Introduction

Warning

This is an unofficial documentation collection. See libreboot.org for official information.

Libreboot is libre boot firmware that replaces the proprietary BIOS or UEFI firmware on supported motherboards. Libreboot composes two things:

coreboot

Hardware initialisation, while minimising unwanted vendor functionality (e.g. neutralising the Intel Management Engine where present).

A payload

Runs after coreboot. Libreboot ships SeaBIOS, GRUB, and U-Boot as options, depending on the board. Usually loads your operating system’s bootloader, to then load your operating system’s kernel.

Not a fork of coreboot

Libreboot is a coreboot distribution, in the same way that Alpine Linux is a Linux distribution. Libreboot makes coreboot accessible and easy to use for non-technical users by providing a fully automated build system and user-friendly installation instructions along with regular binary releases with pre-compiled ROM images. Building regular coreboot without Libreboot’s automated build system requires significantly more technical knowledge.

Where to start

You want to install Libreboot on hardware you already own.

Find your board under Targets. Each board page tells you exactly what steps apply to it.

You want hardware with Libreboot already on it.

Minifree sells supported machines preinstalled, and operates a paid install service. Minifree is run by Libreboot’s lead developer; sales fund the project.

You want to know what is and isn’t free software in Libreboot.

See freedom status and the binary blob policy.

You have a question.

The FAQ covers common ones. For anything else, #libreboot on Libera.Chat is where development and user support happen.