Transition Private Images to UEFI

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a modern firmware interface designed to replace the traditional legacy BIOS system. Unlike legacy boot, which relies on Master Boot Records (MBRs) for disk management, UEFI supports larger disks, faster boot times, and improved security features. UEFI allows for a graphical user interface and a more flexible pre-boot environment, providing a seamless user experience.

We are transitioning to UEFI to fully leverage its benefits, especially with introducing the Sierra Forest CPU, which exclusively supports UEFI booting. This transition is vital for ensuring compatibility and optimal hardware performance. As part of this shift, it is essential that you also transition your Windows private images to UEFI-compatible formats using the following instructions. For more information, see FAQs.

Note: For users using Windows private images, remember to configure your images so that UEFI functions correctly with Intel Sierra Forest.

Optimize image preparation with the IONOS Backup Service

Migrating an existing image (both Windows and Linux) from Legacy BIOS to UEFI can be streamlined using the IONOS Backup Service. This process involves capturing the current Legacy BIOS image, configuring a UEFI-compatible target, and restoring the image with specific settings. Follow the guidelines below to ensure proper configuration:

1. Backup the legacy BIOS image

1. Back up the current legacy BIOS virtual machine using the IONOS Backup Service. For more information, see Install Acronis Backup Agent on Linux. Ensure all partitions, including the MBR, are captured. 2. Verify the backup integrity to ensure a reliable restoration.

2. Prepare a UEFI-compatible target

1. Provision a new target virtual machine using a Sierra Forest CPU, ensuring the target system uses UEFI. 2. The target system's boot volume must be slightly larger (1GB is sufficient) than the source boot volume. It ensures the creation of a FAT32 file system for formatting EFI System Partition (ESP) in a UEFI system, which is essential for UEFI booting.

3. Restore the image

1. Boot the target system using the Acronis Bootable Media ISO. 2. The Acronis Bootable Media will automatically detect a UEFI-compatible target volume. To confirm the detection is correct, refer to the Acronis Support Portal. 3. For new machines or those that do not boot, select the previously captured legacy BIOS image for restoration after the standard recovery process. For more information, you can also refer to the video from Acronis. 4. Select Disks as Backup contents and other appropriate details, as shown in the image. 5. When you select the correct disk with enough capacity, the target and source disk will automatically be matched on the Recover Data summary page.

Select disk

4. Verify UEFI firmware settings (optional):

1. Use the remote console to enter the target VM's UEFI firmware settings (BIOS). Remember to press the ESC button on your keyboard multiple times during the boot process to trigger the UEFI firmware settings (BIOS) screen. 2. Verify the boot order is set to prioritize the UEFI boot option.

5. Update the UEFI Property of the image in the DCD

After completing the transition, remember to update the UEFI property of your image in the DCD as follows:

1. Log in to the DCD with your username and password. 2. Go to the Menu > Management > Images & Snapshots. 3. Modify the following detail:

• UEFI Support: Select Image is UEFI-compatible from the drop-down list.

Set UEFI property

4. Click Save.

Result: Leveraging the IONOS Backup Service with the above instructions ensures a smooth transition of your private images from legacy BIOS to UEFI, ensuring compatibility with Sierra Forest and other UEFI-based systems.

Troubleshoot potential issues

The following are some guidelines to troubleshoot common problems you may encounter while transitioning to UEFI:

Potential Issues	Troubleshooting
Boot Order	Check the UEFI firmware settings to ensure the boot order is configured correctly to prioritize the UEFI boot option.
Boot Failures	— If the image fails to boot, verify that the bootloader is installed correctly and pointing to the correct ESP. — Pay attention to error messages during boot, as they can provide clues about what might be wrong.

Summary

As we transition to Intel Sierra Forest CPUs, you must adapt your Windows private images for UEFI compatibility. This documentation is a comprehensive resource that guides you through the necessary modifications to ensure a smooth transition to UEFI. Following these guidelines, you can fully leverage UEFI's benefits for a secure and efficient boot environment.