How to Enable UEFI Boot Linux Mint 21.3

How to Enable UEFI Boot Linux Mint 21.3: Avoid Common Pitfalls

ByFacts Valley

It’s crucial to know how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3. It will give you faster boot times, better security, and support for larger hard drives. This guide will ensure your system runs Linux Mint 21.3 in UEFI mode, without issues. It will walk you through each step. This guide will make your switch from legacy BIOS or your first Linux Mint install simple. It’s straightforward.

What is UEFI and Why Use It?

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) replaces the old BIOS system. While BIOS has been around for decades, UEFI provides several advantages:

  • Faster boot times: UEFI greatly speeds up your computer’s startup time.
  • Support for larger hard drives: UEFI works with drives over 2 TB. This is ideal for big storage needs.
  • Improved security: UEFI has features like Secure Boot. It helps prevent malware from hijacking your system during startup.

In contrast, legacy BIOS is outdated. It doesn’t support modern features. So, UEFI is the preferred boot method for most new systems.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Enabling UEFI Boot

How to Enable UEFI Boot Linux Mint 21.3 Menu
Image: Wikipedia

Before you start learning how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3, make sure your system is UEFI-compatible. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re ready:

  1. UEFI-compatible system: Most modern computers come with UEFI, but it’s important to verify. You can check this in your BIOS settings (instructions below).
  2. Bootable USB drive with Linux Mint 21.3: You’ll need a bootable USB drive with Linux Mint. Tools like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Linux/Mac) can create one easily.
  3. Back up important data: It’s wise to back up your data before major system changes.

Step 1: Disable Secure Boot (If Necessary)

The UEFI feature is Secure Boot. It stops any unauthorized systems from running. Secure Boot boosts security. For most users who are figuring out how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3, disabling Secure Boot is a necessary step.

To disable Secure Boot:

  1. To enter BIOS/UEFI: restart your computer. Press the key shown on the screen (usually F2, Del, or Esc).
  2. Find Secure Boot settings: You can find this typically under ‘Boot’ or ‘Security’.
  3. Disable Secure Boot: Finally select ‘Disable’ and save the changes.

Secure Boot must not be disabled for all systems. If you’re not sure, install Linux Mint with it enabled. Only disable it if there are issues.

Step 2: Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings for UEFI Boot

When you’re in the BIOS/UEFI settings, you have to be sure your system is set to boot in UEFI mode and not in Legacy BIOS.

  1. Access BIOS/UEFI Settings: Restart your computer. Enter the BIOS/UEFI by then pressing the key (usually F2 or Del).
  2. Enable UEFI Boot: Go to the Boot tab and change your system to boot in UEFI mode. Make sure “Legacy” or “CSM” (Compatibility Support Module) are disabled.
  3. Enable AHCI Mode: Set the SATA mode to AHCI, not IDE for better Linux performance. It is especially important if you’re installing on an SSD.

If your PC screen goes black during this process or while working with Windows, check out these quick solutions to fix the Black Screen of Death here.

Step 3: Create a UEFI-Compatible Bootable USB Drive

The next crucial step in how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3 is creating a UEFI-compatible bootable USB drive. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Use Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Linux/Mac): Rufus (or Etcher for Linux or Mac) can be downloaded and installed.
  2. Create the Bootable USB:
    • Choose the Linux Mint 21.3 ISO file.
    • Choose the USB drive.
    • GPT (this is UEFI compatible) set as Set Partition Scheme.
    • FAT32 (required for UEFI boot); Set to FAT32.
  3. Verify UEFI Compatibility: Make sure “Create a bootable disk using UEFI” has been chosen.

    Additionally, this will force your USB drive to be configured to boot in UEFI mode.

Step 4: Boot Linux Mint 21.3 in UEFI Mode

Once your USB is ready, it’s time to boot into Linux Mint 21.3 using UEFI mode.

  1. Insert the USB drive: Restart your computer. Press F12, Esc, or F10 to open the boot menu.
  2. Select USB and UEFI: From the boot options, select your USB drive and make sure it’s labeled as UEFI. If you don’t see a UEFI option, double-check your BIOS/UEFI settings.

This step is critical in ensuring you understand how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3, as booting in legacy mode will not work for a UEFI installation.

Step 5: Installing Linux Mint 21.3 in UEFI Mode

With your system booted into Linux Mint 21.3, follow these steps to install it in UEFI mode:

  1. Start the Installer: When Linux Mint starts from the USB, select Install Linux Mint.
  2. Partition Your Hard Drive: You have to partition your hard drive during the installation. If you’re installing Linux Mint alongside another OS, such as Windows, choose the ‘Install Linux Mint alongside Windows’ option.
    • EFI System Partition (ESP): Make sure that a partition has been marked as an EFI System Partition (ESP). It is necessary for UEFI boot.
    • Root (/): This is where Linux Mint will be installed.
    • Home (/home): Optionally, you can create a separate home partition for personal files.
    • Swap: If you need a swap partition set that up.
  3. Complete Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 6: Post-Installation Steps

Once its installed, take a few steps. They will make sure your system boots up and operates nicely.

  1. Verify UEFI Installation:
    • Check whether the boot loader is using UEFI, reboot your system, and see if it works. You can confirm this by running this command in the terminal: `efibootmgr`.
    • If Linux Mint appears in UEFI, that means the installation was completed.
  2. Update Linux Mint: To get the latest drivers and security patches, run the updater.
  3. Install Additional Drivers: For proprietary hardware like Nvidia graphics cards use “Driver Manager” in Linux Mint to install the drivers.

Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while following how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3, here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • BIOS stuck after installation?: Ensure UEFI mode is on. Set the boot order to boot from your installed Linux Mint OS first, then.
  • No bootable device found: If the system is booting in legacy mode, this usually happens. Then reenter BIOS and select UEFI mode.
  • Linux Mint won’t boot: If you are running into any bootloader problems, use Boot Repair to fix it.

You can check out the Linux Mint Forum too for more queries.

Benefits of Using UEFI Boot for Linux Mint 21.3

Linux mint banner
Image: MuyComputer

Understanding how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3 offers several advantages:

  • Faster boot times: Since UEFI is a more streamlined process, UEFI can get boot up faster.
  • Security features: UEFI includes Secure Boot. It prevents unauthorized booting when configured.
  • Support for large hard drives: For modern systems, drives of up to 2 TB are ideal for UEFI to handle.

Final Notes: Ensuring a Smooth UEFI Boot for Linux Mint 21.3

Enabling UEFI boot for Linux Mint 21.3 offers benefits. It improves performance, security, and boot reliability. With these clear, step-by-step instructions, you now know how to enable UEFI boot Linux Mint 21.3 efficiently and without issues. Whether you’re new to Linux or just upgrading your system, UEFI boot is the way to go for modern computing.

Popular Questions

Some systems allow Linux to install with Secure Boot enabled. It’s recommended for smoother installation.

Yes, UEFI supports dual-boot setups. You can install Linux Mint alongside Windows without issues.

Check your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings or use the terminal command “sudo dmidecode -t 0” to see if UEFI is supported.

UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS. It has better performance, security and supports larger hard drives.

Try using Boot Repair or verify that UEFI mode is enabled in the BIOS.

It’s technically possible, but it’s easier and more reliable to reinstall Linux Mint in UEFI mode.

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