UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern firmware interface that replaces the outdated BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). It provides advanced features, enhanced security, and improved performance when booting the operating system.

Difference Between UEFI and BIOS

• Graphical Interface and Mouse Support – UEFI allows users to interact with the firmware using a graphical interface and a mouse, whereas BIOS is limited to a text-based menu controlled by the keyboard.
• Support for Larger Drives – UEFI works with GPT (GUID Partition Table), enabling the use of disks larger than 2 TB, whereas BIOS supports only MBR (Master Boot Record).
• Faster System Boot – UEFI optimizes the boot process and enables faster hardware initialization.
• Improved Security – Features such as Secure Boot protect the system from malware and unauthorized modifications to the boot process.

How Does UEFI Work?
UEFI acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the operating system. It stores its configuration on a special disk partition called the EFI System Partition (ESP), where boot files and drivers are located.

Benefits of UEFI for Users and IT Administrators

• Better Hardware Management – UEFI allows firmware updates directly from the operating system.
• Compatibility with Modern Technologies – Supports virtualization, secure booting, and advanced RAID configurations.
• Remote Management Support – UEFI can be configured and updated remotely, which is advantageous for enterprise environments.

Secure Boot: A Key Security Feature of UEFI
Secure Boot protects the system from malicious software by allowing only signed and verified boot files to run. This is crucial for defending against rootkits and other types of malware.

How to Check If Your Computer Uses UEFI
In Windows, you can easily check if UEFI is active:

1. Open Disk Management (press Win + X and select Disk Management).
2. Check if the disk uses a GPT partition table (which indicates UEFI is in use).
3. Alternatively, open System Information (msinfo32) and look for BIOS Mode – it should display UEFI if it's enabled.

Switching from BIOS to UEFI: What You Need to Know
Converting from BIOS to UEFI requires changing the disk partition table from MBR to GPT, which can be done using the mbr2gpt tool available in Windows 10 and later versions. After the conversion, you need to adjust the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot in UEFI mode.

Why UEFI is a Better Choice Than BIOS

• Enables faster and more secure booting of the operating system.
• Supports modern technologies such as Secure Boot and high-capacity disks.
• Offers a more intuitive user interface.
• Ensures better compatibility with new hardware.

UEFI is now the standard in most modern computers and provides numerous advantages over the outdated BIOS. Transitioning to UEFI is essential for anyone looking to leverage modern technologies and enhance system security.