BootNext

BootNext is a UEFI firmware variable that indicates which boot entry the firmware should attempt on the next reboot. It stores the numeric identifier of a Boot#### entry and acts as a one-time override to the persistent BootOrder list. When set to a valid boot option, the firmware will try that option on the very next boot, and then the BootNext variable is cleared. If the specified entry is missing or invalid, or if BootNext is not set, the system boots according to the standard BootOrder.

BootNext functions as an temporary override of BootOrder. BootOrder remains a persistent list of candidate boot options; BootNext takes precedence only for the next boot. This makes it useful for recovery scenarios, testing alternate bootloaders, or temporarily booting a maintenance environment without permanently altering the boot sequence.

Setting and clearing BootNext is typically done by the operating system's boot manager or by firmware utilities. Linux commonly uses efibootmgr to set BootNext; Windows provides its own boot management tools. In all cases, the value must refer to a valid Boot#### entry created in the firmware's non-volatile memory. If the boot option referenced by BootNext is later removed, the behavior reverts to using BootOrder.

Security considerations: because BootNext can redirect the boot process, it should be protected against unauthorized changes. Maintaining a trusted BootOrder and monitoring changes helps mitigate risk.