This feature ensures that only trusted software (like the Windows loader) can start your PC, preventing "bootkits" or rootkits from hijacking your system before the antivirus even kicks in.
| Feature | UEFI | Legacy (CSM/BIOS) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | GPT (GUID Partition Table) | MBR (Master Boot Record) | | Boot Speed | Faster (parallel initialization) | Slower (sequential) | | Disk Size Limit | Supports drives >2TB | Max 2TB boot drive | | Partitions Limit | Up to 128 primary partitions | 4 primary partitions (or 3 + extended) | | Security | Secure Boot (helps prevent malware) | No secure boot | | Modern Hardware | Required for NVMe, GPU UEFI GOP | May not support new hardware |
For decades, the (Basic Input/Output System) was the standard firmware used to initialize hardware and boot the operating system. However, it is limited by 16-bit architecture and a 2TB drive capacity ceiling.
Here are some disadvantages of using UEFI boot mode:
If you're currently using Legacy boot mode and want to convert to UEFI, here's how:
👉 Use UEFI with GPT – it's faster, more secure, and future-proof.
For 95% of users running Windows 8.1 on modern hardware, UEFI is the superior choice . Legacy offers no performance or stability benefits—only compatibility with ancient systems.
Restart your PC and enter BIOS (usually F2, Del, or Esc during boot). Adjust these settings:
The "story" for most users involved the headache of switching. If you installed Windows 8.1 in Legacy mode
This feature ensures that only trusted software (like the Windows loader) can start your PC, preventing "bootkits" or rootkits from hijacking your system before the antivirus even kicks in.
| Feature | UEFI | Legacy (CSM/BIOS) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | GPT (GUID Partition Table) | MBR (Master Boot Record) | | Boot Speed | Faster (parallel initialization) | Slower (sequential) | | Disk Size Limit | Supports drives >2TB | Max 2TB boot drive | | Partitions Limit | Up to 128 primary partitions | 4 primary partitions (or 3 + extended) | | Security | Secure Boot (helps prevent malware) | No secure boot | | Modern Hardware | Required for NVMe, GPU UEFI GOP | May not support new hardware |
For decades, the (Basic Input/Output System) was the standard firmware used to initialize hardware and boot the operating system. However, it is limited by 16-bit architecture and a 2TB drive capacity ceiling. windows 8.1 uefi or legacy
Here are some disadvantages of using UEFI boot mode:
If you're currently using Legacy boot mode and want to convert to UEFI, here's how: This feature ensures that only trusted software (like
👉 Use UEFI with GPT – it's faster, more secure, and future-proof.
For 95% of users running Windows 8.1 on modern hardware, UEFI is the superior choice . Legacy offers no performance or stability benefits—only compatibility with ancient systems. Here are some disadvantages of using UEFI boot
Restart your PC and enter BIOS (usually F2, Del, or Esc during boot). Adjust these settings:
The "story" for most users involved the headache of switching. If you installed Windows 8.1 in Legacy mode