EFI File Extension

What is EFI file?

File with EFI extension is a system file used by computer systems and devices based on Intel architecture, for example, AppleTVs. EFI file contains data executed between operating system and firmware levels.

Usage of EFI files

EFI system files are used during system boot process, for staging firmware updates, and running pre-boot programs. EFI files allow system to hand-off pre-boot processes to the controlled environment. Sometimes EFI files are included in firmware update files and loaded into EFI during the boot process.

EFI and UEFI specification

EFI standard was initially developed by Intel. Next, EFI was updated and became known as UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) standard, which is to replace legacy firmware interface Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).

Programs which support EFI file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support EFI files. EFI files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 02/10/2020

How to open file with EFI extension?

Problems with accessing EFI may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with EFI extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the EFI Developer Kit

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening EFI files is that no program that can handle EFI files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download EFI Developer Kit and install it on your device. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading EFI Developer Kit installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of EFI Developer Kit

You still cannot access EFI files although EFI Developer Kit is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that EFI Developer Kit cannot handle files with EFI may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of EFI Developer Kit is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Extensible Firmware Interface Format files with EFI Developer Kit

If you have the latest version of EFI Developer Kit installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage EFI on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the EFI file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where EFI Developer Kit is installed, check the Always use this app to open EFI files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected EFI file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EFI extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the EFI is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the EFI file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the EFI file for viruses or malware

If the EFI is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the EFI file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the EFI file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the EFI file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with EFI extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open EFI Developer Kit

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with EFI extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Extensible Firmware Interface Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with EFI files affecting older versions of given software.

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