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go-boot

go-boot is a free, open-source bare-metal Go unikernel that provides a UEFI shell and operating-system loader for AMD64 platforms.

Place
#27 of 29
Score
5.2
go-boot's website

What go-boot is

go-boot is a free, open-source bare-metal Go unikernel that provides a UEFI shell and operating-system loader for AMD64 platforms. It can launch EFI application images, Linux kernels configured through UAPI boot loader entries, and the Windows UEFI boot manager. The project can run as an EFI application or boot entry, under QEMU, or on Google Compute Engine, including Confidential VM configurations. Its shell can list files, inspect UEFI information, examine PCI devices and memory maps, and boot Linux or Windows. Builds may enable UEFI networking with the gVisor or lneto stack, adding net and dns commands. Documentation covers AMD SEV-SNP in QEMU and Google Compute Engine Confidential VMs. Building requires an IMAGE_BASE value that fits available memory in the target UEFI environment; the Makefile downloads and compiles TamaGo. go-boot supports UEFI, not BIOS, and optional network debug mode exposes an unauthenticated SSH console to the UEFI shell.

Good

  • Loads EFI, Linux, and Windows targets
  • Runs under QEMU and Google Compute Engine
  • UEFI shell includes inspection commands
  • Optional gVisor or lneto networking
  • BSD-style licensed open source

Watch out

  • Targets AMD64 and UEFI only
  • IMAGE_BASE must fit target memory
  • Debug SSH console is unauthenticated

Who it suits

go-boot suits developers working with AMD64 UEFI boot environments, QEMU, or cloud VM deployments. It is relevant to users needing Linux, Windows, or EFI image loading from a Go-based boot manager.

Verdict

go-boot provides a programmable UEFI shell and loader across local and cloud environments, with optional networking and confidential-computing examples. Its AMD64 focus, build requirement, and unauthenticated debug mode require careful deployment.

The facts

Each one read from go-boot's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Boot environments
The project documents running as an EFI application or boot entry, under QEMU, and on Google Compute Engine, including Confidential VM.checked 11 Oct 2026
Boot targets
It can launch EFI application images, Linux kernels using UAPI boot loader entries, and the Windows UEFI boot manager.checked 4 Oct 2026
Build requirement
Building go-boot.efi requires setting IMAGE_BASE to a memory range available in the target UEFI environment.checked 11 Oct 2026
Build requirements
The Makefile automatically downloads and compiles the TamaGo compiler as a Go tool.checked 4 Oct 2026
Confidential computing
The project documents a QEMU target for AMD SEV-SNP and deployment on Google Compute Engine Confidential VMs.checked 4 Oct 2026
Execution
The project can run as an EFI application or boot entry, under QEMU, or on Google Compute Engine, including confidential VM configurations.checked 4 Oct 2026
Hardware limits
The project targets AMD64, and its build requires an IMAGE_BASE value that fits an available memory range in the target UEFI environment.checked 4 Oct 2026
Hardware support
The project wiki lists tested laptops, desktops, and QEMU hardware, and says IMAGE_BASE may need adjustment for other UEFI environments.checked 11 Oct 2026
Intended context
The project describes itself as a UEFI boot manager and provides examples for system booting and cloud VM deployments.checked 11 Oct 2026
License
The source files are distributed under a BSD-style license.checked 11 Oct 2026
Maintainer
The README lists Andrea Barisani as an author.checked 4 Oct 2026
Networking
Builds configured with NET=gvisor or NET=lneto can enable UEFI networking, including net and dns commands.checked 11 Oct 2026
Purpose
go-boot is a bare-metal Go UEFI boot manager implemented as a TamaGo unikernel for AMD64.checked 11 Oct 2026
Roadmap
Support for boot-transparency is described as planned for future releases.checked 11 Oct 2026
Security
The README documents a qemu-snp target as an example of execution with AMD SEV-SNP on compatible hardware.checked 11 Oct 2026
Security caveat
The README says the optional network debug mode starts an unauthenticated SSH console that exposes the UEFI shell.checked 4 Oct 2026
Security limitation
The README says the optional network debug mode exposes an unauthenticated SSH console with access to the UEFI shell.checked 11 Oct 2026
Shell tools
Its shell includes commands for listing files, reading UEFI information, inspecting PCI devices and memory maps, and booting Linux or Windows.checked 4 Oct 2026
UEFI shell
By default, it presents a UEFI shell with commands for inspecting system information, files, devices, and runtime state.checked 11 Oct 2026

Where it runs

OS loading
It can launch EFI application images, Linux kernels configured through UAPI boot loader entries, and the Windows UEFI boot manager.checked 11 Oct 2026

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