Understanding the basics
Legacy Boot (BIOS Mode)
Uses the traditional BIOS firmware interface.
Booting is done using the Master Boot Record (MBR).
Limited to 2TB maximum bootable partition size.
Supports only 4 primary partitions on a drive.
Slower boot times and lacks security features.
UEFI Boot
A modern replacement for BIOS.
Uses the GUID Partition Table (GPT) instead of MBR.
Supports disks larger than 2 TB and 128 partitions.
Faster boot times, graphical interface, and mouse support.
Supports Secure Boot, preventing unauthorized OS modifications.
Secure Boot: Enable vs. Disable
Enabled: Only allows signed, trusted OS bootloaders (prevents malware/rootkits). Recommended for Windows 10/11.
Disabled: Allows unsigned OS bootloaders (required for Linux, Windows 7, and other non-secure boot OS installations).
Legacy ROMs: Enable vs. Disable
Enabled: Allows support for older boot methods and devices that rely on legacy BIOS.
Disabled: Forces UEFI-only boot mode, improving security and compatibility with modern OS.
PTT (Platform Trust Technology): On vs. Clear
PTT On: Enables Intelās TPM 2.0 for security features like Windows 11 compatibility and encryption.
PTT Clear: Resets the TPM (use this before selling or repurposing the PC).
MBR versus GPT
| USB 1 (Legacy USB) | USB 2 (UEFI USB) GPT | |
| Feature | MBR (Master Boot Record) | GPT (GUID Partition Table) |
| Boot Mode | Legacy (BIOS) | UEFI |
| USB File Format | NTFS (recommended) or FAT32 | FAT32 (required) |
| Partitions | 4 primary partitions | 128 partitions |
| OS Compatibility | Older OS (Windows 7 and below) | Modern OS (Windows 8, 10, 11) |
| Boot Security | No Secure Boot support | Secure Boot support |
| Max Disk Size | 2TB | 9.4 ZB (Zettabytes) |
How to Prepare a USB Stick for Windows Installation
A. Download the Rufus
B. Download the Windows ISO file using this trick:
Visit Microsoft Windows Download Page
Press F12 (This opens the developer options of your browser)
Enable mobile device emulation (On Chrome, it's phone/tablet icon in the top-left of the dev tools pane)
Refresh the page.
C. Then burn this ISO file to USB using Rufus. And use the above configuration from the above table as required.
That is all you should keep in mind to save your time. Enjoy!
Image Credit: CGdirector
An Article By: Pradip Timilsina (@sinapradip)