UEFIcompatible

UEFIcompatible refers to hardware platforms and firmware that implement the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) specification. Systems labeled as UEFIcompatible can boot in the modern UEFI environment and often support legacy BIOS boot through a compatibility module. UEFI replaces the traditional BIOS interface with a more modular pre-boot environment.

Key features of UEFI include support for the GUID Partition Table (GPT), an EFI System Partition for bootloaders, a built-in boot manager, and driver and network-capable pre-boot environments. Many implementations also include a graphical user interface, secure boot mechanisms, and native 32- and 64-bit runtimes for firmware services.

Operating systems booted under UEFI use bootloaders stored on the EFI System Partition. Common configurations include Windows Boot Manager on Windows, and Linux bootloaders such as GRUB or systemd-boot. Some firmware implementations provide a Compatibility Support Module (CSM) to boot legacy BIOS-architecture OSes.

While most modern OSes support UEFI boot, the exact requirements depend on the platform. Installing or upgrading to UEFI mode often requires converting a disk to GPT and creating an ESP. Enabling Secure Boot helps ensure bootloaders and kernels are signed, but may limit some older hardware or software.