The key differences between BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are:
- Age and Development: BIOS is older, introduced in 1975, while UEFI was developed in 2002 as a more modern replacement.
- Operating Mode: BIOS runs in 16-bit mode, while UEFI operates in 32-bit or 64-bit mode, allowing for more advanced functionality.
- User Interface: BIOS typically has a text-based interface navigated by keyboard, whereas UEFI offers a graphical user interface with mouse support.
- Storage Support: BIOS is limited to drives up to 2TB in size, while UEFI can handle drives up to 9 zettabytes.
- Boot Process: UEFI provides a faster and more efficient boot process compared to BIOS.
- Security Features: UEFI includes advanced security features like Secure Boot, which helps protect against malware and unauthorized firmware modifications.
- Partition Support: BIOS supports up to 4 primary partitions, while UEFI can handle up to 128 partitions.
- Firmware Storage: BIOS stores system initialization information on a chip on the motherboard, while UEFI stores it in an .efi file on a special partition of the hard drive.
- Compatibility: UEFI is designed to be more compatible with modern hardware and technologies.
- Customization: UEFI offers more options for customization and optimization of system settings.
Overall, while both serve similar purposes in initializing hardware and loading the operating system, UEFI is generally considered more advanced and better suited for modern computing needs.