How to access your PC's BIOS (UEFI) on Windows 11

Q: How do I access BIOS on Windows 11?

You can access the BIOS, also known as UEFI, through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, by using Shift + Restart, running a Command Prompt command, or pressing a specific function key during boot, such as F2, Delete, or F10, depending on your device.

Q: What is the easiest way to enter UEFI on Windows 11?

The easiest method is through the Settings app. Open Settings > System > Recovery, click "Restart now" under Advanced startup, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings and restart.

Q: What key do I press to enter BIOS on Windows 11?

The key depends on the manufacturer. Common keys include F2, Delete, F10, ESC, or F1. For example, Dell uses F2, HP uses F10 or ESC, and ASUS typically uses F2 or Delete.

Windows 11 relies on UEFI firmware, which replaces legacy BIOS with better security, faster boot times, and modern hardware support.
You can access the BIOS through the Settings app, Shift + Restart, or Command Prompt.
If Windows 11 fails to start, you can still enter the BIOS using manufacturer-specific keys or by using the Windows Recovery Environment.

On your Windows 11 PC, at some point, you’ll need to access the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), commonly known as BIOS, to troubleshoot problems or change low-level hardware settings, such as memory speed, processor voltages, virtualization, fan speed, system clock, and more.

On modern motherboards, the UEFI is the experience that replaces the legacy Basic Input Output System (BIOS). These firmware types control the basic hardware configuration and hand over the boot sequence to the operating system, but the modern UEFI has been created to overcome the limitations of the BIOS. In other words, UEFI provides additional benefits, such as improved security, support for larger storage drives, faster booting times, and more.

Although it’s not recommended to modify the system’s firmware settings, it may sometimes be necessary to enable or disable specific hardware features to troubleshoot system issues.

If you need to adjust low-level settings, you can access the UEFI in several ways through the Settings app, Command Prompt (or PowerShell), a dedicated Start menu shortcut, or by entering the boot sequence when your device won’t load the operating system.

In this guide, I’ll outline the different ways you can enter your computer’s BIOS.

Enter BIOS from desktop on Windows 11
Enter BIOS from restart shortcut on Windows 11
Enter BIOS from Command Prompt on Windows 11
Enter BIOS on startup on Windows 11
FAQs about accessing the BIOS on Windows 11

Enter BIOS from desktop on Windows 11

To access the UEFI interface through the Settings app, follow these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on System.
Click the Recovery page on the right side.
Click the Restart now button in the “Advanced Startup” setting under the “Recovery options” section.

Quick note: The Advanced Startup option in the Settings app isn’t available through a Remote Desktop Connection.
Click the Restart now button again.
Click the Troubleshoot option.
Click on Advanced options.
Click the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
Click the Restart button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will enter the UEFI interface.

Enter BIOS from restart shortcut on Windows 11

To access your motherboard’s BIOS (UEFI) using the Start menu shortcut, follow these steps:

Open Start.
Click the Power button.
Press and hold the Shift key and click the Restart button.
Click the Troubleshoot option.
Click on Advanced options.
Click the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
Click the Restart button.

After you complete the steps, the computer will restart and access the BIOS experience.

Enter BIOS using Command Prompt on Windows 11

To enter the UEFI from Command Prompts (or PowerShell), follow these steps:

Open Start.
Search for Windows Terminal, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
(Option 1) Type the following command to boot directly into the UEFI and press Enter:
```
shutdown /r /fw /t 0
```
(Option 2) Type the following command to enter WinRE and then access UEFI and press Enter:
```
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0
```

Click the Troubleshoot option.
Click on Advanced options.
Click the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
Click the Restart button.

Once you complete the steps, depending on the option you select, the computer will restart and enter the BIOS. However, the first option will run the command with the /fw switch (firmware), which tells the operating system to restart directly into the motherboard firmware interface.

If you receive the error “The system could not find the environment option that was entered (203)” when using the /fw command, it almost always indicates that the device is in legacy BIOS mode, or that Fast Boot is enabled and it’s conflicting with the command, or that the hardware is incompatible. In this case, you may need to use the second option to enter the firmware.

Enter BIOS on startup on Windows 11

To enter the UEFI from boot, follow these steps:

Press the Power button on your PC.
Confirm the key to press to enter the firmware (if applicable).
Press the required key (F1, F2, F10, the “ESC” key, or the “Delete” key) repeatedly until the UEFI mode is entered.

Quick tip: If you can’t figure out the firmware unlock key because the computer boots too quickly, you may need to disable Fast Startup. However, if you know the key, you can start pressing it as soon as the computer powers on to enter the firmware.
Press Enter to access the Windows Recovery Environment if Quick Machine Recovery is enabled on your computer.
Click the Troubleshoot option.
Click the Troubleshoot option one more time.
Click on Advanced options.
Click the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
Click the Restart button.

Accessing the UEFI (the modern version of BIOS) can be tricky because modern computers boot quickly. However, this list includes the most popular brands and their primary access BIOS keys:

Acer: F2 or Delete
ASUS: F2 or Delete
Dell: F2
HP: F10 or Escape
Lenovo: F2 (or Fn + F2)
Lenovo (ThinkPad): F1 (often after pressing Enter at the logo)
MSI: Delete
Microsoft Surface: Press and hold Volume Up + Power
Samsung: F2
Toshiba: F2 or F1
Gigabyte (Aorus): Delete
ASRock: F2 or Delete

After you complete the steps, the computer will access the BIOS interface.

FAQs about accessing the BIOS on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about the different ways to access the UEFI (BIOS) on Windows 11.

How do I access BIOS on Windows 11?

You can access the BIOS, also known as UEFI, through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, by using Shift + Restart, running a Command Prompt command, or pressing a specific function key during boot, such as F2, Delete, or F10, depending on your device.

What is the easiest way to enter UEFI on Windows 11?

The easiest method is through the Settings app. Open Settings > System > Recovery, click “Restart now” under Advanced startup, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings and restart.

Why does Windows 11 use UEFI instead of BIOS?

Windows 11 uses UEFI because it offers better security, faster boot times, support for larger drives, and modern features like Secure Boot, which are not available in legacy BIOS.

Can I access BIOS on Windows 11 if the system will not boot?

Yes. If Windows 11 does not load, you can access the BIOS by pressing the firmware key during startup, or, if WinRE loads automatically, by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

What key do I press to enter BIOS on Windows 11?

The key depends on the manufacturer. Common keys include F2, Delete, F10, ESC, or F1. For example, Dell uses F2, HP uses F10 or ESC, and ASUS typically uses F2 or Delete.

How do I enter BIOS on a Windows 11 laptop with fast startup enabled?

Fast startup can prevent firmware keys from registering. Use the Settings app, Shift + Restart, or the shutdown /r /fw /t 0 command to enter the UEFI interface reliably.

Can I enter BIOS using Command Prompt on Windows 11?

Yes. Run Windows Terminal as an administrator and use the command shutdown /r /fw /t 0. This command restarts the device directly into the UEFI firmware interface if supported.

What does the error “The system could not find the environment option (203)” mean?

This error indicates that the system cannot restart directly into UEFI. It commonly occurs on systems running legacy BIOS, incompatible firmware, or when Fast Boot is enabled. Using the advanced startup method usually resolves it.

Is it safe to change BIOS settings on Windows 11?

Only if you understand the setting can you change incorrect firmware options without causing boot failures, instability, or hardware issues.

Does Remote Desktop allow access to BIOS on Windows 11?

No. The Advanced startup option is not available over a Remote Desktop session. BIOS access requires physical access to the device.

What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI in Windows 11?

BIOS is legacy firmware, while UEFI is its modern replacement. UEFI supports Secure Boot, graphical interfaces, mouse input, faster startup, and is required for Windows 11 on most modern hardware.