# coreboot

> software project aimed at replacing proprietary firmware (BIOS or UEFI) found in most computers

**Wikidata**: [Q286812](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q286812)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coreboot)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/coreboot

## Summary
Coreboot is a free and open-source software project that aims to replace proprietary firmware (such as BIOS or UEFI) found in most computers. It is developed as a modern alternative to legacy firmware, providing greater control and flexibility for users and developers. The project is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, and is supported by the Software Freedom Conservancy.

## Key Facts
- Coreboot is a free and open-source software project.
- It aims to replace proprietary firmware (BIOS or UEFI) in computers.
- The project is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- Coreboot is supported by the Software Freedom Conservancy, a non-profit organization.
- The project was founded in 1999.
- Coreboot runs on ARM architecture, IA-32, and RISC-V.
- It is classified as firmware, a bootloader, and free and open-source software.
- The latest stable version is 25.12, released on 2025-12-26.
- Coreboot is developed by Patrick Georgi and Kyösti Mälkki.
- The project has a GitHub repository and uses assembly language for development.
- Coreboot has a website at [https://www.coreboot.org](https://www.coreboot.org).
- The project has a Twitter account (@coreboot_org) and a Mastodon account (@coreboot@fosstodon.org).
- Coreboot has been referenced in various academic and industry sources, including Linux Journal and Phoronix.
- The project has a Wikipedia page in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Japanese.
- Coreboot has a category on Wikimedia Commons and a Gentoo Wiki article.
- The project has been mentioned in the Free Software Directory and Repology.

## FAQs
- **What is the purpose of Coreboot?** Coreboot is designed to replace proprietary firmware (such as BIOS or UEFI) in computers, providing users and developers with greater control and flexibility.
- **Who developed Coreboot?** Coreboot was developed by Patrick Georgi and Kyösti Mälkki.
- **What license does Coreboot use?** Coreboot is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- **What platforms does Coreboot support?** Coreboot runs on ARM architecture, IA-32, and RISC-V.
- **What is the latest stable version of Coreboot?** The latest stable version of Coreboot is 25.12, released on 2025-12-26.
- **Where can I find more information about Coreboot?** You can find more information about Coreboot on its official website, [https://www.coreboot.org](https://www.coreboot.org), and on its Wikipedia page.
- **How can I contribute to Coreboot?** You can contribute to Coreboot by visiting its GitHub repository and following the project's guidelines for contributions.
- **What is the relationship between Coreboot and the Software Freedom Conservancy?** Coreboot is supported by the Software Freedom Conservancy, a non-profit organization that provides infrastructure and legal support for free and open-source software projects.

## Why It Matters
Coreboot plays a significant role in the open-source hardware and firmware community by providing a modern alternative to proprietary firmware. By replacing BIOS or UEFI with open-source firmware, Coreboot offers users greater control over their hardware and the ability to customize their computing experience. The project's focus on open-source principles aligns with the broader movement towards transparency and user autonomy in technology. Additionally, Coreboot's support for multiple architectures, including ARM, IA-32, and RISC-V, makes it a versatile tool for developers and enthusiasts working with diverse hardware platforms. The project's collaboration with organizations like the Software Freedom Conservancy further underscores its commitment to open-source values and community-driven development.

## Notable For
- Coreboot is a pioneering project in the field of open-source firmware, offering a modern alternative to proprietary BIOS and UEFI.
- The project has been referenced in academic and industry publications, including Linux Journal and Phoronix, highlighting its influence in the tech community.
- Coreboot's support for multiple architectures, including ARM, IA-32, and RISC-V, makes it a versatile tool for developers and enthusiasts.
- The project's collaboration with the Software Freedom Conservancy demonstrates its commitment to open-source values and community-driven development.
- Coreboot has a strong presence on social media, with active accounts on Twitter and Mastodon, indicating its engagement with the broader tech community.
- The project has a Wikipedia page in multiple languages, reflecting its global reach and relevance in the open-source ecosystem.

## Body
### Overview
Coreboot is a free and open-source software project that aims to replace proprietary firmware (such as BIOS or UEFI) found in most computers. The project was founded in 1999 and is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0. Coreboot is developed by Patrick Georgi and Kyösti Mälkki and is supported by the Software Freedom Conservancy, a non-profit organization that provides infrastructure and legal support for free and open-source software projects.

### Purpose and Goals
The primary goal of Coreboot is to provide users and developers with a modern alternative to proprietary firmware. By replacing BIOS or UEFI with open-source firmware, Coreboot offers greater control and flexibility, allowing users to customize their computing experience. The project's focus on open-source principles aligns with the broader movement towards transparency and user autonomy in technology.

### Technical Details
Coreboot is written in assembly language and runs on multiple architectures, including ARM, IA-32, and RISC-V. The project has a GitHub repository and uses a review system for code contributions. Coreboot is classified as firmware, a bootloader, and free and open-source software. The latest stable version of Coreboot is 25.12, released on 2025-12-26.

### Community and Support
Coreboot has a strong community of developers and enthusiasts who contribute to the project's development. The project is supported by the Software Freedom Conservancy, which provides infrastructure and legal support. Coreboot has active accounts on social media, including Twitter and Mastodon, indicating its engagement with the broader tech community.

### Related Projects and Organizations
Coreboot is related to other open-source projects and organizations in the hardware and firmware community. The project has been referenced in academic and industry publications, including Linux Journal and Phoronix. Coreboot has a Wikipedia page in multiple languages, reflecting its global reach and relevance in the open-source ecosystem. The project has a category on Wikimedia Commons and a Gentoo Wiki article, further demonstrating its presence in the tech community.

### Impact and Influence
Coreboot has made a significant impact in the open-source hardware and firmware community by providing a modern alternative to proprietary firmware. The project's focus on open-source principles and its support for multiple architectures have made it a versatile tool for developers and enthusiasts. Coreboot's collaboration with organizations like the Software Freedom Conservancy further underscores its commitment to open-source values and community-driven development. The project's presence on social media and in academic publications highlights its influence in the tech community.

## References

1. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20150905171648/http://www.coreboot.org/User:PatrickGeorgi)
2. [Source](http://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2015/07/14/announcing-coreboot-4-1/)
3. [Source](https://www.coreboot.org/releases/coreboot-4.2-relnotes.txt)
4. [Source](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2016/01/29/announcing-coreboot-4-3/)
5. [Source](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2016/10/21/announcing-coreboot-4-5/)
6. [Source](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2017/05/08/announcing-coreboot-4-6/)
7. [Source](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2018/06/03/announcing-coreboot-4-8-4-8-1/)
8. [Source](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2019/07/22/announcing-coreboot-4-10/)
9. [2019](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2019/11/19/announcing-coreboot-4-11/)
10. [Coreboot 4.13 Adds Intel TXT, Picks Up New Boards For AMD Pollock, Intel Alder Lake. 2020](https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Coreboot-4.13-Released)
11. [Announcing coreboot 4.1. 2022](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2022/10/18/announcing-coreboot-4-18/)
12. [Announcing coreboot release 4.19. 2023](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2023/01/28/announcing-coreboot-release-4-19/)
13. [4.20. 2023](https://github.com/coreboot/coreboot/releases/tag/4.20)
14. [4.21. 2023](https://github.com/coreboot/coreboot/releases/tag/4.21)
15. [coreboot 4.22 & 4.22.01 have been released. 2023](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2023/11/28/coreboot-4-22-4-22-01-have-been-released/)
16. [coreboot 24.02 and 24.02.1 released!. 2024](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2024/03/01/coreboot-24-02-and-24-02-1-released/)
17. [coreboot 24.05 release. 2024](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2024/05/23/coreboot-24-05-release/)
18. [coreboot 24.08 release. 2024](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2024/09/02/coreboot-24-08-release/)
19. [coreboot 25.03 has been released!. 2025](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2025/04/03/coreboot-25-03-has-been-released/)
20. [Announcing the coreboot release 25.06. 2025](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2025/07/04/announcing-the-coreboot-release-25-06/)
21. [Announcing coreboot 25.09 release. 2025](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2025/10/10/announcing-coreboot-25-09-release/)
22. [Announcing coreboot 25.12 release. 2025](https://blogs.coreboot.org/blog/2025/12/26/announcing-coreboot-25-12-release/)
23. [Source](https://sfconservancy.org/projects/current/)
24. [Source](https://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7170)
25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
26. [Source](https://coreboot.org/leadership.html)