Fixing Windows Installation on UEFI Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve installed Windows on a UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) system, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the installation issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve common problems:
Pre-requisites:
- Make sure you have a valid Windows license and have registered it online.
- Ensure your UEFI firmware is up-to-date by using the built-in tool in your motherboard manual or manufacturer’s website.
Step 1: Boot from a USB Drive with Recovery Tools (Recommended)
Insert a blank USB drive with the following recovery tools:
- UEFI Firmware Settings: Save and Load settings to troubleshoot.
- UEFI Bootable USB Drive: A bootable USB drive that can be used to reinstall Windows or fix UEFI issues.
Boot from this USB drive by selecting it as the first boot device in your BIOS setup (usually F2, F12, or Del) and then press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions to:
- Save and Load settings for troubleshooting
- Boot into UEFI Firmware Settings
Step 2: Reset UEFI Firmware
Resetting UEFI firmware can resolve issues with Windows installation.
- Insert the UEFI bootable USB drive.
- Press F11 during startup, which will open the BIOS setup (usually F2, F12, or Del).
- Save and Load settings for troubleshooting.
- Set the boot order to prioritize the UEFI boot device (usually a USB drive).
Step 3: Reinstall Windows
Reinstalling Windows can resolve issues with installation.
- Insert the original installation media (CD/DVD) into your computer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows from the recovery tools.
- If prompted, select “Troubleshoot” or “Advanced options” as the boot device.
- Click Next and follow the installation process until you complete the reinstall.
Step 4: Check UEFI Firmware Version
Verify your UEFI firmware version to ensure it’s up-to-date.
- Press F2 during startup (usually).
- Look for the “UEFI Firmware Settings” or “Boot Options” menu.
- Check the “Firmware Version” to confirm your UEFI firmware is current.
Step 5: Update BIOS
Update your motherboard BIOS to ensure it’s up-to-date with the latest security patches and features.
- Press F2 during startup (usually).
- Navigate to the “Advanced” or “System” tab.
- Check for updates and apply any necessary changes.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If you’re still encountering issues, try booting in Safe Mode with Networking enabled.
- Ensure your system has sufficient disk space and a functional hard drive.
- Try running a System File Checker (SFC) scan to resolve issues with corrupted files.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix common UEFI-related installation problems on Windows. Remember to save any unsaved work before attempting a reinstall or update.