Login

or
don't have an account?
back to glossary

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

pc

UEFI is a modern firmware interface for computers, designed to replace BIOS.

expanded

The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a specification that defines a software interface between an operating system and platform firmware. UEFI is intended to enable the initialization of hardware components and the loading of operating systems, with improved security features and faster boot times compared to the legacy Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). It is widely used in modern PCs and supports technologies such as GPT partitioning.

examples

A typical example of UEFI utilization is seen in systems running Windows 10, where it provides support for Secure Boot, a technology that helps prevent unauthorized access during the system boot process.

UEFI is commonly used in conjunction with Windows 10 operating systems, particularly in enterprise environments to enhance boot security.

In gaming PCs, UEFI enables faster boot times and support for large storage capacities. For example, a gaming desktop with an Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero motherboard uses UEFI to manage NVMe SSDs effectively.

UEFI is prevalent in high-performance gaming machines, offering compatibility and advanced configuration options necessary for gaming demands.

related terms

Firmware
Firmware is a specialized software programmed directly onto a hardware device.
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
BIOS is a firmware that initializes and tests hardware components during the computer's booting process.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A standardized interface that allows communication between devices and a host controller.
Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
XMP is an Intel-developed specification for overclocking DDR3/DDR4/DDR5 memory modules.
Format
The process of preparing a data storage device for use and setting up a file system.