Enter BIOS/UEFI on Windows 11 or Windows 10 [5 Methods]

The BIOS or UEFI firmware is one of the most important parts of your computer. It controls the hardware before Windows starts and allows you to manage system-level settings such as boot order, virtualization, Secure Boot, TPM, fan controls, and storage configuration.

Many users need to enter BIOS while troubleshooting Windows problems, installing a new operating system, enabling virtualization for virtual machines, changing boot priority, or fixing startup issues like the No Boot Device Found error.

In older computers, BIOS was commonly called the Basic Input Output System. Modern systems now use UEFI firmware, which is faster and more advanced. Even though the technology has changed, many people still refer to it simply as BIOS.

This guide explains every major method step by step.

Table of Contents

What Is BIOS or UEFI?

Before entering the BIOS, it helps to understand what it actually does.

The BIOS or UEFI firmware initializes your computer hardware before Windows loads. It checks components like:

Processor
RAM
SSD or hard drive
Graphics hardware
Keyboard and mouse

It also determines which device should boot the operating system.

Modern UEFI firmware includes advanced features such as:

Secure Boot
TPM settings
Mouse support
Fast Boot
Graphical interface
NVMe SSD support

If you need to modify any low-level hardware settings, BIOS is where you do it.

When You May Need to Enter BIOS?

There are many situations where accessing the BIOS becomes necessary.

Common examples include:

Changing boot order
Installing Windows from USB
Enabling virtualization
Fixing startup problems
Checking SSD detection
Updating BIOS firmware
Enabling TPM 2.0 for Windows 11

Disabling Secure Boot
Overclocking hardware
Resetting BIOS settings

Now, let’s go through the different methods.

How to Enter BIOS on Windows 11 or Windows 10

Enter BIOS or UEFI on Windows 11 or Windows 10

To enter BIOS on Windows 11 or Windows 10, restart your computer and repeatedly press the BIOS key, such as F2, Delete, ESC, or F10, during startup. You can also open BIOS directly from Windows by using the command shutdown /r /fw /t 0 in Command Prompt or by going to Advanced Startup options and selecting UEFI Firmware Settings.

Method 1: Enter BIOS Using the Startup Keyboard Shortcut

This is the most common method and works even if Windows is not loading properly.

Step 1: Completely Shut Down the Computer

Turn off your PC fully. Avoid using Restart initially because some systems use Fast Startup, which may skip firmware initialization.

Wait around 10 seconds after shutdown.

Step 2: Turn On the PC and Press the BIOS Key Repeatedly

Press the power button and immediately start pressing the BIOS access key repeatedly.

The exact key depends on your motherboard or laptop manufacturer.

Here are the most common BIOS keys:

Brand	BIOS Key
Dell	F2
HP	F10 or ESC
Lenovo	F1 or F2
ASUS	F2 or Delete
Acer	F2
MSI	Delete
Gigabyte	Delete
Samsung	F2
Toshiba	F2
Sony	F2 or Assist Button

If successful, the BIOS or UEFI menu will appear.

Step 3: Navigate the BIOS Menu

Older BIOS interfaces only support keyboard controls, while modern UEFI menus support both mouse and keyboard input.

Be careful while changing settings because incorrect configurations can prevent Windows from booting properly.

Method 2: Enter BIOS From Windows Settings

Windows 11 and Windows 10 include an Advanced Startup feature that allows you to open the BIOS directly.

This method is very useful when Fast Boot prevents keyboard shortcuts from working.

Press: Windows + I

In Windows 11: Go to: System> Recovery
In Windows 10: Go to: Update & Security> Recovery.

Under Advanced startup, click: Restart now. Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment.

After restarting, select: Troubleshoot > Then choose: Advanced options> Now select: UEFI Firmware Settings> Click: Restart

Your computer will reboot directly into BIOS.

Method 3: Use the BIOS Command in Command Prompt

Windows includes a command that automatically restarts the system into UEFI firmware settings.

Search for: Command Prompt> Right click it and select: Run as administrator

Type the following command:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

Press Enter.

Your PC will restart and automatically enter BIOS or UEFI settings. Here is what each part of the command means:

/r restarts the computer
/fw opens firmware settings
/t 0 restarts immediately without delay

This is one of the fastest ways to enter BIOS from Windows.

The command may fail if: Legacy BIOS mode is enabled instead of UEFI

Your motherboard does not support firmware restart commands
Fast Boot is interfering
Windows system files are damaged
Administrator privileges were not used

In such cases, the keyboard shortcut method usually works better.

Method 4: Enter BIOS Using Shift + Restart Shortcut

This is another quick Windows shortcut method.

Click the Start Menu and then click the Power button. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.

While holding Shift, click: Restart.

After rebooting, go to:

Troubleshoot
Advanced options
UEFI Firmware Settings

Then select: Restart

Your system will enter BIOS automatically.

Method 5: Enter BIOS When Windows Will Not Boot

If your PC cannot load Windows, you can still access the BIOS.

Hold the power button until the computer turns off. Turn the PC back on and repeatedly press the BIOS key immediately.

If Windows keeps loading too quickly, turn the PC off during startup two or three times. This often triggers Windows Recovery automatically.

From recovery mode, open:

Troubleshoot
Advanced options
UEFI Firmware Settings

Then restart into the BIOS.

Important BIOS Settings You Should Know

Once you enter the BIOS, you may see many advanced options. Here are some of the most common ones.

Boot Order

Controls which device loads first during startup.

Useful for:

Installing Windows from USB
Booting from SSD
Running recovery tools

Secure Boot

Protects the startup process from unauthorized software.

Windows 11 requires Secure Boot support on many systems.

TPM Settings

TPM 2.0 is required for Windows 11 compatibility on supported hardware.

Virtualization Technology

Needed for:

Virtual machines
Android emulators
Hyper V
VMware
VirtualBox

It may appear as:

Intel VT x
AMD V

Fan and Temperature Controls

Some motherboards allow custom cooling profiles and temperature monitoring.

How to Exit BIOS Safely?

After making changes, save your settings carefully.

Most systems use:

F10 to save and exit
You can also choose:
Save Changes and Exit

If you changed something accidentally, select:

Discard Changes and Exit

Common Problems While Entering BIOS

BIOS Key Not Working

This usually happens because:

Fast Startup is enabled

The wrong BIOS key is being used

Wireless keyboards are not detected early enough

Try using a wired keyboard and press the key repeatedly during startup.

PC Boots Too Fast

Modern SSD-based systems can skip startup screens very quickly.

Using the Windows recovery methods is usually easier on fast systems.

Black Screen After BIOS Changes

Incorrect settings may prevent startup.

Reset BIOS to default settings by selecting:

Load Setup Defaults

Restore Defaults

FAQs

What is the shortcut key to enter the BIOS?

The most common BIOS keys are F2, Delete, ESC, and F10. The correct key depends on your computer manufacturer.

Can I enter BIOS from Windows without restarting?

No. BIOS operates before Windows starts, so the system must restart to access it.

What does the shutdown /r /fw /t 0 command do?

This command restarts the computer directly into UEFI firmware settings.

Why can’t I see UEFI Firmware Settings in Windows?

This option may be missing if your PC uses Legacy BIOS instead of UEFI mode.

Is BIOS different from UEFI?

Yes. UEFI is the modern replacement for traditional BIOS and includes advanced features and graphical menus.

Can changing BIOS settings damage my computer?

Incorrect settings can prevent Windows from booting, but most BIOS changes are reversible by resetting to default settings.