: Type ls (or dir ) to see if there is an EFI folder.
Shell> ver
It is important to distinguish this from the error screen you might encounter: Current running mode 1.1.2 . This specific, technical "running mode" often appears when the UEFI firmware falls back to a "safe mode" or a minimal configuration, typically because it failed to locate a valid boot device (like your hard drive or SSD).
If your computer boots to a black screen with white text reading EFI Shell version 2.60 [5.12] or something very similar, you might be confused by those numbers. This guide will break down exactly what the EFI Shell is, what the version numbers mean, and why you might see this screen. efi shell version 260 512 2021
Open the computer case or the storage access panel on the bottom of the laptop.
This is the most frequent and easiest fix. Restart your computer and press the key to enter the UEFI/BIOS settings (common keys are Del , F2 , F10 , or Esc ). Navigate to the section. If you see an option called "UEFI Built-in EFI Shell" or "EFI Shell" as the first boot device, change the priority. Set "Windows Boot Manager" or the name of your hard drive/SSD as the primary boot option. Save and exit. This change alone has resolved the issue for countless users.
With these details, I can provide custom steps for your specific hardware. Share public link : Type ls (or dir ) to see if there is an EFI folder
Solid-state drives can fail suddenly without warning signs. To resolve this, you will need to purchase a replacement SSD, install it into your system, and perform a fresh installation of your operating system using a bootable USB recovery drive. To help pinpoint the exact fix, please let me know:
bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd Use code with caution.
These commands allow you to directly interact with and configure the UEFI firmware itself. If your computer boots to a black screen
At the prompt, type map -r and press to list all available storage devices and file systems.
Your machine enters the EFI Shell when it’s unable to locate a valid boot loader on any connected storage device. This usually means it’s falling back to a built-in recovery or diagnostic utility instead of starting your operating system. Some specific causes include:
The search string efi shell version 260 512 2021 is a broken-down but understandable version of a specific error state: . This specific combination appears as a major boot failure on several device lines. If you're seeing this, don't fret. Simply reboot, enter your BIOS, and reorder your boot priority to prioritize your main operating system drive. It's often a configuration hiccup, not a hardware disaster. However, if the problem persists, the EFI Shell itself—with commands like map and bcfg —is the tool you need to get your system back on track.
The version of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) standard your motherboard supports.