How to Change Boot Enviornment to Eufi Windows 10

This guide walks you through changing your boot environment to UEFI for Windows 10, ensuring faster startups and better security. You’ll learn how to check your current mode, back up data, and switch without losing your operating system.

Key Takeaways

• Check your current boot mode first: Use System Information or BIOS to confirm if you’re running in Legacy (BIOS) or UEFI mode before making changes.
• Back up your data: Always create a full system backup before modifying boot settings to prevent data loss.
• Switching requires a clean install in most cases: Moving from Legacy to UEFI typically needs a fresh Windows 10 installation unless using advanced conversion tools.
• Enable Secure Boot for added security: UEFI supports Secure Boot, which helps protect your system from malware during startup.
• Use the correct installation media: Create a UEFI-compatible Windows 10 USB drive using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.
• Update BIOS/UEFI firmware: Ensure your motherboard supports UEFI and has the latest firmware for compatibility.
• Troubleshoot boot issues: If your PC won’t start after the change, check boot order, disable CSM, and verify disk partitioning.

How to Change Boot Environment to UEFI Windows 10

If you’re looking to improve your PC’s startup speed, security, and overall performance, switching from the older Legacy BIOS boot mode to the modern UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) environment is a smart move. UEFI is the successor to BIOS and offers faster boot times, support for larger hard drives, enhanced security features like Secure Boot, and a more user-friendly interface.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to change your boot environment to UEFI for Windows 10—step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or have some technical experience, we’ll walk you through everything from checking your current boot mode to reinstalling Windows 10 in UEFI mode safely. We’ll also cover essential precautions, common pitfalls, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth transition.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a secure, modern boot environment that takes full advantage of your hardware and Windows 10’s capabilities.

Why Switch to UEFI?

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why UEFI is better than the traditional BIOS.

UEFI offers several advantages:

• Faster boot times: UEFI initializes hardware more efficiently, reducing the time it takes to start your computer.
• Support for large drives: BIOS is limited to drives under 2.2TB due to the MBR partitioning scheme. UEFI uses GPT, which supports drives much larger than that.
• Secure Boot: This feature prevents unauthorized operating systems and malware from loading during startup, adding a layer of protection.
• Better user interface: Many UEFI firmware setups include mouse support, high-resolution graphics, and intuitive menus.
• Network capabilities: Some UEFI implementations allow for network booting and remote management.

If your computer was manufactured in the last 8–10 years, it likely supports UEFI. However, many systems still ship with Legacy BIOS enabled for compatibility. Switching to UEFI can unlock these benefits—but it must be done correctly to avoid boot failures or data loss.

Step 1: Check Your Current Boot Mode

Before making any changes, you need to confirm whether your system is currently using Legacy BIOS or UEFI.

Using System Information

The easiest way to check is through Windows 10’s built-in System Information tool.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. In the System Information window, look for the line labeled BIOS Mode.
4. If it says UEFI, you’re already in UEFI mode. If it says Legacy, you’re using the older BIOS mode.

Tip: If you’re already in UEFI mode, you don’t need to change anything. This guide is for users currently in Legacy mode who want to switch.

Alternative: Check via Command Prompt

You can also use Command Prompt to verify your boot mode.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   bcdedit | find "path"

If the output shows winload.efi, you’re in UEFI mode. If it shows winload.exe, you’re in Legacy mode.

Step 2: Back Up Your Data

Switching boot modes often requires reinstalling Windows 10, which means your current installation will be erased. To protect your files, applications, and settings, you must back up your data.

Back Up Personal Files

Copy important documents, photos, videos, and other personal files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Tip: Use File History (Settings > Update & Security > Backup) to automatically back up files to an external drive.

Create a System Image (Optional but Recommended)

A system image is a complete snapshot of your hard drive, including Windows, apps, and settings. If something goes wrong, you can restore your entire system.

1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
2. Click Create a system image on the left sidebar.
3. Choose where to save the image (external drive or network location).
4. Follow the prompts to complete the backup.

Note: A system image won’t help if you’re switching from MBR to GPT (required for UEFI), but it’s still useful for recovering data.

Export App Settings and Licenses

Some apps store licenses or settings in the registry or hidden folders. If you use paid software, check if the developer offers a license export or cloud sync feature.

Step 3: Verify UEFI Support and Update Firmware

Not all motherboards support UEFI, and even if they do, outdated firmware can cause issues.

Check Motherboard Compatibility

1. Identify your motherboard model (check the manual, box, or use a tool like CPU-Z).
2. Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, Dell, HP).
3. Search for your model and look for UEFI or BIOS updates.
4. Confirm that UEFI is supported. Most boards from 2012 onward include UEFI firmware.

Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

Updating your firmware ensures compatibility and stability.

Warning: A failed BIOS update can brick your motherboard. Only proceed if necessary and follow instructions carefully.

1. Download the latest BIOS/UEFI update from the manufacturer’s support page.
2. Follow the provided instructions—usually involving copying a file to a USB drive and booting into the BIOS update utility.
3. Do not turn off your PC during the update.

Tip: Some manufacturers offer Windows-based flashing tools, but it’s safer to update from within the BIOS/UEFI setup.

Step 4: Prepare a UEFI-Compatible Windows 10 Installation Media

To install Windows 10 in UEFI mode, you need a bootable USB drive formatted correctly.

Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool

This is the safest and easiest method.

1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
2. Run the tool and select Create installation media for another PC.
3. Choose language, edition, and architecture (64-bit recommended).
4. Select USB flash drive and insert a USB drive (at least 8GB).
5. Let the tool download and create the bootable USB.

Important: The Media Creation Tool automatically creates a UEFI-compatible USB drive with GPT partitioning.

Alternative: Use Rufus (Advanced Users)

If you prefer more control, use Rufus to create the USB.

1. Download and run Rufus.
2. Insert your USB drive.
3. Select the Windows 10 ISO file.
4. Under Partition scheme, choose GPT.
5. Under Target system, select UEFI (non-CSM).
6. Click Start and wait for completion.

Note: GPT is required for UEFI. Do not use MBR.

Step 5: Change Boot Mode in BIOS/UEFI

Now it’s time to access your system’s firmware settings and switch from Legacy to UEFI.

Access BIOS/UEFI Setup

1. Restart your computer.
2. As it boots, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI. Common keys include F2, F10, Delete, or Esc (check your manufacturer’s guide).
3. You’ll enter the BIOS/UEFI setup screen.

Disable Legacy/CSM Mode

CSM (Compatibility Support Module) allows UEFI systems to boot Legacy OSes. To use UEFI-only mode, disable it.

1. Navigate to the Boot tab or Advanced settings.
2. Look for Boot Mode, Launch CSM, or Legacy Support.
3. Set it to UEFI Only or Disabled.
4. Save changes and exit (usually F10).

Tip: Some systems label UEFI as “UEFI with CSM” or “UEFI Hybrid.” Choose the pure UEFI option if available.

Set Boot Priority

Ensure your USB drive is first in the boot order.

1. In the Boot menu, find Boot Option Priorities or Boot Order.
2. Move your USB drive to the top of the list.
3. Save and exit.

Step 6: Install Windows 10 in UEFI Mode

With the USB drive ready and BIOS set to UEFI, you can now install Windows 10.

Boot from USB

1. Insert the USB drive and restart your PC.
2. It should automatically boot from the USB. If not, press the boot menu key (often F12) and select the USB drive.
3. You’ll see the Windows Setup screen.

Delete Existing Partitions

To switch from MBR to GPT, you must delete all existing partitions.

1. When prompted to “Where do you want to install Windows?”, you’ll see a list of drives and partitions.
2. Select each partition and click Delete until only “Unallocated Space” remains.
3. This converts the disk from MBR to GPT automatically during installation.

Warning: This erases all data on the drive. Ensure you’ve backed up everything.

Install Windows 10

1. Select the unallocated space and click Next.
2. Windows will begin installing. Your PC will restart several times.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your region, keyboard, and user account.
4. Choose Customize settings or Use express settings based on your preference.

Complete Setup

After installation, Windows 10 will boot into UEFI mode. You can verify this by checking msinfo32 again—BIOS Mode should now say UEFI.

Step 7: Enable Secure Boot (Recommended)

Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that prevents unauthorized code from running during startup.

Access UEFI Settings Again

1. Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI.
2. Navigate to the Security or Boot tab.
3. Find Secure Boot and set it to Enabled.
4. Save and exit.

Note: Some systems require you to set an administrator password before enabling Secure Boot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Switching to UEFI can sometimes cause problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

PC Won’t Boot After Changing to UEFI

Possible Causes:

• CSM still enabled
• USB drive not UEFI-compatible
• Boot order incorrect

Solutions:

• Re-enter BIOS and ensure CSM is disabled.
• Verify the USB was created with GPT and UEFI support.
• Check that the USB is first in the boot order.
• Try a different USB port (some systems only support UEFI boot from specific ports).

Windows Installation Fails or Freezes

Possible Causes:

• Corrupted installation media
• Faulty USB drive
• Incompatible drivers

Solutions:

• Recreate the USB using the Media Creation Tool or Rufus.
• Try a different USB drive.
• Disable unnecessary hardware (e.g., extra drives, peripherals) during installation.

“Operating System Not Found” Error

This usually means the system is trying to boot in the wrong mode.

Solutions:

• Ensure the disk is GPT and the OS was installed in UEFI mode.
• Check that Secure Boot is compatible with your Windows version (Windows 10 supports it).
• Reset BIOS to defaults and reconfigure UEFI settings.

Can’t Access BIOS/UEFI

Solutions:

• Try different keys (F2, F10, Delete, Esc).
• On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then choose Troubleshoot > UEFI Firmware Settings.

Conclusion

Switching your boot environment to UEFI for Windows 10 is a powerful upgrade that enhances performance, security, and compatibility. While the process involves several steps—checking your current mode, backing up data, updating firmware, creating installation media, and reinstalling Windows—the benefits far outweigh the effort.

By following this guide, you’ve successfully transitioned to a modern boot environment that supports faster startups, larger drives, and advanced security features like Secure Boot. Remember to always back up your data before making system-level changes, and double-check your BIOS settings to ensure a smooth installation.

With UEFI enabled, your Windows 10 experience will be more stable, secure, and future-ready. Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, UEFI is the standard—and now you know exactly how to make the switch.