UEFI Boot Manager Custom Entry Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boot loaders, such as the Microsoft Windows boot loader, are limited in their ability to load arbitrary UEFI applications and do not provide a method for adding custom entries to the UEFI firmware boot manager from within the Windows operating system, restricting the selection of operating systems and applications.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to modify boot configuration data and add new boot entries to the UEFI firmware boot manager using native Microsoft Windows tools, allowing execution of non-Windows UEFI applications by copying files to the UEFI system partition, exporting and importing registry data, and setting permissions to enable the loading of custom UEFI applications at boot time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional boot loaders are used, then the system maintains simplicity and stability, but the ability to load arbitrary UEFI applications is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the Windows Registry as an intermediary mechanism to store and manage boot configuration data. By leveraging the existing Registry infrastructure, the system can add custom UEFI application entries without modifying the core boot loader structure, thus achieving versatility while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the boot loader universal by enabling it to load not only Windows applications but also arbitrary UEFI applications through the same boot manager infrastructure. This is achieved by adding custom entries to the boot configuration data, allowing a single boot loader to handle multiple application types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom boot entries are added to UEFI firmware boot manager, then the selection of operating systems and applications is expanded, but the ease of operation is reduced due to manual configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing Windows to automatically manage and modify its own boot configuration data. The system can add custom boot entries, update configuration parameters, and manage permissions without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration, thus maintaining ease of operation while expanding versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the boot loader is modified to support arbitrary UEFI applications, then the versatility is improved, but the reliability of the boot process may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the boot configuration data into distinct entries, each representing a separate UEFI application or operating system. This segmentation allows the boot loader to maintain a structured and organized configuration, making it easier to manage and less prone to errors, thus preserving reliability while supporting multiple application types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the boot configuration data to control the boot process. By modifying parameters such as the boot entry path, description, and permissions, the system can reliably load different UEFI applications without compromising stability. The structured parameter management ensures that each application is loaded with the correct configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for rebooting a UEFI based system, for example from Microsoft Windows, to any UEFI application, include modifying boot configuration data by inserting a boot entry into the UEFI firmware boot manager to cause execution of a non-Windows UEFI application.