Learn how UEFI software powers your PC and enhances performance. Discover the benefits of UEFI firmware for a seamless user experience.
UEFI is the first program that runs when we start a computer. Although it is not a component that is well known to the general public, its importance is crucial since it has the objective of managing different configurations (basic and advanced) that ensure the correct start-up of the PC. Or in other words, it manages and controls that the hardware is correctly supported before the operating system starts.
Acronym for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface , it is a standard that came about to overcome the limitations of the old BIOSes that have been part of personal computers for the last four decades. The vast majority of computers sold today use UEFI instead of the traditional BIOS, although they often add a compatibility mode to allow the use of older software or hardware that might not be fully compatible.
Like BIOS, UEFI is a firmware program written in assembly language that is included on PC motherboards in a non-volatile memory chip (EPROM), which provides the low-level configuration of the machine. In this guide, we will go over its basics, access, and ways to update an essential component of any computer.
What is UEFI and how it improves BIOS
UEFI has the same purpose as BIOS and is responsible for the same functions, but it adds new ones and improves it at all levels, starting with a graphical interface that is somewhat easier to use and understand compared to the terrible BIOS interface, made up of multiple and convoluted text-mode windows that are difficult to understand and manage.
In addition to the visual section, there are other differences and advantages over BIOS, among which we can point out:
- Increased functionality and greater flexibility thanks to its programming in C language.
- Possibility of adding third-party extensions such as overclocking tools or diagnostic software, since the memory chip included in UEFI is not locked to the motherboard like BIOS.
- Faster startup speed of equipment.
- Support for booting from much larger storage devices: 2.2 TB and a theoretical maximum of 9.4 zettabytes.
- Greater security with Secure Boot. A component proposed by Microsoft that was initially controversial because it prevented the installation of other alternative operating systems such as Linux or even older Windows. It should be noted that Secure Boot is an optional component that is not part of the UEFI standard and may or may not be enabled by manufacturers.
- Changes to the boot process, especially the use of the EFI master bootloader and an improved partitioning system such as GPT.
How to access UEFI
Access to UEFI is usually done by pressing a certain key on the keyboard or a combination of them during the hardware testing phase or, in other words, during the boot of the computer, which is when we must press it to access the firmware.
Manufacturers don’t make it easy because each one uses different keys. However, they tend to be the same on all computers from the same brand and in most cases they use the “Function” or “Escape” keys. The corresponding key also usually appears on the screen when we start the computer, but if we have activated the quick start-up, it can go unnoticed.
If you build your own computer, you can find the UEFI and boot menu access keys in the motherboard manual. You can also look them up online or check out this handy guide that includes the ones used by major manufacturers. Remember, you have to press them during the Power On Self-Test process that happens when the computer starts up and before the corresponding operating system has started.
One-click access from Windows
In Windows there is an easy way to access the UEFI using Advanced Startup , which among other functions offers startup repair, restore or recovery, access to the command prompt and also access to this firmware. And if you use it a lot, there is still a much faster option, which consists of creating a shortcut on the desktop with a command and certain parameters that you can see in this article .
How to update UEFI?
All motherboard manufacturers publish new versions of these programs on their websites from time to time, and they fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or add support and features. There are multiple ways to find out which version you have installed and eventually update it. We review them:
- The classic way to know if we have the latest version installed on any machine is to access the BIOS itself. Once there, we will find the version in the system information:
- Within the operating system we can also find extended information , the BIOS mode, the provider or the version. In Windows systems it is found by accessing «Search > System Information» or by executing the «msinfo32» command:
- For users using the Windows console, the command “wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion” can be used, although the information is less than the previous method:
- Finally, we can also use third-party applications. Among the best known is CPU-Z , which offers multiple information including the BIOS installed in the motherboard section:
UEFI does not require the same level of updating as other components. In fact, years ago with the old BIOS it was not recommended to do so except in extraordinary cases due to its problematic nature, due to its storage in non-volatile memory and the possibility of damaging the motherboard if a power cut or an error occurred during the process when reading or flashing the program.
Although it is still a delicate process , current UEFI has greatly improved the situation. They have security systems to avoid errors; double BIOS in case one of them fails; direct update from the Internet or even from the operating system itself without having to store the new version on an external storage medium. Very problematic in the past when they had to be done from CDs or diskettes that failed at the slightest opportunity.
In any case, it is a very important program that still needs to be updated to add new features, fix bugs or add support for components such as the new processors that are coming onto the market and which are sometimes required to make them work.
There is no standard method for updating the BIOS/UEFI because each manufacturer uses the one they consider appropriate. Once we know the installed version and the model of our motherboard, we will have to go to the support page of each manufacturer, select our motherboard, check the new features that you will see such as UEFI/BIOS or Firmware, download the necessary files/programs and follow the installation instructions.
All motherboard manufacturers ( ASUS , GIGABYTE , MSI …) offer support with updated BIOS. In the case of OEM computers (HP, Lenovo, Dell…), it is the manufacturers themselves that offer this type of assistance. The installation method varies depending on the manufacturer and the BIOS/UEFI installed , but you can find installation from the operating system (I personally do not use it); downloading a file that, together with a DOS program, is loaded onto an external storage medium such as a pendrive or, most simply, downloading from the Internet.
What can I do with UEFI?
We have already seen that this is the first program that runs when a computer starts up and its purpose is to provide low-level communication, operation and basic configuration of the system . In other words, it manages and controls that the hardware is correctly supported before the operating system starts.
In a modern UEFI, its possibilities are multiple, in addition to the update that we saw in the previous point and a lot of information , from the processor to the RAM memories; the storage units in use; the temperature of the system or the fans installed and their operating speed.
One of the simplest uses of BIOS is to set the boot order of the storage units. This is essential when installing/updating the operating system from scratch, using maintenance suites or antivirus that we load from a pendrive or optical media. It is also used to select the boot order of several disks where we can have different systems installed.
More advanced features allow you to manage RAID levels for storage drives or the frequency and voltage of the processor and memory, including what we know as overclocking techniques , “turning up the revs” of these components above their base performance. Most new motherboards offer automatic modes seeking performance, stability or autonomy. You can also adjust a lot of parameters manually, although this does require very precise knowledge of what you are doing.
In short, a whole world of possibilities to manage your PC from startup through a graphical interface that is easier to use and understand than the old BIOS that have ceased to exist in new equipment after more than four decades in our personal computers.