Hackbgrt151 — ((install))

HackBGRT151: The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your Windows Boot Screen

Final Verdict: HackBGRT151 – A Niche but Brilliant Tool

For the tinkerer, the themer, and the privacy-conscious (who dislike Microsoft branding), HackBGRT151 delivers what Microsoft refuses to allow: total control over the boot experience. While its days may be numbered on the latest Windows builds, it remains a masterpiece of UEFI reverse engineering. Use it wisely, back up your data, and enjoy a boot screen that’s truly yours.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Docked half a star due to Secure Boot limitation and lack of 24H2 support.

This article is for educational purposes only. Modifying firmware settings carries inherent risk. Always back up your data and consult your hardware manufacturer’s documentation.

HackBGRT is an open-source tool designed to change the boot logo on UEFI-based Windows systems. Version 1.5.1, released in August 2018, is a legacy version of this utility that allows users to overwrite the default vendor or Windows logo displayed during startup by modifying the Boot Graphics Resource Table (BGRT). Key Requirements & Precautions

Before using HackBGRT 1.5.1, verify that your system meets these technical criteria to avoid potential boot failures:

UEFI Mode: Your system must use UEFI (not Legacy BIOS). You can verify this by searching for "System Information" (msinfo32) in Windows and checking the BIOS Mode field.

Secure Boot: This must typically be disabled in your UEFI settings for the tool to function, as Secure Boot blocks unsigned bootloader modifications.

Backup: It is highly recommended to create a System Restore Point or a full disk backup before installation, as incorrect configuration can make the system unbootable. Releases · Metabolix/HackBGRT - GitHub

Advanced Customization: Creating Animated or Multi-Monitor Logos

While HackBGRT151 itself only supports static BMPs, advanced users can: hackbgrt151

• Use HackBGRT + BootLogoFuzzer to inject animated PNG sequences (limit 3 frames).
• For multi-monitor setups, edit config.txt to set TargetDisplay=1 or 0 to choose which screen gets the custom logo.

Note: Animated boot screens may increase boot time by 1–2 seconds.

How HackBGRT151 Works: A Technical Deep Dive

To understand why HackBGRT151 is special, you first need to understand the boot process:

1. UEFI Initialization → Firmware loads basic drivers.
2. Boot Manager (bootmgfw.efi) → Displays the default Windows logo from a resource table.
3. Kernel Loading → Logo persists until the login screen.

Windows stores its boot logo as a compressed .bmp file inside a firmware table called the BGRT (Boot Graphics Resource Table) . By default, this table is read-only and signed by Microsoft.

HackBGRT151 works by:

• Temporarily disabling Secure Boot (or leveraging a signed shim).
• Extracting the existing BGRT.
• Replacing the bitmap data with your custom image.
• Recalculating checksums and re-injecting the table into UEFI NVRAM.

The “151” patch specifically fixes a race condition that caused black screens on systems with Intel Iris Xe graphics and AMD Ryzen 5000-series APUs.

Usage and Disclaimer

Using tools like HackBGRT modifies critical boot parameters. While generally safe when used correctly, improper use can lead to boot loops or system instability. Users are advised to create a system restore point or have a recovery drive available before attempting to modify boot graphics.

Note: This text is for informational purposes. Modifying system boot files carries inherent risks.

is a specialized, open-source utility designed for UEFI-based Windows systems that allows users to replace the default startup logo (the Windows flag) with a custom image. Overview & Utility The tool operates by modifying the Boot Graphics Resource Table (BGRT) HackBGRT151: The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your Windows

, a standard UEFI feature that Windows uses to display a manufacturer or OS logo during boot. It is widely considered the "go-to" recommendation for users who want to personalize their boot experience on modern hardware. Key Features Custom Branding:

Enables the use of any custom BMP or PNG image as the boot logo. Integrated Setup:

The installer automatically launches MS Paint to allow for immediate image editing and alignment during the installation process. Automatic EFI Handling:

It simplifies the process of mounting and modifying the EFI System Partition, which is typically hidden from users. Critical Considerations Secure Boot Conflict: By default, HackBGRT requires Secure Boot to be disabled

because the custom EFI binary it uses is not signed by Microsoft. Advanced users can circumvent this by signing the binary with their own keys, though this is a complex and risky process. Risk Profile:

Modifying the bootloader carries an inherent risk. If the EFI partition is improperly handled or if there are multiple bootable drives, the automatic setup may fail. Compatibility:

While highly effective for UEFI systems, it does not support legacy BIOS installations. Some users have reported issues with specific hardware, such as HP laptops, where the system resists changes to the boot order. User Experience Pros & Cons

One of the few reliable ways to change the boot logo on Windows 10 and 11. Completely free and open-source via This article is for educational purposes only

Includes a straightforward "uninstall" option to restore the original logo. Lacks a "silent install" option for enterprise deployment.

Visual bugs can occur, such as the original logo flashing for a second before the custom one appears, often due to firmware limitations. step-by-step guide

on how to safely install HackBGRT on your specific version of Windows?

HackBGRT - Windows boot logo changer for UEFI systems - GitHub

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I revert to the default Windows logo? A: Yes. Run setup.exe /revert from the HackBGRT folder as Administrator.

Q: Does HackBGRT151 work on ARM64 (Surface Pro X, etc.)? A: No – x86-64 only at this time.

Q: Will this trigger antivirus or Windows Defender? A: It modifies system firmware variables, so Defender may flag it as “potentially unwanted.” You must add an exclusion.

Q: Can I use a transparent background? A: The BGRT specification does not support transparency. The background will always be black.

Q: My custom logo shows for 2 seconds and then the default appears. Why? A: This indicates Windows is overriding the BGRT at kernel load time. Try disabling Fast Startup in Power Options.