How to Enter BIOS or UEFI Settings in Windows 11

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How to Enter BIOS or UEFI Settings in Windows 11

The BIOS, or on modern PCs the UEFI firmware, is the small program that starts your PC before Windows. You go there to change the boot order, turn on virtualization or TPM, check that the PC sees a new drive, or update the firmware. On most Windows 11 PCs the easiest way in is from Windows itself, because the startup screen flashes by too quickly to press a key.

Method 1: From Windows Settings (Recommended)

Save your work and close apps.
Open Settings > System > Recovery.
Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now, and confirm.
On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
Select Restart.

The PC restarts directly into the UEFI settings.

Shortcut: on the sign-in screen or in the Start menu, hold Shift while you select Power > Restart to reach the same blue screen.

Method 2: One Command

Right-click Start and choose Terminal (Admin).
Run:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

/r restarts, /fw tells the PC to open the firmware settings on the next start, and /t 0 means immediately. This only works on UEFI PCs; on others you'll see an error and nothing happens.

Method 3: The Startup Key

Use this when Windows won't load at all.

Shut the PC down completely.
Turn it on and immediately press the setup key repeatedly (about twice a second) until the settings screen appears.

The key depends on the maker. F2 and Delete are the most common; F1, F10 and Esc are also used, and some laptops have a small separate button for recovery or boot options. The maker's logo screen often shows the key briefly ("Press F2 to enter Setup"), and your PC's manual or support page lists it for your model.

If the PC starts Windows too fast to catch the key:

Shut down while holding Shift (Start > Power, hold Shift and select Shut down) to do a full shutdown instead of a Fast Startup one, then try again.
On a desktop, use a USB keyboard plugged straight into the PC, not a wireless one that may not be ready yet.

If UEFI Firmware Settings Is Missing

The option only shows when Windows runs in UEFI mode. To check:

Press Windows + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter.
Look at BIOS Mode. UEFI means the option should be there; Legacy means you need the startup key (Method 3).

Windows 11 normally requires UEFI with Secure Boot, so legacy mode is mostly found on older or upgraded PCs.

The Boot Menu Is Different

To start from a USB drive once (for example to install or repair Windows), you don't need to change the boot order in the BIOS. Most PCs have a one-time boot menu key (often F12, F11 or Esc, depending on the maker). Or, from Windows: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Use a device.

Changing Settings Safely

Photograph each screen before you change anything, so you can put it back.
Change one setting at a time and test.
Leave Secure Boot and TPM on; Windows 11 uses them for security, and turning them off can cause BitLocker to ask for its recovery key at the next start.
Changing the storage mode (for example from AHCI/RAID to something else) can stop Windows from starting. Don't change it unless a guide for your exact model tells you to.
Choose Save and Exit (often F10) to keep changes, or Exit Without Saving if you only looked.
If something goes wrong, most firmware has Load Setup Defaults or Load Optimized Defaults (often F9).

Firmware (BIOS) updates: only use the file from your PC or motherboard maker's support site, keep a laptop plugged in, and never turn the PC off during the update, because an interrupted update can stop the PC from starting.

Still Can't Get In?

If no key works and Windows won't start either, the PC may not be reaching the firmware stage at all; see Windows won't boot. If Windows starts but misbehaves, Safe Mode is usually a better first step than the BIOS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get into the BIOS from Windows 11?

Open Settings > System > Recovery, select Restart now next to Advanced startup, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. The PC restarts straight into its firmware settings.

What is the BIOS key for my PC?

It depends on the maker and model. Common keys are F2, Delete, F1, F10 and Esc, pressed repeatedly right after turning the PC on. Your PC's manual or the maker's support site lists the right one.

Why is UEFI Firmware Settings missing?

The option only appears when Windows was installed in UEFI mode. On older PCs using legacy BIOS mode, use the startup key instead.

Is it safe to change BIOS settings?

Looking is safe. Changing settings you don't understand can stop the PC from starting. Note or photograph each setting before you change it, and use Load Setup Defaults if something goes wrong.