EFI File – What is .efi file and how to open it?
EFI File Extension
Extensible Firmware Interface File – file format by UEFI Forum
EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface File) is a file extension associated with the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) standard developed by the UEFI Forum. EFI files contain instructions that the firmware uses to initialize hardware and load operating systems on computers and other devices.
EFI File Format
EFI files contain executable code and data used by the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI), a specification that defines a software interface between operating systems and firmware on personal computers. EFI files are stored in a portable format and can be executed on any EFI-compliant system. They are commonly used to boot operating systems, load drivers, and perform other system-level tasks.
Contents of an EFI File
EFI files typically include the following components:
- Header: Contains information about the file, including its size, entry point, and dependencies.
- Code sections: Contain the executable instructions that are executed by the EFI firmware.
- Data sections: Contain various types of data, such as strings, tables, and configuration settings.
- Relocation information: Specifies how the file should be relocated in memory when it is loaded.
- Debug information: Used for debugging purposes, provides information about the file’s symbols and line numbers.
Methods to Open EFI Files
To open an EFI file, you can utilize various methods depending on the operating system you are using. For EFI files on Windows systems, you can employ the following steps:
- Right-click on the EFI file and select “Open With.”
- Choose “Notepad” or any other suitable text editor from the list of available programs.
- The EFI file will open in the selected text editor, allowing you to view and edit its contents.
On macOS, EFI files can be opened using TextEdit, a built-in text editor. The steps are similar to those in Windows:
- Right-click on the EFI file and select “Open With.”
- Choose “TextEdit” from the list of available programs.
- TextEdit will launch and display the contents of the EFI file.
Additional Notes
EFI files contain firmware code used by computers during the boot process. They are not typically intended for direct editing by users. However, if necessary, you can view and edit the contents of an EFI file using a text editor. It is essential to exercise caution when modifying EFI files, as incorrect changes can disrupt the boot process or other system functions. It is advisable to consult with a qualified technician or refer to the manufacturer’s documentation before making any modifications to EFI files.
Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) Files
An EFI file is a type of firmware file that is used by computers to initialize hardware and load the operating system. EFI files are stored in a special partition on the computer’s hard drive, and they are typically loaded into memory during the computer’s startup process. EFI files contain instructions that tell the computer how to configure the hardware and load the operating system.
EFI files are typically created by the computer manufacturer, and they are usually specific to a particular computer model. However, it is possible to create custom EFI files using specialized software. EFI files can be used to modify the way that a computer boots, and they can also be used to add new features to a computer.