How to Check if Your Computer Uses UEFI or BIOS [in both Linux and Windows]

Whether you’re upgrading your hardware, installing a new operating system, or tweaking boot settings, it’s useful to know if your computer is running UEFI or the older BIOS firmware.

Why does it matter?

• UEFI supports larger hard drives, faster boot times, and more modern security features like Secure Boot.
• BIOS is the traditional firmware that’s been around for decades, but it’s less flexible and is slowly being phased out.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your system firmware in both Windows and Linux — step by step.

🔍 Checking in Windows

Windows provides a few simple ways to confirm if you’re using UEFI or BIOS.

Method 1: Using System Information

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type:
   msinfo32
   and press Enter.
3. In the System Information window, look for BIOS Mode.
   • If it says UEFI, your system is using UEFI.
   • If it says Legacy, you’re using BIOS.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

1. Press Windows Key + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
2. Enter:
   bcdedit
3. Look for the path value under Windows Boot Loader:
   • If it shows \EFI\..., you’re on UEFI.
   • If it shows \Windows\system32\..., you’re on BIOS.

🐧 Checking in Linux

Linux users can check firmware mode right from the terminal.

Method 1: Checking the EFI Directory

1. Open a terminal.
2. Run:
   ls /sys/firmware/efi
3. If the directory exists and lists files, you’re running UEFI.
   If it doesn’t exist, you’re on BIOS.

Method 2: Using dmesg

1. Run:
   dmesg | grep -i efi
2. If you see EFI-related entries, your system is using UEFI. If there’s no output, it’s BIOS.

🛠 Why This Matters

Knowing your firmware type helps when:

• Installing a new OS: Some installers require matching the firmware mode to your boot media.
• Enabling Secure Boot: This feature is only available on UEFI systems.
• Troubleshooting boot issues: Certain repair tools differ between UEFI and BIOS.

✅ Bottom line:
If your PC is from the last decade, there’s a good chance it’s using UEFI. But don’t guess—check using the quick methods above so you can configure your system with confidence.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!