Overview:
Industrial mini computers are widely used, and to ensure good compatibility, BIOS in Intel 10th generation and earlier product lines typically support two boot modes: UEFI and Legacy. Sometimes, it's necessary to configure UEFI-only boot mode in the BIOS, especially when installing a newer version of the operating system. Here's how to do it:
Note that when setting UEFI boot mode in the BIOS:
- After enabling UEFI boot mode, the corresponding partition type should be GPT partition.
- After setting UEFI boot mode, it's essential to use tools that support UEFI boot. Here's a guide on how to create UEFI bootable installation media (using Windows 11 as an example): How to Create Windows 11 Installation Media
UEFI Mode Boot Process: UEFI is used to automatically load the operating system from a pre-booted environment to save boot time.
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UEFI Mode Boot Process:
- Upon turning on the computer, it undergoes a power-on self-test and loads UEFI firmware, which initializes the hardware required for startup.
- UEFI firmware locates the EFI partition boot file (efiMicrosoftbootbootmgfw.efi) boot manager.
- The boot manager reads the BCD file (efiMicrosoftBCD) from the EFI partition on the hard disk.
- Finally, it loads the bootstrapper winload.efi (Windowssystem32winload.efi) based on the configuration content for system loading.
UEFI boot is a newer motherboard boot option seen as a successor to BIOS. Its main feature is the graphical interface, which facilitates user-friendly graphical operations.
Setting UEFI Boot Mode:
- Connect a wired keyboard (recommended). Press the power button and then press Del to enter BIOS Setup. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate to Advanced > CSM Configuration > Set Boot Option Filter to [UEFI Only]. After configuring, press F10 to save and exit.
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2. Press F10 to save the settings, and the PC will restart. Press F11 on the keyboard to enter the Boot Menu. (Note: If a hard disk or USB flash drive is installed or inserted but not recognized in the Boot Menu, it may not have the UEFI boot option.)
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3. If you need to set the UEFI Boot Option as the default first boot option, select Enter Setup in the Boot Menu to enter BIOS Setup. Navigate to Boot > Boot Option #1 using the arrow keys (e.g., UEFI: USB Storage Device or Windows Boot Manager Hard Disk). Press F10 to save and exit.
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