Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Windows Pro x64 dual-boot BIOS vs UEFI

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Windows Pro x64 dual-boot BIOS vs UEFI


    Hello! I recently acquired an Acer V3-771G and I want to dual-boot Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and Windows 8 Pro x64 and I was wondering if it is recommended to change BIOS with the UEFI found on Acer's site. Also, if i should do that, when is it right to switch from BIOS to UEFI? In the beginning, after W7 is installed, after W8 is installed, etc. Note that I have some experience with dual-boots, but none whatsoever with Windows 8.

    As for the system specs, I am only able to write them as they are written on the box, as I haven't installed any Windows yet.
    CPU: i7-3630QM
    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Nvidia GeForce GT650M
    8 GB Ram DDR3
    HDD: 500GB 5400rpm
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #2

    Does your Acer have a BIOS chip or a uEFI firmware chip?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 427
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #3

    I dont have any experiance with dual-boots, But I would suggest, If you are going to update the bios, Do so, before you install any OS. updating the bios once windows is installed, Comes with a slightly higher risk. Although most times, There isnt a problem.
      My Computer

  4.   My Computer


  5. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #5

    Nice video Greg.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks for the replies, but I have to say that I already installed W7 through BIOS. Acer's BIOS and UEFI updates are .exe files, so I suppose there needs to be a preinstalled OS so I can run them. What I want to know is if I can convert the NTFS W7 partition to a GPT one (I understand that UEFI creates GPT partitions) and then install W8. Or, to be more precise, what would you do if you were in my shoes?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #7

    theog said:
    Does your Acer have a BIOS chip or a uEFI firmware chip?
    waiting a reply.
      My Computer

  8.    #8

    If you've already installed Win7 in Legacy BIOS mode to an MBR format HD, then I'd install Win8 the same way. What's the problem with doing this? Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7 or Vista - Windows 8 Forums

    I gave you resources earlier to better understand UEFI. If you have an EFI BIOS and you want to install the Dual Boot in UEFI mode you'll have to turn off Legacy BIOS, wipe the HD to convert it to GPT, then install in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 427
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #9

    Where are we upto with this? did you update the bios?.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Ok, so I've seen the links greg sent and I've understood the obvious advantages of UEFI over BIOS. Then, I've run Aida64 and found out that I have a InsydeH20 BIOS version 1.11. The Acer site lists under BIOS downloads version 1.12 and version 2.12 which is labelled "BIOS - UEFI for Windows 8 (Not for Upgrades)". The W7 currently installed was installed through Legacy BIOS, by DVD. I have not made any BIOS updates yet. A dual-boot with W8 without UEFI is an option, but since the motherboard is UEFI capable, I would like to use its advantages. So, what you suggest?

    Another thing: the Acer site says that it is not recommended to switch to UEFI on laptops with W7 preinstalled and it is not recommended to switch to BIOS on laptops with W8 preinstalled. The problem is that mine came with Linux preinstalled, while the Acer site's driver section lists drivers for both W7 and W8. Then, on the internet I've seen that BIOS upgrades are from the "if it works, don't update it" category. What can possibly go wrong? Shouldn't it be a worry-free upgrade since it is only an .exe to run?
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 15:53.
Find Us