UEFI vs. Legacy: Which is Better for Your PC?

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UEFI and Legacy

If you’re shopping for a new computer or upgrading an older one, you may have heard the terms “UEFI” and “legacy” when referring to the boot mode. But what do they mean and which one is better for you? In this article we will be discussing more about it and their differences in detail.

What is UEFI and Legacy?

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and Legacy (BIOS-based boot mode) are two ways to start up your computer. But what exactly are they and what are the differences between them?

UEFI is a modern firmware that has replaced the traditional BIOS on many new computers. It provides a faster boot time, more control over the boot process, enhanced security, and larger partition sizes.

Legacy, on the other hand, refers to the older BIOS-based boot mode. While it may be compatible with older hardware and software, it is slower to boot and less secure compared to UEFI.

In simple terms, UEFI is a newer and more advanced way to start up your computer, while Legacy is the older, more traditional method. The choice between UEFI and Legacy will depend on the compatibility of your computer and operating system.

If you have a newer computer and operating system, UEFI is likely the better choice for you. If you have an older computer or operating system, you may need to use Legacy. Before making a decision, be sure to check the compatibility of your computer and operating system to ensure a smooth start-up experience.

Key Difference between UEFI and Legacy

Here are some of the key differences between UEFI and legacy:

  • Boot Time: UEFI has a faster boot time compared to Legacy because it uses a graphical user interface (GUI) instead of the text-based interface used by Legacy. This means that your computer will start up more quickly with UEFI.
  • Boot Order: UEFI allows you to specify the order in which your devices should boot. This means you have more control over the boot process and can decide which device should be the primary boot device. In contrast, Legacy has a fixed boot order, which cannot be changed.
  • Security: UEFI is more secure than Legacy because it supports secure boot. Secure boot prevents malicious software from taking control of your computer during the boot process, providing an extra layer of security. Legacy, on the other hand, does not have this feature.
  • Partition Size: UEFI supports larger partition sizes, allowing you to have more space on your hard drive for your files and programs. The maximum partition size supported by UEFI is 9.4 zettabytes. Legacy, on the other hand, is limited to a maximum partition size of 2 TB.
  • Compatibility: Some older operating systems and hardware may not be compatible with UEFI, so if you’re using an older computer or operating system, you may need to use Legacy. However, UEFI is generally compatible with most new hardware and software.

In simple terms, UEFI is a newer and more advanced way to start up your computer that offers faster boot time, more control, enhanced security, and larger partition sizes. Legacy, on the other hand, is the older, more traditional method that may be compatible with older hardware and software but is slower and less secure.

Which Is Better In UEFI vs Legacy?

When it comes to starting up your computer, you have two options: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and Legacy (BIOS-based boot mode). So, which one is better?

UEFI is the newer and more advanced option, offering faster boot times, more control over the boot process, enhanced security, and larger partition sizes. If your computer and operating system are compatible with UEFI, it is generally the recommended choice.

Legacy, on the other hand, is the older and more traditional method. While it may be compatible with older hardware and software, it is slower to boot and less secure compared to UEFI.

In short. UEFI is the better option for newer computers and operating systems, while Legacy may be necessary for older systems. It’s important to check the compatibility of your computer and operating system before making a decision to ensure a smooth start-up experience.

How to Check Boot Mode of Your Computer System

There are several ways to check the boot mode of a computer, including the following:

Using System Information:

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select System.
  2. Look for System Type under the System section. If it says “x64-based PC,” you are using the 64-bit version of Windows and your computer is using UEFI.

Using the Command Prompt:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type “bcdedit /enum” and press Enter.
  3. Look for the “path” line. If it contains “\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\bootmgfw.efi,” your computer is using UEFI.

How to Boot From UEFI Mode

To boot a computer from UEFI mode, follow these simple steps:

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  3. To do this, press a key, such as Delete, Esc, or F2, during boot-up before the operating system loads.
  4. The key to press will be displayed on the screen during boot-up and can vary between computer manufacturers.
  5. Navigate to the Boot menu in the UEFI setup utility.
  6. Change the boot mode to UEFI.
  7. Make sure the “Boot Mode” is set to “UEFI” and not “Legacy”.
  8. Save and Exit the UEFI setup.
  9. After making the change, save your changes and exit the UEFI setup utility.

How to Boot Enter UEFI Mode in Windows 11

On your computer system you can enter into the UEFI mode by following these steps:

  1. Start your computer in BIOS mode.
  2. When in BIOS, find the “Boot” tab or menu.
  3. In the Boot menu, locate the “Boot Order” or “Boot Sequence” option.
  4. Choose the option and press Enter.
  5. Put your Windows XP installation at the top of the list.
  6. Save your changes and exit BIOS.

How to Boot From Legacy Mode

There are two methods to boot in Legacy mode:

  1. Use the BIOS Boot Menu option
  2. Change the boot order in BIOS Setup

To use the BIOS Boot Menu option:

  1. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo shows up.
  2. Choose “BIOS Boot Menu” from the menu.
  3. Select the Legacy boot option from the menu and press Enter.

To change the boot order in BIOS Setup:

  1. Restart the computer and press F2 when the Dell logo shows up.
  2. Select “Boot Options” from the menu.
  3. Set the boot order to Legacy first.
  4. Save your changes and exit.
  5. Restart the computer. It should now boot from Legacy BIOS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UEFI is the better choice for most people because it is faster, more secure, and supports larger partitions. However, if you’re using an older computer or operating system, you may need to use legacy. Make sure to check the compatibility of your hardware and software before making a decision.

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