rEFInd
rEFInd: A free, open-source graphical multiboot manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ranked #8 of 29 in Boot Manager Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free graphical multiboot across major desktop systems.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree graphical multiboot across major desktop systems
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Operating systemsMultiplatform
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Automatically scans EFI, BIOS/CSM, and firmware boot options
- Supports Linux kernel booting, legacy BIOS systems, and Secure Boot
- Offers editable entries, kernel options, themes, and filesystem drivers
Where it doesn't
- The project describes the software as beta-quality
- Advanced boot configuration can require manual entries and option editing
- Its primary design is for EFI-based computers
Our verdict on rEFInd
rEFInd is an open-source graphical boot manager for EFI-based computers. It is designed for people who need to select among multiple operating systems, boot loaders, kernels, or firmware utilities from one menu. Packages and installation procedures are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows systems. The software scans for EFI boot loaders, BIOS/CSM loaders, and firmware boot options, then displays detected systems and utilities in a graphical interface. It can also install and recover from removable media.
Its main strength is breadth within boot management. rEFInd can directly boot Linux kernels with EFI stub support, start legacy BIOS-mode operating systems on UEFI systems, and manage firmware boot order. Manual entries and submenus allow more control than automatic discovery alone, while editable boot-loader and kernel options support customized boot configurations. Secure Boot support is available through Shim and machine-owner keys. EFI filesystem drivers for common Linux and Mac filesystems add further flexibility when systems or boot files are not presented through the default path.
Customization is another notable part of the product. Icons, fonts, backgrounds, and themes can be configured, and the boot menu can be adjusted with custom entries and submenus. That makes rEFInd a good choice for multiboot setups spanning Windows, macOS, and Linux, especially when graphical selection and detailed boot control matter. It is less suitable for someone seeking a minimal, maintenance-free boot screen or software positioned as mature enterprise infrastructure: the official description identifies rEFInd as beta-quality. Users who want free, open-source boot management with broad EFI, BIOS/CSM, and firmware discovery should consider it; users who prefer a narrowly automated or highly polished experience should look elsewhere.
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rEFInd pricing
rEFInd fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Operating systems | Multiplatform |
| UEFI support | Yes |
| BIOS support | Yes |
| Multiboot support | Yes |
| Boot-entry editing | Yes |
| Boot repair | Yes |
| Boot-menu customization | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | rodsbooks.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to rEFInd
- EasyUEFIA focused Windows utility for UEFI boot management and EFI-partition repair.8.9
- Clover BootloaderA free, highly configurable boot manager for multiboot systems.8.8
- EasyBCDA capable Windows boot manager for editing entries, repairing BCD, and creating multiboot setups.8.3
rEFInd vs the competition
- rEFInd vs EasyUEFI
- rEFInd vs Clover Bootloader
- rEFInd vs EasyBCD
- rEFInd vs GitHub CodeQL
- rEFInd vs GNU GRUB
- rEFInd vs Boot-Repair
Compare rEFInd with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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