What is a UEFI flash drive. UEFI - What is it? Boot UEFI flash drive

Where the method of creating a multi-load flash drive was described with a set of useful utilities, a variety of systems, etc. And everything would be nothing, but here the dog is buried - we will pay attention to this branch of comments, which discusses the performance of multiple loads in systems with UEFI. So I began my own investigation to seek a universal solution to this problem.

It did not have to walk far - since the insane popular popularity of the build of Windows XP Zver Edition, its developers used a set of utilities called RMPRepusb to write an assembly to a USB drive. The assembly went out of the memory of people, well, the project of the utility package continues to develop and fix. Well, the basis itself is the Easy2Boot project. Studying their website I found a universal way to create a multizrode flash drive, which can contain any distribution, livecd or diskette images that you just want to add. So, let's start creating such a wonder flash drive.

How does all this look like?

The working example - threw different images on the drive, the structure is as follows:

• _Iso \\ linux \\ linuxmint-17-xfce-DVD-64bit.iso
• _Iso \\ win \\ ru-en_win7_sp1_x86-x64_18in1_activated_v2.imgptn
• _Iso \\ win \\ boot_usb_sergei_strelec_2014_v.6.9.imgptn
• _Iso \\ win \\ ru_windows_8_1_pro_vl_x86_dvd_lite_3.iso

Screenshots

Main menu Flashki


Submenu Linux


Submenu with ordinary ISO images windows


Submenu with images for UEFI


When loading an image for the UEFI, we will ask us, do we really want to rewrite the table by the section of the flash drive? Click Enter.


But this is how the loader of any image for UEFI looks like. Instructions for returning to the main menu below.

We load in the BIOS, select the desired UEFI image, we switch the UEFI back and get a flash drive with one partition containing the files of this image. Accordingly, if this image supports the download in the UEFI - it will appear in the list of devices from which you can boot.

Attention! If you are loaded with images prepared for UEFI, then you will notice that the download menu from the same image will be downloaded from the following. And where are all those that we sketched on the USB flash drive? Yes, and files on the flash drive are not ... Here are two options - from the bootloader to select the top item Easy2Boot. or run the script from the flash drive e2B \\ RestoreE2B (RUN ADMIN) .cmd.

In the dry residue

Without minuses, it did not go here - it is necessary to switch to the BIOS in order to connect the desired image. But the functionality of this set utility closes all imaginable and inconceivable needs in the multi-load flash drive.

I already wrote how to create a bootable USB flash drive using the RUFUS program. Today I will tell you how to create a bootable USB flash drive in Linux for UEFI.
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, a single extensible firmware interface) came to the BIOS change and instead of the MBR came the markup GPT (Guid Partition Table, GUID section table).

Read more in Wikipedia Pro uEFI pro gPT.. There will be a practice here. It will take: a flash drive (volume depends the selected image), the ISO image of the system. Gparted and discs. Although this method is suitable not only for UEFI. Therefore, if you create a bootable flash drive for systems without UEFI, you do not need to create a GPT section. Immediately go to the image entry.

We prepare a flash drive to writing an image

In order for the UEFI to work fine with a flash drive, create a special partition on it. If the GParted program is not installed. Set. To do this, we write in the terminal:

sudo Apt Update Sudo Apt Install Gparted

sudo Apt Install Gparted

Run the program. Select a flash drive by clicking on the name of the section as shown in the figure.

If you select "Device Information" in the "View" menu it seems that the "section type" is created by MSDOS. This type is not suitable for downloading from a flash drive If the motherboard supports UEFI.

Therefore, create a new section. We go to the "Devices" menu, create a partition table. In the block opposite the inscription - "Select a new type of entry table entry:". Press the button and select the GPT type. Click "Apply." Wait until the end of the operation.

And "apply." After you click Add to the top activates the button in the form of a green tank.

The section for the loading flash drive under the UEFI is ready. It remains to write the image on it.

Record the image of the system on the USB flash drive

Install the "Disks" program (if not installed). In the terminal, specify the command:

sudo Apt Update Sudo Apt Instal GNOME-DISK-UTILITY

sudo Apt Instal GNOME-DISK-UTILITY

Run. We highlight a flash drive left mouse click. Click on the "Properties" icon (in the form of a gear or button with three stripes

From the drop-down menu, select - "Restore the disk image".

Click on the "Recovery Image" button. Select the desired image and click the Start Restore button. Confirm once again by pressing the "Restore" button.

Many of the modern brand manufacturers of hardware components for PCs, as well as "software" seek to provide support for the UEFI interface products. This software solution is designed to become an alternative to the usual to many fans of computer technology I / O system - BIOS. What is the specificity of the software under consideration? What nuances are characteristic to use his capabilities?

What is UEFI.

Consider the basic information about UEFI. What is this development? UEFI is a special interface that is installed between the OS installed on the computer and the software that is responsible for low-level functions of the PC hardware components.

Sometimes referred to as Bos UEFI. In this name, on the one hand, there is some error because BIOS is a software solution that is functioning in other principles. UEFI developed by Intel, BIOS is software that exists in several versions supported by different brands.

On the other hand, the assignment of BIOS and UEFI is almost the same thing. BIOS UEFI - formally, not quite correctly phrase, but not contrary to the logic of software and hardware control algorithms PC.

BIOS Differences from UEFI

But the first thing we will pay attention is to find the differences between the "pure" BIOS and the "classic" UEFI. The fact is that the software address under consideration is positioned as a more advanced alternative to BIOS. Many manufacturers of modern motherboards for computers are trying to support the appropriate type of software from Intel. Thus, the differences between UEFI and BIOS we can trace, after studying, first of all, the disadvantages of the second system.

The first lack of BIOS is that this system cannot provide a full-fledged disk space on very large "hard drives" - those that are exceeded in the volume of 2 terabytes. Indeed, several years ago, such values \u200b\u200bcharacterizing the capacity of hard drives seemed fantastic, and therefore PC manufacturers did not particularly focus on the corresponding BIOS lack of. But today, the "Winchester" volume more 2TB will not surprise anyone. PC manufacturers began to feel that it is time to switch to UEFI, which is an objective need, based on modern technological trends.

Another feature of the BIOS is that it supports a limited number of primary partitions on the hard disk. In turn, UEFI works with 128. In the structure of the new software solution from Intel, a new partition table was implemented - GPT, which, in fact, allows you to use the marked technological advantage of the UEFI.

With all the differences in the new software developed by Intel, and the traditional BIOS I / O system, the main functions of the corresponding solutions are generally coincided. If not considered a fundamentally new security algorithm in UEFI, the actual differences between the systems are not too much. Some experts believe that the new software platform allows you to quickly load operating systems, others note that it is relevant only for Windows 8. Consider, in fact, the security system implemented in UEFI, more.

New security technology

What is ahead of the new UEFI BIOS system - this is the level of security. The fact is that there are viruses that are able to embed in the chip where the BIOS algorithms are prescribed. After that, it becomes possible to download the OS with advanced user rights, which opens the widest opportunities for hacker. In turn, in a new solution from Intel, a secure load is implemented - the UEFI provides an appropriate algorithm called Secure Boot.

It is based on the use of special keys that must be certified by the largest IT market brands. However, according to specialists, there are not too many such companies in practice. In particular, with support for the appropriate options with operating system manufacturers, it fully provides only Microsoft and only in Windows 8. There is also information that compatibility with a new security system is implemented in some Linux distributions.

Advantages of UEFI

Obviously, the noted flaws of BIOS are, at the same time, the advantages of a new software solution. At the same time, UEFI is characterized by a number of other major advantages. Consider them.

First of all, this is a convenient, intuitive and functional interface. As a rule, it implements mouse support - which is not typical for the BIOS. Also, many versions of UEFI (BIOS This option is also not peculiar to) provide a Russified interface.

The algorithms provided for by the new software solution allow you to load operating systems in most cases significantly faster than using BIOS. For example, Windows 8, installed on a computer with UEFI support, can be loaded with adequate performance of the processor and other key hardware components - literally in 10 seconds.

Among the most significant advantages of the software solution under consideration, which allocate many IT specialists are simpler, in comparison with the BIOS mechanisms, the update algorithm. Another useful UEFI option is the presence in this system of own which can be used if several OS is installed on the PC.

So, the technological advantages of the new PC management software interface, which is developed by Intel, are clear to us. The largest brands-manufacturers of hardware components for PC provide compatibility of the appropriate "iron" with the UEFI - Gigabyte, Asus, Sony. The transition to a new system, as many IT experts believe, can turn into a steady technological trend. The opportunities that the global IT community offers Intel, which has developed UEFI, may well be attractive to leading manufacturers of software and hardware components for PCs. Especially since the relevant UEFI technological options are supported by the largest brand in the market of operating systems.

Facts about Secure Boot

Consider more details of the Secure Boot technology supported by UEFI. What is this concept? The safe download of the computer, which is designed to protect the system, as we noted above, from the penetration of viruses. True, for its full use of the keys that are used by this Protocol must be certified. At the moment, this criterion satisfies quite a few manufacturers of software. Among those - Microsoft, which implemented support for the corresponding algorithms in Windows 8.

It can be noted that this circumstance in some cases may complicate the installation on a PC, which runs under the control of UEFI, other operating systems. If you have to install Windows - UEFI can still exhibit some loyalty to this - but provided that the OS version will be as close as possible to the one that is installed by the computer manufacturer. It can also be noted that some Linux distributions are also compatible with the Secure Boot option.

But even if, due to the function under consideration, the download of the new OS will be prohibited by the system, in the structure of the UEFI interface, it is possible to disconnect the Secure Boot algorithms. It is clear that in this case, the OS load will not be so secure, however, the corresponding option can be activated at any time again and start working with Windows 8.

What OS are fully compatible with UEFI?

In very rare cases, individual IT specialists have an installation on a PC with support for Secure Boot alternative OS. For example, it is known that theoretically you can put Windows 7 to some laptops with support for UEFI BIOS. ASUS - among the manufacturers of such PCs. But it is rather an exception to the rules. In general, the likelihood of a successful installation of even other editions of Windows 8. At the same time, as we noted above, some Linux distributions are also compatible with the UEFI options.

Features UEFI settings

Consider some nuances setting up the Intel software solution. An interesting option is the Emulation of the BIOS UEFI. What is this opportunity? Indeed, in some versions of UEFI, algorithms are implemented for which the PC management is organized in accordance with those mechanisms that use the I / O system, which is the historical predecessor of the UEFI.

Depending on the particular PC, this mode can be referred to in different ways. Most often it is Legacy or Launch CSM. At the same time, there are no difficulties with how to install UEFI in standard loading mode.

UEFI access nuances

Another noteworthy fact that it is useful to note is a large number of UEFI versions. They can differ significantly in PCs issued by different brands. At the same time, the level of availability of certain functions on different computers can also differ significantly. It often happens, for example, that when the computer is loaded, the menu is displayed, with which you can enter the UEFI settings. But in this case, Windows, as a rule, an alternative possibility of loading the necessary options is provided. You need to enter "Parameters" and activate the option "Special download options".

After that, you can reboot - and several PC boot options will appear on the screen. There is an alternative way to provide access to the appropriate UEFI options. On many PCs it works. You need to press ESC at the very beginning of the computer. After this menu, which is in question, should open.

Specificity of work in different modes

It should be noted that when changing the usual mode of operation of the UEFI on Legacy, it is desirable to use the necessary programs that require the secure boot or work when emulating the BIOS, to re-enable the UEFI interface with all the relevant options. Otherwise, Windows 8, as some IT specialists noted may not start. At the same time, there are no such problems on many PCs. Some brands manufacturers are implemented into the control structure of the PC algorithms that allow you to activate the UEFI mode automatically. In some PC models, a hybrid mode is implemented in which the UEFI system is loaded from any media, and if necessary, the BIOS modulation can be launched. Differences in UEFI versions can also assume that the secret boot is disabled in the Intel software solution mode, it is impossible. To do this, you will have to activate the BIOS emulation function.

UEFI and bootable flash drives

In some cases, users have the need to load the operating system from the flash drive. The main difficulty is that having a format other than FAT32, the UEFI loading flash drive is not recognized. But this problem can be successfully resolved. How?

So, by default, the bootable flash drives for Windows are formatted into which the UEFI does not recognize. Therefore, the main task is to ensure that the corresponding hardware component is formatted in a more versatile file system - FAT32. The most interesting thing is that by many IT experts it is considered obsolete. But on the example of one of the most modern software solutions, as definitely, UEFI, we can trace the relevance of the relevant standard.

Flash drive to download in UEFI mode: Components

What do we need to ensure that the UEFI boot flash drive is recognized without problems? First of all, this is actually a USB carrier itself. It is desirable that its capacitance is at least 4 GB. It is also desirable that the valuable files are not placed on it, as we have to fully format the USB flash drive. The next component you need is a Windows distribution. Let it be the 64-bit version of Windows 7. Another feature of the UEFI, which should be said about - 32-bit OS from Microsoft This system does not support.

Preparation of flash drive

If we have marked components, you can start work. First insert the USB flash drive then - open the command line in the Windows interface. It is necessary that the user has administrator rights. Through you need to run the DiskPart program - just entering this word. After that, you must enter the List Disk command, which will display the list of disks present in the system. It needs to find a USB flash drive. If it is in the list under 2 number, you need to enter the Seleck Disk 2 command.

Formatting flash drive

Next you need to format the carrier. To do this, enter the Clean command. After that, you need to create a primary partition on the disk. This can be done using the Create Partition Primary command. After that, the created section should be done active. To do this, enter the Active command. After that, you can display a list of sections. To do this, enter the List Volume to the command line. Find the section that we have created. If it is specified at number 3, we enter the SELECT Volume command 3. After that, you need to format it in the FAT32 system. To do this, enter the Format FS \u003d FAT32 command. Basic bootable media is thus ready. But that is not all. You must assign a disk letter flash drive. This can be done using the ASSIGN command. After that, enter EXIT and exit the command line.

Record Distribution on USB flash drive

After all the actions described above, you must copy the Windows 7 distribution to the USB flash drive. This can also be done using the command line. How? This provides a special command - xcopy. You need to enter it, then - specify the disk address with the distribution kit, insert a symbol *, specify the letter that is configured to download to the UEFI flash drive, after which you enter the following command symbols / S / E command. Then you need to go through the command line on the USB flash drive. There you need to get into the EFI \\ Microsoft \\ Boot directory. It must be copied to the EFI \\ BOOT folder. After that, you need to copy the file called bootmgfw.efi to the EFI \\ Boot folder, after which it is renamed it to the bootx64.efi file.

Working with flash drive completed. UEFI disk with FAT32 file system, in which we just can recognize without problems. Accordingly, it can be installed on the Windows 7 PC from it. Of course, provided that the Secure Boot algorithm is disabled in the UEFI options, which prohibits installing the OS computer, which differ from Windows 8.