# Boot overview

A boot process requires the Qualcomm^®^ Linux^®^ system software image to be launched onto a device, following a predefined set of instructions stored in the read-only memory (ROM).

This Linux software loads and runs the operating system, and configuring the devices after the required software has been initialized. When this process is complete, the file systems are mounted and ready for use.

To initiate an operating system, a boot software image is loaded when the machine is powered on. For information about setting up the Qualcomm Linux boot image, see [Build Boot](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70022-254/build_addn_info.html#build-firmware) in the build firmware section.

This guide explains the supported boot features, the architecture of a cold boot (which starts from a power-off state), and the interfaces for the Qualcomm Linux system software.

Additionally, this guide provides instructions on how to develop a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) application, configure the devicetree (DT) [interfaces](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-4/topic/interfaces.html#interfaces), debug logs, and verify system bootup. For more information about UEFI, see [UEFI](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-4/topic/uefi-develop.html#unified-extensible-firmware-interface-uefi).

Note

See [Hardware SoCs](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70022-115/soc.html) that are supported for Qualcomm Linux.

- [Boot architecture](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-4/topic/boot-architecture.html)
The system runs the boot loader software when powered on, serving as an interface for loading the operating system and other required applications.

Qualcomm chipsets, including the ones supported by Qualcomm Linux, use a multistage boot process as follows:
- [APSS cold boot flow](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-4/topic/bootloader-architecture.html)

## Next steps

[Set up your development environment](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70022-4/topic/getting-started.html#getting-started)

Last Published: Dec 05, 2025

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