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10 Tech How-To

Fix Missing UEFI Firmware Settings in Windows 11

Guide 10-41910 · Updated · Step by step

If the UEFI firmware settings option has disappeared from Windows 11’s Recovery menu, you can’t access the BIOS from within the OS. This guide explains why it happens and walks you through several ways to get that option back, including using Command Prompt, the Settings app, and physical keys.

What You’ll Need

  • Windows 11 installed on a UEFI-based system (most PCs from 2012 onward)
  • Administrator account access
  • Optional: a USB recovery drive if the normal methods fail

Step-by-Step

  1. Check if your system uses UEFI or legacy BIOS. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for “BIOS Mode” in the System Summary. If it says “Legacy,” the UEFI firmware settings option won’t appear—you’ll need to convert to UEFI (see Troubleshooting). If it says “UEFI,” proceed.
  2. Try the standard path again. Open Settings (Win + I) → System → Recovery. Under “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now.” After the PC reboots, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings. If that option is missing, continue.
  3. Use Command Prompt to reboot into UEFI. Right-click the Start button and select “Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).” Type shutdown /r /fw and press Enter. This restarts the PC directly into the firmware interface. If it doesn’t work, your system may not support that command.
  4. Access UEFI via the sign-in screen. Click the Power icon on the login screen, hold Shift, and click “Restart.” This should bring up the blue recovery menu. If UEFI Firmware Settings is missing there, try the next step.
  5. Use a physical key at boot. Restart your PC and press the BIOS key repeatedly as soon as the logo appears. Common keys: F2, Del, F10, Esc. Check your motherboard or laptop manual if unsure.
  6. Create a recovery drive. If the option is still missing, use another Windows PC to create a USB recovery drive (search “Create a recovery drive” in Control Panel). Boot from the USB, then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings.
  7. Reset the firmware settings from the BIOS. Once you’re in the UEFI, look for an option like “Load Optimized Defaults” or “Reset to Factory.” Save changes and exit. This can restore the missing option in Windows.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming the option is missing because of a bug—it’s often because the system is in Legacy BIOS mode.
  • Pressing the BIOS key too late or too early—start tapping it immediately after the power button.
  • Using the shutdown /r /fw command without administrator privileges—it will fail silently.
  • Forgetting that some laptops (especially modern ones) require the battery to be connected for the firmware to appear.

Tips

  • Update your BIOS/UEFI from the manufacturer’s website—older firmware can have bugs that hide the option.
  • If you’re dual-booting with Linux, the UEFI entry might be overwritten; use efibootmgr in Linux to check.
  • In Windows, you can also add a custom boot entry: open Command Prompt as admin and run bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy legacy to see the classic boot menu, which sometimes includes firmware options.
  • Check if your motherboard has a “Fast Boot” setting—disabling it can make the UEFI accessible via the Shift+Restart method.

Troubleshooting

  • If shutdown /r /fw says “Access is denied,” run Command Prompt as administrator, then try again.
  • If the PC boots straight to Windows and ignores the BIOS key, you may have Fast Boot enabled. Disable it from within Windows: Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings that are currently unavailable → uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
  • If the system is in Legacy BIOS mode, you can convert to UEFI without reinstalling: use the MBR2GPT tool. In an elevated Command Prompt, run mbr2gpt /convert. After a successful conversion, enter the BIOS and switch to UEFI mode. This is a one-way process—back up your data first.
  • If the UEFI option appears but clicking it does nothing, your firmware may be corrupted. Try resetting the CMOS by removing the motherboard battery for a few minutes, or use the motherboard’s jumper to clear it.
  • If none of the above works, boot from a Windows installation USB, choose “Repair your computer,” then Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt, and run bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy standard to restore the default boot menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the UEFI Firmware Settings option missing?

Most commonly because the system is booting in Legacy BIOS mode, or because Fast Boot is enabled and skips the firmware selection screen.

Can I access UEFI without the option?

Yes, by using a physical key during startup, or by running shutdown /r /fw from an admin Command Prompt.

Will resetting the BIOS affect my Windows installation?

No, resetting BIOS settings only resets hardware configurations (like boot order and fan curves), not your data or Windows.

Do I need to reinstall Windows to switch from Legacy to UEFI?

No, you can use the built-in MBR2GPT tool to convert the disk, then change the firmware mode in BIOS. Back up first.

My PC is from 2015—does it support UEFI?

Most PCs from 2012 onward support UEFI, but some budget models may ship with Legacy BIOS enabled. Check the BIOS mode in System Information.

Can I add the UEFI option back to the Recovery menu?

If the option is missing due to a corrupted boot configuration, running bcdedit /set {current} bootmenupolicy standard in an admin Command Prompt can restore it.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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