Good to know: What is UEFI?

The abbreviation UEFI stands for "Unified Extensible Firmware Interface". It is the successor to the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and is much easier to use. UEFI is an interface between the firmware, the individual hardware components of the computer and the operating system. UEFI has the same basic functions as the BIOS. It initializes the hardware, tests the individual hardware components and initiates the start of the operating system.

How was UEFI developed?

BIOS was developed back in the 1970s for the first IBM PC, which appeared in 1981. So it's not surprising that it's getting a bit long in the tooth. Because it is not 64-bit-capable, BIOS no longer met the requirements of newer hardware. Intel then took the first step and developed the successor EFI, which was specified in 1998. In order to further develop EFI, the Unified EFI Forum was founded, which includes Intel, AMD, Microsoft and other manufacturers. The first version of UEFI was finally released in 2006 and has been supported by Windows since Windows Vista.

What is Secure Boot?

Probably the most important new feature of the UEFI is Secure Boot, which increases the security of the boot process. It prevents malware from being loaded during the boot process, which could then manipulate or attack the computer. This is done using a digital key with which the boot loader and programs must identify themselves. If software is present that cannot authenticate itself, the system is prevented from starting.

What are the advantages of UEFI?

• Graphical user interface which - unlike the BIOS - can also be operated with the mouse instead of just the keyboard.
• 64-bit support
• Drivers can be integrated directly or loaded as a module.
• Faster boot process, as the hardware is prepared in parallel during initialization and not one after the other as with the BIOS.
• Booting from hard disks larger than 2 TB is possible.
• Network support: The UEFI can go online and be updated to a newer version, for example.
• Certain functions can be used even before the operating system is started.
• Several operating systems can be installed in parallel.
  The user can select which parts of the operating system are to be loaded.

What are the disadvantages of UEFI?

• 64-bit is required.
• Danger for viruses and Trojans due to network support, UEFI has no integrated anti-virus software.
• Secure Boot causes problems when using Linux.

How do I get into the UEFI?

If you want to access the UEFI, on most computers you have to press the "Del" key several times in quick succession immediately after switching on the PC. If this does not lead to success, it is worth taking a look at the manual. In some cases, it is a different key that enables access to the BIOS or UEFI.

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