How to Check If Your Windows Is Set to Eufi

This guide walks you through how to check if your Windows is set to UEFI instead of legacy BIOS. You’ll learn multiple methods using built-in Windows tools and system information. Understanding your firmware type helps improve security and performance.

Key Takeaways

• UEFI offers faster boot times and enhanced security features like Secure Boot, making it superior to traditional BIOS.
• You can check UEFI mode using the System Information tool by looking for “BIOS Mode” listed as UEFI.
• The Command Prompt method with bcdedit provides a quick way to confirm firmware type via administrator commands.
• Accessing UEFI Firmware Settings directly from Windows allows you to verify and adjust boot settings safely.
• Third-party tools like Speccy or CPU-Z offer detailed hardware insights, including firmware type, for advanced users.
• Knowing your firmware type is essential when installing new operating systems or troubleshooting boot issues.
• Switching from Legacy BIOS to UEFI requires caution and often a clean OS reinstall to avoid system instability.

How to Check If Your Windows Is Set to UEFI

If you’ve ever wondered whether your Windows PC is running on UEFI or the older BIOS firmware, you’re not alone. Many users don’t realize that the type of firmware their system uses can impact everything from boot speed to security features. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) has largely replaced the traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) in modern computers, offering faster startup times, support for larger hard drives, and advanced security options like Secure Boot.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to check if your Windows is set to UEFI using several reliable methods. Whether you’re troubleshooting a boot issue, preparing to install a new operating system, or simply curious about your system’s configuration, knowing your firmware type is essential. We’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions using built-in Windows tools, command-line utilities, and even third-party software. By the end, you’ll be confident in identifying your system’s firmware and understanding why it matters.

Let’s dive in and explore the easiest and most effective ways to verify if your Windows PC is running in UEFI mode.

Why Does UEFI Matter?

Before we get into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” Why should you care whether your system is using UEFI or BIOS?

First, UEFI is the modern standard. It was designed to overcome the limitations of the decades-old BIOS system. One of the biggest advantages of UEFI is faster boot times. Because UEFI initializes hardware more efficiently, your computer can start up significantly quicker than with BIOS.

Another major benefit is support for larger storage drives. Traditional BIOS uses the Master Boot Record (MBR) partitioning scheme, which limits disk sizes to 2TB. UEFI, on the other hand, supports the GUID Partition Table (GPT), allowing for drives much larger than 2TB—perfect for modern high-capacity SSDs and HDDs.

Security is another key area where UEFI shines. With Secure Boot, UEFI can verify the digital signature of your operating system before loading it. This helps prevent malware like rootkits from infecting your system during startup. It’s a crucial feature for protecting your data and maintaining system integrity.

Finally, UEFI offers a more user-friendly interface. Unlike the text-based BIOS setup screens, UEFI often includes a graphical interface with mouse support, making it easier to navigate and configure settings.

So, if your system is still using legacy BIOS, you might be missing out on these improvements. That’s why checking your firmware type is the first step toward optimizing your PC’s performance and security.

Method 1: Use System Information (msinfo32)

The easiest and most straightforward way to check if your Windows is set to UEFI is by using the built-in System Information tool. This method requires no technical knowledge and works on all modern versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step 1: Open System Information

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This will launch the System Information window.

Alternatively, you can search for “System Information” in the Start menu and click on the app when it appears.

Step 2: Look for “BIOS Mode”

Once the System Information window opens, you’ll see a list of system details on the right-hand side. Scroll down until you find the entry labeled “BIOS Mode”.

If it says UEFI, then your system is running in UEFI mode. If it says Legacy or BIOS, then your system is using the older BIOS firmware.

This method is quick, reliable, and doesn’t require any special permissions or tools. It’s perfect for most users who just want a fast answer.

Pro Tip: Save the Report

If you’re troubleshooting or need to share your system info with tech support, you can save this report. Click File > Save and choose a location to store the .nfo file. This can be helpful for future reference or when diagnosing hardware issues.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt (bcdedit)

For users comfortable with the command line, the bcdedit command offers another quick way to check your firmware type. This method is especially useful if you’re already working in Command Prompt for other tasks.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Press the Windows key, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. This ensures you have the necessary permissions to access system-level information.

Step 2: Run the bcdedit Command

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit

This will display a list of boot configuration data. Look for the line that says “path” under the Windows Boot Loader section.

If the path includes \EFI\, such as \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\bootmgfw.efi, then your system is using UEFI.

If the path shows \Windows\system32\winload.exe, then your system is likely using legacy BIOS.

Understanding the Output

The presence of \EFI\ in the boot path is a strong indicator of UEFI firmware. The EFI system partition is only used in UEFI mode, so this is a reliable clue.

This method is fast and doesn’t require navigating through multiple menus. However, it does require basic familiarity with Command Prompt.

Pro Tip: Use findstr for Faster Results

To make the output easier to read, you can filter the results using:

bcdedit | findstr "path"

This will show only the relevant lines, making it quicker to spot the EFI path.

Method 3: Check via Windows Settings (UEFI Firmware Settings)

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in option to access UEFI Firmware Settings directly from the operating system. This method not only confirms whether your system is using UEFI but also allows you to enter the firmware interface if needed.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows key + I).

Step 2: Go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or System (Windows 11)

In Windows 10, click on Update & Security, then select Recovery from the left sidebar.

In Windows 11, click on System, then scroll down and select Recovery.

Step 3: Click “Restart Now” under Advanced Startup

Under the Advanced startup section, click the Restart now button. Your PC will shut down and restart into the Advanced Startup menu.

Step 4: Navigate to UEFI Firmware Settings

After the restart, you’ll see a blue screen with several options. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

If this option is available, it confirms that your system is using UEFI. If it’s grayed out or missing, your system may be using legacy BIOS.

Step 5: Restart to Enter UEFI

Click Restart to boot directly into the UEFI interface. Here, you can verify settings like Secure Boot, boot order, and more.

Important Note

This method only works if your system is already configured for UEFI. If your PC is running in legacy mode, this option may not appear or may be disabled.

Method 4: Use Disk Management to Check Partition Style

Another indirect but effective way to determine if your system is using UEFI is by checking the disk partition style. UEFI systems typically use GPT (GUID Partition Table), while BIOS systems use MBR (Master Boot Record).

Step 1: Open Disk Management

Press Windows key + X and select Disk Management from the menu. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and choose Disk Management.

Step 2: Right-Click Your Main Disk

In the Disk Management window, locate your primary hard drive (usually labeled Disk 0). Right-click on it and select Properties.

Step 3: Go to the Volumes Tab

In the Properties window, click the Volumes tab. Look for the entry labeled Partition style.

If it says GUID Partition Table (GPT), your system is likely using UEFI. If it says Master Boot Record (MBR), it’s probably using legacy BIOS.

Why This Works

UEFI requires GPT for proper functionality, especially for Secure Boot and large drives. While it’s technically possible to boot UEFI from an MBR disk in some cases, it’s rare and not recommended. So, GPT is a strong indicator of UEFI firmware.

Pro Tip: Use Command Prompt for Confirmation

You can also check partition style using Command Prompt. Open it as administrator and run:

diskpart
list disk

Look for an asterisk (*) under the Gpt column. If your disk has an asterisk, it’s GPT.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools (Speccy, CPU-Z, etc.)

If you prefer a more visual or detailed approach, third-party system information tools can provide a comprehensive overview of your hardware, including firmware type.

Speccy by Piriform

Speccy is a free tool that displays detailed information about your PC’s hardware. After installing and launching Speccy, look under the Motherboard section. It will clearly state whether your system is using UEFI or BIOS.

CPU-Z

Another popular tool, CPU-Z, provides in-depth details about your processor, motherboard, and memory. In the Mainboard tab, look for the BIOS section. It will show the firmware type and version.

Why Use Third-Party Tools?

These tools are great for users who want more than just firmware type. They offer insights into hardware compatibility, driver versions, and system health—all in one place.

Caution

Always download third-party software from official websites to avoid malware. Stick to trusted developers like Piriform (now part of CCleaner) or CPUID.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with these methods, you might encounter some challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them.

Issue 1: “UEFI Firmware Settings” Option Is Missing

If you can’t find the UEFI Firmware Settings option in Windows, your system might be running in legacy BIOS mode. Alternatively, your motherboard may not support UEFI, or it might be disabled in the firmware.

Solution: Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or ESC during startup). Look for boot mode settings and ensure UEFI is enabled.

Issue 2: Conflicting Results Between Methods

Sometimes, one method may say UEFI while another suggests BIOS. This can happen if your system is in a hybrid or compatibility mode.

Solution: Double-check using multiple methods. The System Information tool (msinfo32) is usually the most reliable.

Issue 3: Can’t Boot After Changing Firmware Mode

If you switch from BIOS to UEFI (or vice versa), your system may fail to boot because the bootloader isn’t compatible.

Solution: This typically requires a clean installation of Windows. Always back up your data before making firmware changes.

Issue 4: Secure Boot Is Disabled

Even if your system is UEFI, Secure Boot might be turned off. This reduces security and may prevent certain OS installations.

Solution: Enter UEFI settings and enable Secure Boot. Make sure your OS supports it (Windows 8 and later do).

Should You Switch from BIOS to UEFI?

If you discover your system is using legacy BIOS, you might wonder if you should switch to UEFI. The short answer is: yes, if possible.

Switching to UEFI can unlock faster boot times, better security, and support for modern hardware. However, it’s not always straightforward.

Requirements for Switching

– Your motherboard must support UEFI.
– Your OS must be installed in UEFI mode (Windows 7 and later support it).
– Your disk must be converted from MBR to GPT (this can be done using tools like mbr2gpt in Windows).

Risks

Switching firmware modes can render your system unbootable if not done correctly. Always back up your data and follow official guides from your motherboard manufacturer.

Recommendation

If you’re building a new PC or reinstalling Windows, choose UEFI from the start. For existing systems, weigh the benefits against the risks. In most cases, the upgrade is worth it.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check if your Windows is set to UEFI is a valuable skill for any PC user. Whether you’re optimizing performance, enhancing security, or troubleshooting boot issues, understanding your firmware type is the first step.

We’ve covered five reliable methods: using System Information, Command Prompt, Windows Settings, Disk Management, and third-party tools. Each method has its strengths, so choose the one that best fits your comfort level and needs.

Remember, UEFI is the modern standard—offering faster boots, better security, and support for larger drives. If your system is still using legacy BIOS, consider upgrading when possible.

By following this guide, you’re now equipped to confidently check your firmware type and make informed decisions about your PC’s configuration. Keep this guide handy for future reference, and don’t hesitate to explore your UEFI settings to get the most out of your system.