Windows 11 PCs usually use UEFI firmware, although many manufacturers and users still call the setup screen BIOS.
The easiest way to open it is from Windows itself:
Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart
You can also enter BIOS during startup with a manufacturer-specific key such as F2, F10, Delete, or Esc.
Method 1: Open BIOS From Windows 11 Settings
This is the most reliable method when Windows still starts normally.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System.
- Open Recovery.
- Find Advanced startup.
- Select Restart now.
- After the PC restarts, select Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Select Restart.
The PC should restart directly into the firmware setup screen.
Microsoft currently documents this same route for accessing UEFI settings in Windows 11.
Save any open work before selecting Restart now.
Method 2: Use Shift + Restart
Shift + Restart is useful when you want to reach the firmware menu without navigating through Settings.
You can do this from the Start menu or the Windows sign-in screen.
- Hold down Shift.
- While holding it, select Power > Restart.
- Keep holding Shift until the recovery screen appears.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Select Restart.
The computer should open the BIOS or UEFI setup.
This method is especially useful if you can reach the sign-in screen but cannot sign in to Windows.
Method 3: Press the BIOS Key During Startup
You can also enter the firmware before Windows loads.
Turn the PC off completely.
Turn it back on and immediately press the BIOS setup key repeatedly.
Common keys include:
| Manufacturer | Common BIOS key |
|---|---|
| Dell | F2 |
| HP | Esc, then F10 |
| Lenovo | F1 or F2 |
| ASUS | F2 or Delete |
| Acer | F2 |
| MSI | Delete |
| Gigabyte | Delete |
| ASRock | F2 or Delete |
The exact key can vary by model.
For example, HP currently documents pressing Esc repeatedly at startup to open the Startup Menu, then F10 for BIOS Setup on many systems. Dell commonly uses F2.
If the key does not work, check the support page for your exact laptop, desktop, or motherboard model.
BIOS Key vs Boot Menu Key
The BIOS setup key and boot menu key are not always the same.
The BIOS or UEFI setup lets you change firmware settings.
The boot menu lets you choose a temporary startup device such as:
- Windows Boot Manager;
- a USB installer;
- another SSD;
- a recovery drive.
Opening the boot menu does not necessarily enter the full BIOS setup.
This distinction matters if you are trying to enable Secure Boot, TPM, virtualization, or change permanent boot settings.
What if UEFI Firmware Settings Is Missing?
If UEFI Firmware Settings does not appear under Advanced options, try the startup-key method instead.
You should also check what Windows reports.
Press:
Windows + R
Type:
msinfo32
Press Enter.
In System Information, find:
BIOS Mode
If it shows UEFI, the PC is using UEFI firmware.
If it shows Legacy, the system is booting through legacy BIOS compatibility.
Do not switch a working Windows installation from Legacy to UEFI in firmware without understanding the current disk and boot configuration. Changing the boot mode incorrectly can prevent Windows from starting.
What if the BIOS Key Does Not Work?
Try these checks.
Press the key earlier
Begin tapping the BIOS key immediately after pressing the power button.
Modern PCs can pass the firmware screen very quickly.
Use a wired keyboard
On a desktop, try a wired USB keyboard.
Some wireless keyboards may not become active early enough during startup.
Try the Fn key
On some laptops, function keys are assigned to media controls.
You may need:
Fn + F2
or another Fn combination instead of pressing F2 alone.
Use Advanced Startup
If Windows still works, use:
Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup
This avoids the timing problem completely.
Can You Open BIOS if Windows Will Not Start?
Yes.
The BIOS exists independently of Windows.
Turn the computer off and use the manufacturer’s startup key immediately after powering it on.
This can be useful when:
- Windows will not boot;
- the SSD is not detected;
- you need to boot from USB;
- you need to inspect the boot order;
- you are troubleshooting hardware.
If the computer reports Operating System Not Found, my Operating System Not Found guide explains what to check once you enter the firmware.
What Can You Change in BIOS?
Firmware options vary by manufacturer, but common settings include:
- boot order;
- Secure Boot;
- TPM or firmware TPM;
- virtualization;
- storage configuration;
- fan controls;
- memory profiles;
- date and time;
- firmware passwords.
Do not change settings simply because they are available.
Record the original value before changing an unfamiliar option.
If you only need to see the installed firmware version, you do not need to enter BIOS at all. Use How to Check BIOS Version on Windows 11 instead.
Be Careful With Boot Mode Settings
Avoid changing settings such as:
- UEFI to Legacy;
- Legacy to UEFI;
- CSM;
- SATA/AHCI/RAID modes;
- Secure Boot keys;
unless the task specifically requires it.
A wrong boot-mode or storage-controller change can stop Windows from loading.
If your goal is Secure Boot troubleshooting, use the dedicated guide for the exact Secure Boot problem rather than changing several firmware options at once.
The Simplest Method to Use
When Windows 11 still opens, use:
Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart
When Windows will not start, use the correct BIOS key during power-on.
Those two methods cover almost every normal situation without requiring extra software or Command Prompt commands.
