You are probably aware of BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) if you have ever installed or reinstalled the Windows operating system on any computer or laptop. It’s that critical software that initializes your hardware during the boot process before your OS kicks in. More often than not, to facilitate booting from CD/DVD or USB, it becomes necessary to dive into the BIOS settings and make relevant changes. However, with the passage of time and technological advancement, the age-old BIOS is gradually being overshadowed. The reason? It’s slowly being phased out, replaced by its contemporary counterpart, the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). If you’ve made a recent purchase of a computer or laptop, chances are it came equipped with UEFI/EFI, marking the transition from the older BIOS system. So, how can you check if your PC supports this modern firmware interface, especially if you’re running Windows 11/10/8? Let’s delve into the steps and methods to ascertain this.
Features of UEFI
UEFI boasts a broader range of features compared to the now-outdated BIOS, effectively addressing many of the limitations inherent in the older system. For instance, unlike BIOS, UEFI-enabled systems boot up more swiftly and can comfortably support hard disks exceeding 2 TB through the use of a GUID Partition Table (GPT). It’s worth noting that nearly all PCs that come with Windows 11/10/8 are designed to support the UEFI firmware.
Moreover, for those considering a switch, it’s essential to understand that one cannot merely transition from BIOS to UEFI on a pre-existing PC. Acquiring new hardware that’s inherently UEFI-compatible is the way to go. However, if you have an inclination for nostalgia, rest assured, you can still opt to install and run older operating systems configured primarily for a BIOS environment. Thanks to the forward-thinking design of most UEFI implementations, they include BIOS emulation, ensuring backward compatibility.
If you’re uncertain about your PC’s boot mode – UEFI or the classic BIOS – don’t fret. A quick glance at your PC’s user manual or a brief search on the manufacturer’s website should provide clarity. Better yet, within Windows 11/10/8, there are straightforward ways to discern the current boot environment without resorting to third-party tools.
How to Check if Your PC Supports UEFI/EFI on Windows 11/10/8?
Follow the below-mentioned steps to check if your PC boots into UEFI/EFI or BIOS environment:-
Step 1. Now, switch on the computer or laptop and log in to your account.
Step 2. Next, you need to open the Windows installation drive (usually, it’s a “C” drive).
Step 3. After that, double-click on the folder Windows and then open the folder, Panther.
Step 4. Then, locate the file setupact and open it with a Notepad/Wordpad under the Panther folder.
Step 5. Now, look for the word Detected Boot Environment from the file setupact.
Press the Ctrl + F keys to launch the Find dialog box for easy access. Then, type Detected Boot Environment and click on the Find Text button. BIOS, UEFI, or EFI will appear at the end of the Detected Boot Environment. Detected Boot Environment: UEFI if your PC supports UEFI/EFI.
When you complete the above steps, you can quickly determine if your PC supports UEFI/EFI on Windows 11/10/8.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your PC operates on the classic BIOS or the modern UEFI can be essential, especially when making certain decisions about operating systems or hardware upgrades. With UEFI offering enhanced features, faster boot times, and extensive hard disk support, it has become the standard in newer PCs and laptops, especially those running Windows 11/10/8. However, if you’re on the fence about which boot system your computer uses, the steps provided will help you determine if your PC is UEFI/EFI compatible. As technology progresses, staying informed about your system’s intricacies ensures smoother performance and better adaptability to future upgrades.
