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If %Firmware%=0x1 echo The PC is booted in BIOS mode. :: Note: delims is a TAB followed by a space. Use it in a script: wpeutil UpdateBootInfoįor /f "tokens=2* delims= " %%A in ('reg query HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control /v PEFirmwareType') DO SET Firmware=%%B
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You can do this from the command line: reg query HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control /v PEFirmwareType Query the registry to determine which mode the device is in. UEFI and BIOS modes in WinPE Detect if WinPE is booted into BIOS or UEFI Mode From the firmware menus, look for the option: "Boot from file", then browse to \EFI\BOOT\BOOTX64.EFI on Windows PE or Windows Setup media. Some older PCs (Windows 7-era or earlier) support UEFI, but require you to browse to the boot file. To disable the security features, go to Security > Secure Boot and disable the feature.
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Other devices will only allow you to boot to BIOS mode by manually disabling the UEFI security features. Some devices only support one mode (either UEFI or BIOS). Each command uses the same device and media, but boots the PC in a different firmware mode. For example, you might see UEFI USB Drive and BIOS USB Drive. You might see separate commands for the same device. For example, select UEFI: USB Drive or BIOS: Network/LAN. On the boot device menu, select the command that identifies both the firmware mode and the device.
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Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware settings.įrom the firmware menus, boot to a drive or network while in UEFI or BIOS mode: Or, if Windows is already installed, from either the Sign on screen or the Start menu, select Power ( ) > hold Shift while selecting Restart. If there’s not one, or if the screen goes by too fast to see it, check your manufacturer’s site. During startup, there’s often a screen that mentions the key. On tablets, common buttons are Volume up or Volume down ( find more common keys and buttons). Common keys used: Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. You can use any of these methods:īoot the PC, and press the manufacturer’s key to open the menus. If you're booting from a network that only supports BIOS, you'll need to boot to legacy BIOS mode.Īfter Windows is installed, the device boots automatically using the same mode it was installed with. In general, install Windows using the newer UEFI mode, as it includes more security features than the legacy BIOS mode. After Windows is installed, if you need to switch firmware modes, you may be able to use the MBR2GPT tool. Choose UEFI or legacy BIOS modes when booting into Windows PE (WinPE) or Windows Setup.
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