Windows 8 + UEFI BIOS, “UEFI Firmware Settings” Missing

biosbootuefiwindows 8

Originally installed Windows 8 (non-UEFI install) with a GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 motherboard.

After upgrading the BIOS to a UEFI version and enabling some fast-boot settings and Windows 8 integration, the system boots to the OS extremely fast. However, I found that the "UEFI Firmware Settings" option is missing from the Windows advanced startup options. Also note, boot loader path is \Windows\system32\winload.exe.

Is there a method that allows for changing/enabling the UEFI Firmware Settings menu entry?

I'm even willing to reinstall the OS, though I also can't seem to boot from CD/DVD at this point.

Best Answer

If you're currently booting in BIOS/CSM/legacy mode, you can convert to an EFI/UEFI-mode boot by installing a suitable EFI-mode boot loader. This process is described here, but be aware that this page is geared toward using DUET on a BIOS-based computer; on a system that supports EFI, you don't need to install DUET, so you can ignore the DUET information on that page.

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Windows 8 boot into UEFI firmware settings missing

If you installed Windows 8 the U/EFI way you should be able to access UEFI options.

To check if you boot UEFI way - when in Windows run on admin command prompt:

bcdedit

output lists bootmgr and loader/s.

for example:

    Windows Boot Loader
 =========================

identifier              {current}
device                  partition=C:
path                    \Windows\system32\winload.efi
description             Windows 8

If path ends in .efi - you boot U/EFI way

else path ends in .exe - you boot BIOS way.

To install Windows 8 the UEFI way you have to boot installation media (USB/DVD) the UEFI way.

UEFI firmware usually allows BIOS booting (over CSM) and UEFI booting for DVD/USB.

Destination disk for installation must be a GPT style disk.

When converting a MBR disk to GPT disk (usually) existing partitions are lost.

Windows – UEFI/BIOS seemingly missing

If you have Windows 10 running, you should be able to hold Shift while clicking "Restart" and you should get the troubleshooting menu.

On that menu, under Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options, should have an entry to reboot into your UEFI Firmware Settings.

Image source/more info

Best Answer

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Windows 8 boot into UEFI firmware settings missing

Windows – UEFI/BIOS seemingly missing

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