This Drive Can Only Boot In Uefi Mode

This Drive Can Only Boot in UEFI Mode: Understanding and Resolving the Issue

Modern computers utilize two primary firmware interfaces for booting: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). While BIOS is the older standard, UEFI has become increasingly prevalent due to its enhanced security and boot capabilities. This article aims to demystify the error message "This drive can only boot in UEFI mode," explaining its cause, troubleshooting steps, and preventative measures. Understanding this message is crucial for ensuring your system boots correctly and avoids potential compatibility issues.

Understanding UEFI and Legacy BIOS

Before diving into the error, let's briefly review the differences between UEFI and BIOS. BIOS is a legacy system primarily used in older computers. It has limitations in terms of boot device size (generally limited to 2.2TB), security features, and boot process speed. UEFI, on the other hand, is a modern replacement that offers:

Larger Boot Drive Support: UEFI supports boot drives larger than 2.2TB, a crucial feature for today's high-capacity storage devices.
Enhanced Security: UEFI incorporates Secure Boot, a feature that prevents malicious bootloaders from executing, enhancing system security.
Faster Boot Times: UEFI generally provides faster boot times compared to BIOS.
GUI-Based Interface: UEFI often provides a more user-friendly graphical interface during the boot process.

The error "This drive can only boot in UEFI mode" arises because the operating system installed on your drive was specifically prepared for UEFI and utilizes the functionalities it provides. Attempting to boot it using the older BIOS system will invariably result in a failure.

Causes of the "This Drive Can Only Boot in UEFI Mode" Error

This error typically stems from one or more of the following:

Incorrect Boot Mode Setting in BIOS/UEFI Settings: Your system's BIOS or UEFI settings might be configured to use Legacy BIOS mode, preventing the UEFI-formatted drive from booting.
GPT Partition Style: UEFI systems predominantly use the GUID Partition Table (GPT) partitioning scheme, while BIOS commonly uses the Master Boot Record (MBR) scheme. A GPT partitioned drive is designed for UEFI and won't boot in Legacy BIOS mode.
UEFI-Only Installation of the Operating System: During the installation process of your operating system (like Windows), you might have inadvertently selected the UEFI boot mode option, specifically configuring the drive for UEFI booting only.

Troubleshooting Steps

Let's walk through the steps to resolve this error:

1. Access BIOS/UEFI Settings: Restart your computer and repeatedly press the designated key (often Del, F2, F10, F12, or Esc) to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings menu. The specific key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer.

2. Identify Boot Mode Setting: Look for options like "Boot Mode," "Boot Option," "CSM" (Compatibility Support Module), or "Legacy Boot." If CSM is enabled, disable it. Ensure the "Boot Mode" is set to "UEFI."

3. Check Boot Order: Make sure your UEFI-formatted drive is listed as the primary boot device in the boot order settings.

4. Save Changes and Exit: After making the necessary changes, save the settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI menu. Your computer should now boot from the UEFI-formatted drive.

Example: Let's say you have a Windows 10 installation on a GPT-partitioned drive. If your BIOS is set to Legacy mode, you'll encounter the error. By changing the boot mode to UEFI in the BIOS settings and ensuring the drive is the primary boot device, the problem should be resolved.

Preventative Measures

To avoid this issue in the future:

Ensure correct boot mode selection during OS installation: Always select the appropriate boot mode (UEFI) when installing a new operating system.
Use GPT partitioning scheme for UEFI systems: GPT is the recommended partitioning style for UEFI systems, providing better compatibility and functionality.
Keep your BIOS/UEFI firmware updated: Updating the firmware can sometimes resolve compatibility issues and prevent future problems.

Conclusion

The "This drive can only boot in UEFI mode" error is a common issue stemming from a mismatch between the boot mode settings in your system's BIOS/UEFI and the way your drive is partitioned and the operating system is installed. By understanding the differences between UEFI and BIOS and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can easily resolve this error and ensure your computer boots correctly. Remember to always choose the correct boot mode during OS installation and utilize the appropriate partitioning scheme for your system type.

FAQs

1. Q: Can I convert an MBR drive to GPT? A: Yes, but it requires careful steps and data backup. Using a third-party tool or Windows' disk management with caution is recommended.

2. Q: What if changing boot mode doesn't work? A: Try reinstalling the operating system, ensuring you choose the correct UEFI boot mode during installation.

3. Q: My computer is too old to support UEFI. What can I do? A: You might need to upgrade your hardware, as UEFI is becoming the standard. Older systems may not be compatible.

4. Q: Is it safe to disable CSM? A: Generally, yes, particularly if your operating system is designed for UEFI. However, disabling CSM might cause issues with legacy devices.

5. Q: Can I dual-boot a UEFI and Legacy system? A: It is possible, but requires careful partitioning and boot configuration, typically involving separate drives or partitions for each operating system. Consult detailed guides for specific instructions.

Search Results:

[SOLVED] - Need help with UEFI only boot mode - Tom's … 5 Oct 2021 · I have an ASUS ROG Z370-e mobo and am trying to enable UEFI only boot mode without legacy options. I've gone into the bios and enabled UEFI ONLY under Boot Device Control, LAUNCH CSM is ENABLED, and under Secure Boot OS TYPE is Windows UEFI MODE.. Then when I save and exit, it wont post, just puts me back to the BIOS screen.

[SOLVED] SSD not detecting in UEFI mode but working fine in legacy mode 14 Jan 2021 · Legacy (CSM) and UEFI boot modes does not mix. If you have UEFI enabled in BIOS, then OS must be installed after BIOS switching to UEFI. ... /CSM mode is not recognized then partition table on drive must be wiped out with partitioning tool before using this drive for OS installing in UEFI mode. Switch BIOS back to legacy mode. ... Then you can ...

Can't boot in UEFI, only in Legacy, after clean W10 install from USB 27 Sep 2019 · To install win 10 as UEFI-GPT you must boot the installation disk as UEFI. Create a Win 10 installation disk. To prepare your USB flash disk, open a CMD window as administrator and type:

This boot drive can only run on UEFI mode. It can not boot in bios ... 14 Jun 2020 · that doesn't seem like the boot menu, that seems like the bios/uefi settings. Look in your manual for the boot menu key. In boot menu there is boot priority #1, #2 and #3 I have boot option usb flash and uefi flash and the hard drives

Solved! Windows will only boot from USB in UEFI mode 22 Aug 2018 · Now I have burned a Windows 10 iso onto my USB stick to try and manually install windows, but I am only able to boot from it in UEFI mode which means I cannot install windows (my hard drive is formatted for Legacy). When I try and boot in Legacy mode, all that shows is a blank screen and a blinking underscore.

Can't boot into UEFI only to upgrade to Windows 11 - HELP … 25 Feb 2023 · I do some googling and it says I must boot only using UEFI for Windows to detect the Secure Boot. BTW, my system disk is GPT so no problem there. I boot from 256GB SSD drive (internal C:\) I disable CSM in my BIOS and reboot. Nothing happens. It says no bootable disks found. I re-enable CSM and in boot control select "UEFI only".

[SOLVED] - Booting with my SSD in UEFI - Tom's Hardware Forum 4 Oct 2021 · best way to do: clean install windows on uefi only mode (disable any csm and legacy option, save and exit, go to secure boot and enable it, then install the keys, accept/save and boot to bios again to make sure everything is uefi only and the secure boot is enabled on USER mode, and keys is installed (option would only be uninstall/remove keys).

Error BIOS/Legacy Boot of UEFI-Only Media: Try Powerful Tips 26 Nov 2024 · Step 2: Go to the Boot tab (you can see the similar one in other sections) and ensure to enable the UEFI boot mode (the item may be UEFI/BIOS Mode or Boot Mode). Sometimes you need to disable Legacy boot support by setting Legacy Support Mode, CSM Support, or Compatibility Support to Disabled. Recreate a Bootable USB Drive with MBR …

SSD not being detected in boot order in uefi mode [SOLVED] 21 Dec 2023 · The HDD was only detected in legacy boot mode so I booted into it and followed the general download directions for the windows 10 by wiping the disk 0 and installing but it wasn't showing in uefi. I put the set up the hdd by the official Microsoft media creation tool from my friends pc which took around 2 hours to finish. 2.

Boot to UEFI Mode or Legacy BIOS mode | Microsoft Learn 15 Dec 2021 · For example, select UEFI: USB Drive or BIOS: Network/LAN. You might see separate commands for the same device. For example, you might see UEFI USB Drive and BIOS USB Drive. Each command uses the same device and media, but boots the PC in a different firmware mode. Some devices only support one mode (either UEFI or BIOS). Other devices …

This Drive Can Only Boot In Uefi Mode