The BIOS or UEFI firmware is the first software your computer runs when you power it on. It initializes your hardware, checks system components, and starts the operating system. While most users rarely need to access BIOS or UEFI, there are times when entering the firmware settings is necessary. You may need to change the boot order, enable virtualization, configure Secure Boot, update the BIOS, enable TPM 2.0 for Windows 11, or troubleshoot hardware issues.
Unlike older computers that used traditional BIOS, most modern Windows 11 PCs use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). UEFI offers a graphical interface, faster boot times, better security, and support for larger storage drives. Regardless of whether your computer uses BIOS or UEFI, Windows 11 provides several ways to access the firmware settings without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
This guide explains the best methods to enter BIOS or UEFI on Windows 11. Follow the methods below until you successfully access your computer’s firmware settings.
What Is BIOS and UEFI?
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are firmware programs stored on your computer’s motherboard. They initialize hardware components such as the processor, memory, storage drives, keyboard, and graphics card before Windows starts.
Modern UEFI firmware replaces the traditional BIOS and provides several improvements, including faster startup, Secure Boot support, graphical menus, mouse support, larger disk compatibility, and enhanced security features. Most Windows 11 computers use UEFI instead of the legacy BIOS.
Method 1: Enter BIOS or UEFI from Windows Settings
The easiest way to access BIOS or UEFI on Windows 11 is through the Advanced Startup options in Settings. This method works even if your computer boots too quickly for you to press the BIOS shortcut key.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click System.
- Select Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, locate Advanced startup.
- Click Restart now.
- Confirm by selecting Restart now again.
- After your computer restarts, click Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Select Restart.
Your computer will restart directly into the BIOS or UEFI setup screen.
Method 2: Use the BIOS or UEFI Shortcut Key During Startup
Most computer manufacturers assign a keyboard key that opens the BIOS or UEFI setup during startup. You must press the key immediately after turning on the computer.
This is the traditional method and works on nearly all desktop and laptop computers.
Follow these steps:
- Shut down your computer completely.
- Press the Power button.
- Immediately begin pressing the BIOS key repeatedly.
- Continue pressing until the BIOS or UEFI screen appears.
Common BIOS keys include:
- F2
- Delete (Del)
- Esc
- F1
- F10
- F12
Different manufacturers use different keys, so check your computer’s documentation if necessary.
Method 3: Enter BIOS Using Advanced Startup from the Sign-in Screen
If you cannot sign in to Windows, you can still access BIOS or UEFI using the Advanced Startup menu from the sign-in screen.
This method is useful if Windows won’t load properly but still displays the login screen.
Follow these steps:
- Reach the Windows sign-in screen.
- Click the Power icon.
- Hold the Shift key.
- Click Restart.
- Continue holding Shift until Windows begins restarting.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Click Advanced options.
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click Restart.
Your PC will restart into BIOS or UEFI.
Method 4: Enter BIOS Using Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal allows you to restart directly into the Advanced Startup environment using a simple command.
This method is convenient for advanced users who prefer command-line tools.
Follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
- Type the following command:
shutdown /r /fw /t 0- Press Enter.
- Wait while Windows restarts.
Your computer will automatically boot into BIOS or UEFI settings.
Method 5: Use Command Prompt
Command Prompt also supports restarting directly into firmware settings.
If Windows Terminal is unavailable, Command Prompt works just as well.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:
shutdown /r /fw /t 0- Press Enter.
- Wait for the restart.
The system will open BIOS or UEFI after rebooting.
Method 6: Use the Run Dialog
The Run dialog provides another quick way to access Advanced Startup.
This method is useful if you prefer using keyboard shortcuts.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0- Click OK.
- Wait for Windows to restart.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Click Advanced options.
- Choose UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click Restart.
Windows will restart into the firmware setup.
Method 7: Access BIOS After Multiple Failed Boots
If Windows fails to boot several times, it automatically loads the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), from which you can access UEFI settings.
This method is helpful if your system cannot start normally.
Follow these steps:
- Turn on your computer.
- When the Windows logo appears, hold the Power button until the PC shuts down.
- Repeat this process three times.
- Allow Windows to enter Automatic Repair.
- Click Advanced options.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Click Advanced options.
- Choose UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click Restart.
The computer will boot into BIOS or UEFI.
Method 8: Use Your Motherboard’s Dedicated BIOS Button (Desktop PCs)
Some desktop motherboards include a dedicated BIOS or Flash BIOS button that allows quick access to firmware settings.
This feature is common on enthusiast and gaming motherboards.
To use it:
- Shut down the computer.
- Locate the BIOS or Flash BIOS button on the motherboard or rear I/O panel.
- Press the button according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Power on the computer if required.
- Wait for the BIOS screen to appear.
Refer to your motherboard manual for the exact procedure.
Method 9: Disable Fast Startup if You Cannot Press the BIOS Key
Fast Startup may reduce the amount of time available to press the BIOS shortcut key during boot.
Disabling this feature can make it easier to access BIOS using the keyboard.
Follow these steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound.
- Select Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
- Click Save changes.
- Shut down the PC.
- Turn it back on and repeatedly press the BIOS shortcut key.
This gives you more time to enter the firmware settings.
Conclusion
Accessing BIOS or UEFI on Windows 11 is straightforward once you know the available methods. The easiest option is using Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, which works on most modern computers without requiring precise timing during startup. If you prefer the traditional approach, pressing the BIOS shortcut key immediately after powering on the computer remains a reliable option. Advanced users can also use command-line tools to restart directly into firmware settings, while Windows Recovery Environment provides another path if Windows fails to boot. Once inside BIOS or UEFI, you can configure boot devices, enable virtualization, manage Secure Boot, activate TPM, update firmware settings, and troubleshoot hardware issues. Always change firmware settings carefully, as incorrect configurations may affect your computer’s ability to boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?
UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS. It provides faster boot times, improved security, mouse support, Secure Boot, and support for larger storage drives.
2. Which key opens BIOS on Windows 11?
Common BIOS keys include F2, Delete, Esc, F10, F12, and F1, depending on your computer manufacturer.
3. Why don’t I see the UEFI Firmware Settings option?
This option may not appear if your computer uses legacy BIOS instead of UEFI or if Windows cannot detect firmware support.
4. Is it safe to change BIOS settings?
Yes, but only if you understand what the settings do. Incorrect BIOS or UEFI changes may prevent Windows from booting until the settings are restored.
