Confirm reboot




🌀 Repeat for Each Client Machine


You'll need to configure each system in your environment this way. We recommend configuring at least one system first to:


  • Capture the initial system image
  • Test the PXE boot functionality
  • Use it as a reference point for others


Updated on: 24/12/2025

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