UEFI Explained: Windows 10/11 and UEFI

TechsavvyProductions12 minutes read

Firmware initializes the motherboard and launches the OS, with UEFI replacing BIOS and introducing new features but requiring OS and driver compatibility. UEFI with CSM uses MBR partitions, limits CPU to 16-bit mode, while native UEFI supports GPT partitions, 32/64-bit CPUs, large memory, secure boot, and advanced features, with methods to check settings to switch from CSM to UEFI.

Insights

  • UEFI, a modern replacement for BIOS, offers advanced features like GPT partitions, secure boot, and large memory support, but transitioning from CSM to native UEFI requires specific partitioning and tools like Microsoft's MBR to GPT utility.
  • Firmware, specifically UEFI, plays a crucial role in system initialization, with CSM providing backward compatibility resembling BIOS, but enabling native UEFI unlocks more advanced capabilities and requires specific configurations for optimal performance.

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Recent questions

  • What is firmware?

    Firmware is software code that initializes the motherboard and finds files to launch the operating system, burned into a chip on the motherboard.

  • What is UEFI?

    UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) replaced the old BIOS, offering new features but requiring time for OS and driver compatibility.

  • What is CSM in UEFI?

    Compatibility Support Module (CSM) was introduced in UEFI to provide backward compatibility, acting like the old BIOS when enabled.

  • What are the differences between UEFI with CSM and native UEFI?

    UEFI with CSM enabled uses Master Boot Record partitions, limits CPU to 16-bit mode, and has 1MB accessible memory. Native UEFI allows GPT partitions, 32/64-bit CPU architecture, supports large memory, secure boot, and more advanced features.

  • How can I check if UEFI with CSM is enabled on my system?

    Methods to check if UEFI with CSM is enabled include using msinfo32, checking disk properties for MBR partitions, and verifying CSM in firmware settings.

Related videos

Summary

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"Understanding UEFI Firmware and Compatibility Support Module"

  • Firmware is software code that initializes the motherboard and finds files to launch the operating system, burned into a chip on the motherboard.
  • UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) replaced the old BIOS, offering new features but requiring time for OS and driver compatibility.
  • Compatibility Support Module (CSM) was introduced in UEFI to provide backward compatibility, acting like the old BIOS when enabled.
  • UEFI with CSM enabled uses Master Boot Record partitions, limits CPU to 16-bit mode, and has 1MB accessible memory.
  • Native UEFI allows GPT partitions, 32/64-bit CPU architecture, supports large memory, secure boot, and more advanced features.
  • Methods to check if UEFI with CSM is enabled include using msinfo32, checking disk properties for MBR partitions, and verifying CSM in firmware settings.
  • Microsoft's MBR to GPT utility helps convert partitions for UEFI native mode without data loss, enabling a switch from CSM to native UEFI.
  • UEFI is a full operating system, while BIOS was just boot code, with specific partitioning requirements for UEFI native boot, including an EFI system partition and MSR partition.
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