Windows is the primary user interface for most computers today, but there’s more to your computer than just the operating system. The BIOS (or basic input/output system) controls how your computer operates when starting up and during normal usage, and is essentially the in-built operating system that controls hardware access and startup processes.
Thankfully, accessing the BIOS on Windows 11 is not as difficult as it might sound. Read on to find out how to enter BIOS on Windows 11, which key to press for your PC brand, and what to do if the usual methods don’t work.
What is BIOS?
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a set of software instructions used by a computer’s Central Processing Unit (CPU) to read and interpret data, such as when starting up the computer or loading an operating system.
BIOS is essential to any computer since it allows the computer to begin operating when you turn on the power switch. It helps computers run more efficiently by providing a smooth flow of data between hardware components, and is also responsible for communicating with devices like USB flash drives, printers, and keyboards.
On most modern PCs, the traditional BIOS has been replaced by UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which does the same job with a friendlier interface, faster boot times, and support for drives larger than 2 TB. Most people still call this “BIOS” out of habit, so this guide uses both terms interchangeably.
1. Access BIOS at computer start-up
When starting up your computer, press a key on your keyboard to enter BIOS. This key varies by manufacturer, and you will have to find which works for your specific PC. When the computer boots up, the first splash screen (usually the manufacturer’s logo) will display a message with the key needed to access BIOS.
The benefit of this method is it works even if your Windows OS does not load. However, it can be a problem if your PC or laptop boots up too quickly for you to push the assigned key, which is increasingly common on fast SSD-equipped devices.
If you’re not sure which key applies to your device, check the manufacturer BIOS key table further down this article.
2. Access BIOS from settings
If you missed pressing the key at start-up, you can use Windows 11’s Settings app instead. Open Settings from the Start menu, or press Windows + I.
When Settings opens, select System from the sidebar, then Recovery. In the Recovery menu, go to Advanced Startup, and select Restart Now. Your PC will show a “We’ll Restart Your Device So Save Your Work” window. Select Restart Now again.
This brings up a Choose an Option screen. Navigate into Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings, and click Restart. This takes you to your PC’s BIOS mode.
On the latest Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 releases, this menu path is unchanged, though some manufacturers have added extra branding to the Recovery screen.
3. Restart while holding shift
One of the simplest ways to access BIOS in Windows 11 is by just holding down the shift button when you restart your PC. Simply hold the Shift key, and then click on Restart from the menu.
When your computer restarts, it will bring up the Windows Recovery Environment. From here, you can navigate Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings, and when you choose Restart, your computer will bring up the BIOS menu.
This method works from the Start menu power options and the login screen, making it one of the most reliable ways to reach BIOS without timing a key press during boot.
4. Access BIOS via Command Line
Rather than treating the Run command, Command Prompt, and PowerShell as separate methods, the quickest way to reach BIOS through a command is to use one line in whichever console you already have open.
Using the Run Dialog or Command Prompt
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type shutdown /r /o /f /t 00, and press OK. Alternatively, open Command Prompt and type the same command, then press Enter.
Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, follow the same navigation as before: Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart, and your PC will boot straight into BIOS.
Using PowerShell
If you prefer PowerShell, open it from the Start menu or by pressing Windows + X and selecting Windows PowerShell Type shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 and press Enter. The same Recovery Environment will appear, and you can navigate to UEFI Firmware Settings from there.
Tip: This command can be scripted or run remotely through tools like Remote Desktop, making this method especially useful if you manage multiple machines.
5. Access BIOS via Windows Terminal (Admin)
On current builds of Windows 11, Microsoft has shifted many command-line tasks toward Windows Terminal, which combines Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Azure Cloud Shell into a single app. This is the recommended method going forward, since Windows Terminal is now the default console on new Windows 11 installs.
Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin), or search for “Terminal” in the Start menu and choose Run as Administrator.
Once open, make sure you’re on a PowerShell or Command Prompt tab, then type shutdown /r /fw /t 0 and press Enter. Your PC will restart directly into BIOS firmware settings, bypassing the Recovery Environment entirely.
Running it as administrator ensures the command executes with the correct permissions.
6. Access BIOS with a shortcut
You can also create a shortcut on your desktop to enter BIOS. This is a relatively simple method, useful if you need to access BIOS frequently.
- Right-click an empty space on your desktop, and go to New > Shortcut.
- Type in the command shutdown /r /fw /t 0, and click Next.
- Give the shortcut a name (e.g., “Reboot to UEFI”), and click Finish.
- Right-click the newly created shortcut, select Properties, click Advanced, tick Run as administrator, and press OK.
Double-click the shortcut to restart your computer directly into BIOS. For convenience, pin it to your taskbar or Start menu.
Manufacturer BIOS Key Table
| Manufacturer | Common BIOS Key(s) |
|---|---|
| Dell | F2 (F12 for the boot menu) |
| HP | F10 (or Esc, then F10) |
| Lenovo | Desktop: F1 | ThinkPads: Enter, then F1 | Laptops: F2 or Fn+F2 |
| ASUS | Del (F2 on some laptops) |
| Acer | F2 or Del |
| ASRock | F2 or Del |
| Microsoft Surface | Volume Up + Power button |
| Toshiba | F1 or F2 |
| Samsung | F2 |
| MSI | Del |
| Gigabyte | F12 or Del |
| Sony | F1, F2, or F3 |
Troubleshooting: Can't Access BIOS?
If none of the methods above are working, try these steps before assuming there’s a hardware fault.
- Disable Fast Startup: This feature can prevent your PC from fully shutting down, which sometimes stops BIOS key presses from registering. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, click Change settings that are currently unavailable, untick “Turn on fast startup,” and restart.
- Check your keyboard connection: A wireless or Bluetooth keyboard may not activate early enough in the boot process. Try a wired USB keyboard instead, especially on desktop PCs. If your motherboard has a PS/2 port, a PS/2 keyboard is the most reliable option, as it is detected during POST before USB devices.
- Use a Settings-based method instead of a key press. If your screen boots too quickly to catch the splash screen, the Advanced Startup method in Method 2 bypasses the need to time a key press entirely.
- Confirm you’re pressing the correct key. Double-check the manufacturer table above, and try tapping the key repeatedly right after pressing power, rather than holding it down.
- Check if the UEFI Firmware Settings option is missing: If you follow the Settings method but don’t see the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option, your system may be running in Legacy BIOS mode. To check, press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In System Information, look for BIOS Mode — if it says Legacy instead of UEFI, that explains the missing option. Consult your manufacturer’s support resources for instructions on converting from Legacy to UEFI mode.
- Rule out a forgotten BIOS password: If you reach the BIOS screen but are blocked by a password prompt, contact the manufacturer directly, or have an IT professional reset the CMOS battery to avoid damaging your hardware.
- Check for a faulty or loose connection: If your screen shows nothing at all, the issue may be your monitor cable, graphics card, or RAM rather than BIOS access itself.
If you’ve tried all of the above and still cannot access BIOS, it’s worth getting expert help rather than risking further troubleshooting yourself.
Get the Right Advice from the Windows Experts
When it comes to access BIOS, it can be a challenge to find the right method for your device. Fortunately, there are several ways you can access BIOS on Windows, enabling you to enable or disable functionality on hardware components, such as your hard drive, network adapter, graphics card, and other components in your computer.
The Windows and Microsoft specialists at Steadfast Solutions can help optimise and manage your IT environments for the best results. Talk to them today about your business needs and find the right solutions.
FAQs
Is it possible to enter the BIOS if my screen stays black until Windows loads?
Yes, this often happens with a high-end graphics card or a 4K monitor that takes too long to “wake up.” If you cannot see the splash screen, use the “Advanced Startup” method from within Windows 11, described in Method 2. This forces the computer to restart directly into the UEFI menu.
Why does my keyboard not work when I try to press the BIOS key?
This is a common issue with wireless or Bluetooth keyboards, as they often don’t connect to the computer until the operating system has already started. If you find your key presses are being ignored, try plugging in a basic USB wired keyboard. Wired connections are active from the second when you press the power button, making it much easier to catch the BIOS entry window. If your motherboard has a PS/2 port, a PS/2 keyboard is the most reliable option.
What should I do if my BIOS is protected by a password I don’t know?
If you successfully reach the BIOS screen but are met with a password prompt, you are likely dealing with an “Admin Password” set by a previous owner or an IT department. To resolve this:
- Look for a “Password Hint” on the screen.
- Check your original purchase documentation.
- Contact your workplace IT team if the device is a company asset, as they often lock these settings for security reasons.
Can I change BIOS settings without restarting my computer?
Generally, no. Because the BIOS (or UEFI) controls the hardware before the operating system (Windows) even exists, you cannot modify core settings like “Secure Boot” or “Overclocking” while Windows is running. You must follow one of the restart methods to enter the firmware environment where these hardware-level changes are saved.
Why is "Fast Startup" stopping me from entering the BIOS?
Windows 11 uses a feature called “Fast Startup” that essentially puts your computer into a deep hibernate rather than a full shutdown. Because the PC doesn’t fully turn off, it skips the hardware to check where you would normally press a key to enter the BIOS. To fix this, you can:
- Perform a “Restart” instead of a “Shutdown”: Windows handles restarts differently, allowing the BIOS prompt to appear.
- Disable Fast Startup: You can find this setting in your Windows Power Options if you need to access the BIOS frequently.