How to Enter BIOS/UEFI in Windows 11

This guide shows you every reliable way to get into the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings on a Windows 11 PC. Whether you need to change boot order, enable virtualization, or adjust fan curves, you’ll learn the quickest methods and what to do when the usual tricks fail. No special tools are required—just your keyboard or a few clicks in Windows.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC or laptop (desktop, laptop, or tablet).
• If using the keyboard method: the ability to restart the PC (you can use the on-screen power button).
• If using the Windows Settings method: an administrator account (you’ll need to confirm a UAC prompt).
• Optional: your device’s manual or manufacturer’s website to find the specific BIOS key (common ones are Del, F2, F10, F12, Esc).

Step-by-Step

There are several ways to enter BIOS/UEFI on Windows 11. The most reliable is through Windows Settings, but the key-press method is fastest if you’re quick. Choose the one that fits your situation.

Method 1: Via Windows Settings (Recommended)

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
2. Click the Settings gear icon (or press Win + I).
3. In the left sidebar, click System.
4. Scroll down and click Recovery.
5. Under the “Recovery options� section, find Advanced startup and click the Restart now button.
6. A prompt will appear: “We’ll save your stuff, and restart. This will take a few minutes.� Click Restart now again to confirm.
7. Your PC will restart and boot into the blue Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) menu.
8. Click Troubleshoot (the icon with a wrench and screwdriver).
9. Click Advanced options.
10. Click UEFI Firmware Settings. If you don’t see this option, your PC may not support UEFI (see Common Mistakes).
11. Click Restart. Your PC will reboot and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup screen.

Method 2: Using the Keyboard Key During Boot

1. Shut down your PC completely (or restart it).
2. Turn it on.
3. Immediately and repeatedly press the BIOS key for your manufacturer. Common keys are Del (desktop motherboards), F2 (many laptops), F10 (HP), F12 (Dell, boot menu), or Esc (some Lenovo). You may see a brief splash screen with the key name.
4. Keep pressing until the BIOS/UEFI screen appears. If you miss it, the PC will boot into Windows; just restart and try again.

Method 3: Using the Shift + Restart Shortcut

1. Click the Start button, then click the Power icon.
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
3. While holding Shift, click Restart.
4. Release the Shift key when the blue recovery screen appears.
5. Follow steps 8–11 from Method 1 (Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart).

Method 4: From the Sign-in Screen

1. On the Windows 11 sign-in screen (where you enter your password or PIN), click the Power icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
3. Release Shift when the blue screen appears, then follow the same steps as above.

Common Mistakes

• Pressing the BIOS key too late: The boot process is fast on modern PCs. Press the key repeatedly as soon as you press the power button, not after a few seconds.
• Using the wrong key: Not all PCs use the same key. Check your manufacturer’s website if you’re unsure. Common ones: Del, F2, F10, F12, Esc.
• Assuming “BIOSâ€� means legacy: Windows 11 requires UEFI. If you see “Legacyâ€� or “CSMâ€� in your firmware settings, you’re still in the right place—it’s the same firmware interface.
• Not using the Settings method: If you’re having trouble with the key, the Windows Settings method always works (unless the firmware is corrupted).
• Forgetting to save changes: After changing settings, use the “Save & Exitâ€� option (usually F10) to apply changes. Simply closing the window won’t save.

Tips

• Find your BIOS key in Windows: Open Command Prompt and type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion to see your BIOS version, but that doesn’t give the key. Better: search online for “ BIOS keyâ€�.
• Use the “Restart nowâ€� method even if you’re in a hurry: It’s the most foolproof and doesn’t require timing.
• If you need to enter BIOS frequently, consider a shortcut: Create a desktop shortcut to shutdown /r /fw /t 0 (run as administrator) to reboot directly into firmware settings on some systems. This isn’t universal, but worth trying.
• Know the difference between BIOS and UEFI: They are essentially the same thing on modern PCs. UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS, but people still say “BIOSâ€� casually.
• Take a photo of your BIOS screen: If you’re changing settings, a photo helps you revert if something goes wrong.

Troubleshooting

If you can’t get into BIOS using any of the methods above, try these steps:

• Check if your PC is a “Modern Standbyâ€� device: Some laptops don’t fully shut down when you choose “Shut downâ€� because of Fast Startup. Instead, use Restart and press the key during the restart. Or disable Fast Startup in Windows: Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable > uncheck “Turn on fast startupâ€�.
• Try a different key: If F2 doesn’t work, try Del, F10, F12, or Esc. Some manufacturers use a boot menu key (like F12) that then offers “Enter Setupâ€�.
• Use the Windows Settings method: If you can boot into Windows, the Settings method (Method 1) always works unless the firmware is corrupted. If you don’t see “UEFI Firmware Settingsâ€�, your PC might be in Legacy BIOS mode—Windows 11 shouldn’t be installed on a Legacy BIOS, but if it is, you may need to convert to UEFI (which is complex and beyond this guide). In that case, use the key method.
• Reset the CMOS: If your PC is stuck in a boot loop or the keyboard isn’t responding, you can reset the CMOS (the battery on the motherboard) to clear BIOS settings. This is a hardware step—open the case, remove the round battery for a minute, then put it back. This resets all BIOS settings to defaults. Only do this if you’re comfortable opening your PC.
• Update your BIOS: If you still can’t enter, your BIOS might be outdated. Check your manufacturer’s website for a BIOS update utility that runs from Windows. But be careful: a failed BIOS update can brick your PC. Only do this if you’re confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BIOS key for Windows 11?

There is no single key. It depends on your PC manufacturer. Common keys are Del, F2, F10, F12, and Esc. Check your device’s manual or look for a brief on-screen message during startup.

Can I enter BIOS without restarting?

No, BIOS is a pre-boot environment, so you must restart your PC. However, you can use the Windows Settings method to restart directly into the firmware settings without pressing any keys.

Why does my PC skip the BIOS screen?

Modern PCs boot very fast, and the BIOS splash screen may appear for only a fraction of a second. Press the key repeatedly as soon as you power on, or use the “Restart now� method from Windows.

Is UEFI the same as BIOS?

UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS. Most people still say “BIOS� when they mean UEFI. Windows 11 requires UEFI, so if you see “UEFI Firmware Settings� in Windows, that’s the same as BIOS.

How do I exit BIOS?

Look for an “Exit� tab or press the Esc key. You’ll usually be asked to “Save Changes and Exit� (F10) or “Discard Changes and Exit� (Esc). Choose the appropriate option.

What if I can’t see the “UEFI Firmware Settings� option?

This option only appears if Windows is installed in UEFI mode. If you don’t see it, your PC may be using Legacy BIOS. In that case, use the keyboard key method. If that also fails, you may need to enable UEFI boot in your current BIOS settings (if available).

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