The key differences between BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are as follows:
- Age and Legacy: BIOS is the older firmware interface that has been in use for several decades, while UEFI is the newer standard that has gradually replaced BIOS in modern computers.
- Boot Process: BIOS uses the Master Boot Record (MBR) partitioning scheme, which has limitations like a maximum of four primary partitions and a 2.2TB disk size limitation. UEFI, on the other hand, uses the GUID Partition Table (GPT) scheme, which supports larger disk sizes, more than four partitions, and advanced features like secure boot.
- User Interface: BIOS typically has a text-based interface with limited functionality and lacks mouse support. UEFI provides a graphical user interface (GUI) with mouse support, making it more user-friendly and easier to navigate.
- Firmware Size: BIOS firmware is typically smaller in size compared to UEFI firmware. UEFI firmware includes more advanced features and drivers, which requires more storage space on the firmware chip.
- Boot Time: UEFI generally provides faster boot times compared to BIOS due to its optimized initialization process and support for modern hardware technologies.
- Security Features: UEFI includes enhanced security features such as Secure Boot, which verifies the digital signatures of the boot loaders and prevents the execution of unauthorized or malicious code during the boot process. BIOS lacks these advanced security features.
- Hardware Compatibility: UEFI offers better compatibility with modern hardware components, including larger storage devices, high-capacity drives, and newer technologies like NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs. BIOS may have limitations or require specific settings or workarounds to support these newer hardware components.
- Extensibility: UEFI provides an extensible architecture that allows hardware manufacturers to develop custom firmware modules, called UEFI drivers or UEFI applications, to enhance the functionality and compatibility of their systems. BIOS lacks this extensibility.
Overall, UEFI offers advantages such as faster boot times, better hardware support, enhanced security features, and a more user-friendly interface compared to BIOS. It is becoming the standard firmware interface in modern computers, including those running Windows 8, Windows 10, and newer operating systems.