.EFI File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .EFI file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

EFI File Recovery

What is a .EFI file?

System file used by both Intel-based computer systems and computer devices such as AppleTVs; contains system-level data that executes between the operating system and the firmware; used for staging firmware updates, booting operating systems, and running pre-boot programs.

What Are Common Causes of ".EFI" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".EFI" files being lost or failing:

  1. Hardware or software issues: Issues with the computer's hardware, such as a faulty hard drive, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".EFI" files. Similarly, software conflicts or errors can also result in the failure of these files.
  2. Virus or malware infections: Malicious software can infect and damage ".EFI" files, rendering them unusable or causing them to be deleted.
  3. Improper shutdowns or power outages: If a computer is not shut down properly or experiences a sudden power outage, it can lead to the loss or corruption of ".EFI" files.
  4. Incorrect installation or updates: If the installation or update process of the EFI firmware is interrupted or not completed correctly, it can result in the failure of ".EFI" files.
  5. User error: Accidental deletion or modification of ".EFI" files by the user can also cause them to be lost or fail.
  6. Incompatibility: In some cases, ".EFI" files may fail due to compatibility issues with the hardware or software components of the computer system.

It is important to note that ".EFI" files are essential for the booting process of a computer, so their loss or failure can prevent the system from starting up properly.

How to recover lost ".EFI" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".EFI" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".EFI" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".EFI" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".EFI" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".EFI" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".EFI" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo extensible Firmware Interface File image file file?

Programs that open ".EFI" files

Windows
EFI Developer Kit EFI Developer Kit
Mac
EFI Developer Kit EFI Developer Kit
Linux
EFI Developer Kit EFI Developer Kit

Additional Information

  • File type: Extensible Firmware Interface File

  • File extension: .EFI

  • Developer: UEFI Forum

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:35 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .EFI files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of a .EFI file and what does it stand for?

    The purpose of a .EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) file is to serve as the executable binary file for UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware. UEFI is the modern replacement for the traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) firmware found in computers.

    The .EFI file contains the code that the UEFI firmware uses to initialize hardware, load the operating system, and provide other essential functions during the boot process. It is responsible for managing the system's startup and configuration process.

    The EFI system partition (ESP) on a computer's storage device typically holds the .EFI files. These files are loaded by the UEFI firmware to launch the operating system or other boot loaders.

    Overall, the purpose of the .EFI file is to provide the necessary firmware instructions for the UEFI system to boot and initialize the computer hardware.

  • How can I open a .EFI file on my computer?

    To open a .EFI file on your computer, you will need to follow these steps:

    1. Check if your computer's firmware supports EFI files: EFI files are typically associated with firmware updates and are not meant to be opened directly by users. Ensure that your computer's firmware supports EFI files before proceeding.
    2. Determine the purpose of the .EFI file: EFI files serve different purposes, such as firmware updates or bootloader files. Understanding the file's purpose will help you decide how to proceed.
    3. Update your computer's firmware (if applicable): If the .EFI file is a firmware update, you will need to follow the specific instructions provided by your computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer to update your firmware. Usually, this involves copying the .EFI file to a USB drive and booting into the firmware settings to initiate the update process.
    4. Use a specialized tool or utility: If the .EFI file is not a firmware update, it might be a bootloader file or another type of EFI application. To open such files, you can use specialized tools like the "UEFI Shell" or "Clover Bootloader" (for Hackintosh setups) to load and execute the .EFI file during the boot process. These tools provide a command-line interface where you can navigate to the .EFI file and execute it.
    5. Consult the documentation or support resources: If you are unsure about the purpose or how to open a specific .EFI file, consult the documentation provided with the file or reach out to the manufacturer's support resources for guidance.

    Remember, opening and modifying firmware files can be risky, and any mistakes or incorrect procedures may cause harm to your computer. Exercise caution and ensure you have proper backups and support before attempting any firmware modifications.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to access and run a .EFI file?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools required to access and run a .EFI file. EFI stands for Extensible Firmware Interface, and it is a specification for the interface between the firmware of a computer system and the operating system.

    To access and run a .EFI file, you typically need a computer system that supports UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of traditional BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). Most modern computers come with UEFI firmware.

    Once you have a UEFI-compatible system, you can access and run .EFI files through the UEFI shell or bootloader. Some common tools and software used to work with EFI files include:

    1. UEFI Shell: It is a command-line interface provided by the UEFI firmware. You can access it by pressing a specific key during system startup (usually F2, F10, or Del) and then navigating to the UEFI Shell option.
    2. UEFI Bootloader: There are various UEFI bootloaders available, such as GRUB2, rEFInd, and Clover. These bootloaders can be installed on the EFI system partition and used to manage the boot process and launch .EFI files.
    3. EFI Development Kit (EDK) or EDK II: These are development toolkits provided by Intel for creating UEFI firmware and applications. They include compilers, libraries, and utilities for building and working with EFI files.
    4. UEFI Shell Applications: There are specific applications designed for UEFI environments that can be used to interact with .EFI files. Examples include EFI shell scripts, disk utilities, firmware update tools, and hardware diagnostic tools.

    It's important to note that .EFI files are typically used for low-level system operations and firmware initialization, rather than regular software applications.

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