AMD is transitioning its Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs, including the 9070 and 9070 XT, to the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware. This move away from the traditional pre-boot BIOS standard offers several advantages, including enhanced security, improved interoperability, faster firmware updates, support for larger hard drives and newer hardware, Windows Secure Boot compatibility, and quicker boot and shutdown times. AMD’s support documentation details the rationale behind this shift.
While this transition provides significant benefits, it presents a potential challenge for some Windows 10 users, particularly those with older motherboards. Although most motherboards from the past decade should support UEFI, some users with older systems may encounter compatibility issues. PC World highlighted this concern, noting that many Windows 10 users plan to continue using the operating system even after Microsoft ends support on October 14, 2025.
According to Steam’s hardware survey, over 40% of its users still run Windows 10. This statistic raises concerns about hardware compatibility with Windows 11, as there’s no straightforward way to determine UEFI support through Steam’s survey. This transition to UEFI could be interpreted as another step towards encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. PC World suggests a potential workaround for users who prefer to stick with Windows 10: upgrading their motherboards to UEFI-compatible models.
For users reluctant to upgrade, Microsoft’s plan to charge for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 after the end-of-service date adds further incentive to transition to a newer operating system. This, combined with AMD’s move to UEFI, suggests a growing industry trend towards newer technologies and operating systems.
In conclusion, AMD’s transition to UEFI offers clear advantages in terms of performance, security, and compatibility with newer hardware. While this shift may pose challenges for some Windows 10 users, solutions like motherboard upgrades or transitioning to Windows 11 are available. The move underscores the ongoing evolution of PC technology and the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest hardware and software advancements.
