Almost all users, even those who are not very computer literate, know that the BIOS It is a fundamental element for starting a computer. Since the arrival of Windows 11 we have had to get used to a new term: UEFI. In a very simplified way, the successor to the BIOS. To understand everything well, it is important to clarify some points about the BIOS and UEFI concepts: differences, similarities, etc.
Before going into details, it must be said that these are two technologies that serve to perform the same function: manage and control the startup of our computer and all its components. Both use a separate code that is stored in a specific memory located on the computer's motherboard.
And although many users are discovering it now, the UEFI is not a novelty. It has been a decade since it has been slowly replacing the BIOS on our computers. In today's post we are going to explain everything you need to know about this issue.
What is BIOS?
As we have already explained on this blog, BIOS is the acronym for Basic Input/Output System. In Spanish, “Basic Entry and Exit System”. This component is a small and discrete chip that is integrated into the motherboard. Small in size, but essential for the operation of our computer.
The BIOS chip contains firmware that is responsible for executing a series of processes that manage the boot of the computer. Among other things, it deals with checking the connected hardware or controlling the temperature of the processor.
Present in almost all computers since the 70s, we could say that its function is to check that all the elements of the computer are ready to launch the operating system. If there is something wrong, the BIOS will not allow the computer to boot.
What is UEFI?
Also UEFI is an acronym for the term Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, which in our language translates as “Unified Extensible Firmware Interface”. This technology was developed by Intel in 2002 and launched in 2005. Since then, little by little it has been displacing the BIOS thanks to its massive adoption by the big brands and manufacturers in the sector.
The truth is that the purpose of the UEFI is exactly the same as that of the BIOS (to secure the components of the computer before the start of the operating system), but it introduces certain improvements and new functions. The computer's UEFI can be accessed by following these steps:
- First we go to the menu "System configuration".
- There you have to click on the section "Update and security".
- Then we select "Recovery".
- Next comes the option to «Advanced start».
- Among the following options that are presented, you must follow this route: Troubleshoot> Advanced options> UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Finally, we restart the computer.
BIOS and UEFI: main differences
We have already said that the UEFI arrived to improve certain aspects of the BIOS. And not only in the merely aesthetic, which is the first difference that we can appreciate from the start. If we look at the purely technical section, use different hard drive partition schemes:BIOS uses MBR (Master Boot Record), while UEFI uses GPT (GUID partition table).
Next, a small list of the comparison between BIOS and UEFI, differences to take into account in which the second option clearly wins:
- UEFI ensures faster boot, as it uses C programming language. Also, UEFI can run in both 32-bit and 64-bit mode.
- In terms of security, UEFI is more reliable than BIOS thanks to the way Secure Boot.
- Another UEFI enhancement over BIOS is the possibility of remote management. UEFI can also connect to a network, which means it can even be accessed from another computer for boot troubleshooting or maintenance.
- La interface BIOS is a bit archaic, UEFI is more modern and visual.
- UEFI also wins in the section of the versatility. It allows us to add new features, associate drivers, support larger storage drives, etc.
In the section to maximise security and your enjoyment. There are no major differences between the two technologies. Unfortunately, BIOS and UEFI are equally exposed to the same threats and can be equally vulnerable.
How to know if my computer uses BIOS or UEFI?
The way to obtain this information is very simple. We only have to execute these steps:
- First of all, we use the key combination Windows + R to open the Run box.
- In it, we write MSInfo32 and press Enter. This will open the system information window.
- In the left column of this window we look for the BIOS mode (o bios mode, if displayed in English).
- If our PC uses BIOS, the word will appear Legacy.
- If you use UEFI, that's what we'll read there (as in the example image above).