To change your system's firmware mode from Legacy BIOS to UEFI, you typically need to access the system's BIOS or UEFI firmware settings during startup and modify the boot configuration. The specific steps involve powering on your system and navigating through the boot options menu.
Accessing System Firmware Settings
Changing between Legacy BIOS and UEFI modes is done within your computer's firmware interface. This interface is often referred to as the BIOS setup or UEFI setup.
Here are the general steps to follow, based on the provided information:
- Power on your computer system.
- As the system starts, press F2 (or the key specified on your screen, which could be
Del,F1,F10,F12, etc.) when prompted to enter the BIOS menu. - Once in the BIOS/UEFI setup utility, navigate to the Boot or Boot Order section using the arrow keys. The exact location and naming can vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
- Within the Boot settings, select the desired mode: you will find an option allowing you to choose between UEFI and Legacy (sometimes called "CSM" - Compatibility Support Module). Select UEFI.
- After selecting UEFI, press F10 (or the designated key for "Save and Exit") to Save Changes and Exit. The system will save the new configuration and reboot.
Step-by-Step Summary
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power On | Start your computer. |
| 2 | Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup | Press the required key (often F2, Del, etc.) when prompted. |
| 3 | Navigate to Boot Settings | Find the section related to Boot Order, Boot Mode, or CSM. |
| 4 | Select UEFI Mode | Choose the UEFI option from the available modes (UEFI, Legacy, CSM). |
| 5 | Save and Exit | Press the designated key (F10 on many systems) to save changes. |
Note: The exact key to enter BIOS and the menu structure may vary by manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Gigabyte, MSI). Consult your system or motherboard manual if F2 does not work.
Why Change to UEFI?
Switching from Legacy BIOS to UEFI offers several advantages for modern operating systems and hardware, including:
- Support for larger hard drives (over 2 TB) using GPT partitions.
- Faster boot times.
- Enhanced security features like Secure Boot, which helps prevent malicious software from loading during startup.
- Support for more modern hardware features and configurations.
Important Consideration: Changing the boot mode from Legacy to UEFI often requires your operating system to be installed in a compatible mode. An OS installed under Legacy BIOS mode typically uses an MBR partition style, while UEFI systems usually require a GPT partition style. Simply changing the setting in the BIOS/UEFI setup without converting your disk or reinstalling the OS can prevent your system from booting. Back up your data before making significant changes to boot settings.
