Are you tired of always seeing the same manufacturer logo when you turn on your computer? Customizing your UEFI boot by changing the boot logo is one of those small things that has a big impact on the user experience, especially if you're looking to give your PC a personalized or corporate look. Although it may seem complicated, with the right information and the right steps, changing the boot logo is entirely possible on most modern computers.
In this article I tell you, in great detail and with a natural tone, how to change the manufacturer's logo in the Windows UEFI boot.We'll analyze the requirements, advantages, and risks, as well as all the steps and tools needed to customize your home screen. You'll also discover key alternatives and recommendations for doing so safely. Let's get started!
Why does the manufacturer's logo appear at startup?
El logo you see when you start your computer It is an image stored in the motherboard firmware, managed through the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) boot system or, on older computers, the classic BIOSThis logo isn't a whim; it serves presentation, brand identity, and even security purposes, as it helps identify potential system tampering if you see a strange logo right after powering on.
Under the hood, UEFI has replaced the traditional BIOS on most devices and opens up new customization possibilities.Previously, the logo was so embedded in the firmware that it didn't allow for simple changes without disrupting the system's integrity. With UEFI, however, there are mechanisms and tools that make it easy to safely and reversibly replace the boot logo in most cases.
Requirements and warnings before changing the boot logo
Not all computers allow you to modify the boot logo.Before you jump into changing it, there are some important requirements and warnings you should be aware of:
- Your PC must have UEFI, not just BIOS. If your computer uses the old BIOS, the customization options are almost non-existent, and you could damage the system if you force inappropriate changes.
- The logo displayed may be in the firmware or managed by Windows: If you see the manufacturer's logo (HP, Dell, Asus, etc.), it's usually in the UEFI firmware, and only some motherboards allow you to easily change it.
- On very old computers, or if the boot mode is Legacy BIOS and not UEFI, you won't be able to change it using standard methods.
- Disable Secure Boot: It is critical that Secure Boot is disabled in the BIOS/UEFI to allow modification of key files and prevent security lockouts.
- ALWAYS make a backup or restore point before making any changes. Modifying your boot involves risk, and the last thing you want is to lose your system because of a custom logo.
Important: Using third-party tools carries certain risks. Download them only from official sources and verify that they do not include malware. Tampering with critical boot files can leave you without an operating system if something goes wrong.
What is UEFI and how to know if you have it?
UEFI is the modern standard that has replaced BIOS. Its acronym stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface and represents a much more versatile and secure interface for managing the hardware and operating system startup. Since 2005, it has been replacing the traditional BIOS, integrating more features, support for larger hard drives, greater security, and, above all, the opportunity for more accessible customizations.
How do you know if you have UEFI? You can find out when you boot your PC by accessing the firmware settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, ESC, DEL, etc. at startup), or from Windows:
- Accede to Configuration > Update and security > Recovery > Advanced start and restart there.
- Go to Solve problems > Advanced > UEFI firmware settings.
- If you see the option, you have UEFI. If it doesn't appear, your computer may still be using the legacy BIOS.
You can also run in the terminal the command reg query HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control /v PEFirmwareType. If it returns 0 x 2, you have UEFI; if it is 0 x 1, you have BIOS.
What is the purpose of changing the boot logo and what are its benefits?
El changing the UEFI boot logo offers benefits in addition to aesthetics. Allows:
- Customize your computer with a corporate image, your company logo or any photo you prefer.
- Identify your equipment more easily in networks, presentations or shared environments.
- Increase security by recognizing at a glance whether the system boots with your custom logo or has been altered by malware (which could display a suspicious logo).
- Improve the user experience, especially if you're looking to differentiate yourself from generic, brand-name equipment.
These details contribute to both business environments and personal use.
How to change the UEFI boot logo step by step with HackBGRT
To modify the boot image on UEFI systems, the most popular and secure tool is HackBGRT, a free and open-source software that makes the process easier without excessive technical complications. While there are specific utilities for specific motherboards, HackBGRT is compatible with most current UEFI hardware.
Steps to follow to change the logo on your device:
- Disable Secure Boot in the UEFI menu, usually under Security > Secure Boot, and disable it.
- Create a restore point in Windows to roll back in case of problems.
- Download HackBGRT from its official repository on GitHub (https://github.com/Metabolix/HackBGRT/), making sure to download from reliable sources.
- Unzip the .zip file in a folder on your disk.
- Run setup.exe as AdministratorA console with options will open.
- Choose Install by pressing the 'I' key To start the installation.
- A configuration file will open in Notepad. You can edit it, although it's usually not necessary.
- Open Paint or another editor and create or import the image you want to use as your logo. Make sure it's in 24-bit BMP format.
- Save the image in 24-bit BMP formatIt is essential that you meet the technical requirements for HackBGRT to correctly recognize you.
- HackBGRT will store the image and finish the setup.
- Restart the computerYou should see the custom logo on startup instead of the default one.
If the image does not appear correctly upon reboot, check the format and path in the configuration file and adjust if necessary.
Characteristics and technical requirements of the logo image
To avoid display errors, the image must meet these requirements:
- 24-bit BMP or DIB format, with 54-byte header.
- Not excessive size so as not to affect boot times.
- Preferably simple, with few colors and without complex transparencies.
Images outside of these specifications may cause the image to not display correctly or the system to revert to the default logo.
What if I want to go back to the original logo?
To restore the factory logo in Windows, simply:
- Run HackBGRT as Administrator.
- Press the key 'D' in the console to remove the customization and restore the default logo.
- Restart your computer and the original logo will appear on startup.
What happens on computers with traditional BIOS or logos on OEM firmware?
On legacy BIOS systems, customization is much more limited. There are no modern universal tools to modify the logo in older BIOSes., since these images are deeply integrated into the firmware, and only with manufacturer-specific utilities, often accessible only to technicians, is it possible to make changes.
On OEM models, changing the logo usually requires manufacturer-specific tools (such as Intel ITK for NUCs or AMI board utilities), and is not recommended for inexperienced users, as it may damage system stability or void warranties.
In advanced cases, some users have manipulated system files such as bootres.dll or have edited PE files, but these methods are complex, risky, and only recommended for experts.
Alternatives for specific motherboards
For some models, there are official utilities provided by the manufacturers to change the logo. For example:
- Intel Integrator Toolkit (ITK): For Intel hardware WALNUT and the like.
- AMI Aptio Change Logo Utility: Compatible with motherboards with AMI firmware, allows changing the boot image.
- Always check the manufacturer's website and official support, as some brands offer specific tools for customizing your logo safely.
Using these official utilities, when available, is the safest and most recommended way to perform the boot logo customization on compatible hardware.
Customizing the UEFI boot logo is a simple way to give your computer a unique and professional look, as long as you follow the proper steps and take the necessary precautions. The modification is reversible and can be done in just a few minutes, provided your hardware and firmware are compatible and you have UEFI enabled and Secure Boot disabled.
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