How do I access BIOS on a Windows 11 PC?

Windows
1

I’m having trouble accessing the BIOS on my Windows 11 computer. I’ve tried pressing the usual keys like F2, F10, and Delete during startup, but nothing seems to be working. I need to make some changes to my system settings. Any advice on what to do next?

2

If you’re having trouble accessing the BIOS on your Windows 11 machine, there are a few more methods you can try beyond the standard keystroke approach. Here are some detailed steps and alternatives to help you get into your BIOS settings.

Method 1: Use Windows Settings

  1. Open Settings: Start by clicking on the Start menu and then select “Settings” (you can also hit Windows + I to open Settings).
  2. Navigate to Recovery:
    • Click on “System” on the left-hand side menu.
    • Scroll down and select “Recovery” from the list.
  3. Restart for Advanced Startup: Under the “Advanced startup” section, click on “Restart now.” Your PC will restart, and you’ll see a screen with several options.
  4. Advanced Options:
    • Once your PC restarts, you’ll see a blue screen with a list of options. Select “Troubleshoot.”
    • Next, choose “Advanced options.”
    • Finally, select “UEFI Firmware Settings” and click “Restart.” Your PC will then boot into the BIOS.

Method 2: Shift + Restart Option

  1. Sign Out of User Account: Log out of your Windows account or simply go to the “Sign-in” screen.
  2. Shift + Restart:
    • On the Sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key.
    • While holding the Shift key, click the power icon in the bottom right and select “Restart.”
    • Continue holding Shift until you see the “Choose an option” screen.
  3. Navigate to BIOS Settings:
    • From the “Choose an option” screen, select “Troubleshoot.”
    • Then go to “Advanced options.”
    • Finally, choose “UEFI Firmware Settings” and click on “Restart” to boot into BIOS.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt:
    • Press Windows + X and select “Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” if you still have it.
    • Alternatively, you can press Windows + R, type cmd, and then press Enter.
  2. Execute Command: Type the following command and press Enter:
    shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
    • This command forces your computer to restart and takes you to the “Choose an option” screen.
  3. Advanced Options Steps: Follow the same steps as mentioned in Method 1 from the “Choose an option” screen onward.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

  • Fast Startup Enabled: Disable Fast Startup in Windows because it can bypass the BIOS entry sequence.

    1. Open Control Panel.
    2. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” > “Power Options.”
    3. Click “Choose what the power buttons do.”
    4. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
    5. Uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup” (it’s under Shutdown settings).
    6. Save changes and restart your computer.

  • Keyboard Not Working Early in Boot: If your keyboard is not being recognized early in the boot process, try plugging it into a different USB port (preferably a USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0). On some older systems, USB 3.0 ports are not enabled until the OS loads.

  • Different BIOS Keys: Manufacturers sometimes use different keys for accessing BIOS. Here’s a quick list:

    • Dell: F2 or F12
    • HP: ESC or F10
    • Lenovo: F2 or (Fn + F2)
    • Acer: F2 or DEL
    • ASUS: DEL or F2
    • MSI: DEL
    • Gigabyte/Aorus: DEL or F2

Updating BIOS:

If none of these methods work, you may want to ensure that your BIOS firmware is up-to-date. BIOS updates can often fix issues like these. Check your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS version and the updating procedure.

By following these methods, you should be able to access the BIOS on your Windows 11 PC. Just take your time and ensure you follow the steps correctly. BIOS settings can be a bit touchy, but once you’re in, you should be able to make the changes you need.

3

One thing to keep in mind is that not all methods work for everyone, and there’s sometimes a bit of a trial and error involved. Something not mentioned by @byteguru that you might want to try is removing any USB devices (external drives, other peripherals) before restarting and then trying the usual F2, F10, or DEL during startup. Sometimes these devices can interfere with the BIOS entry process.

Another alternative method you could try involves using third-party software like MSI Afterburner or ASUS AI Suite, if you have compatible hardware. These tools sometimes offer an option to reboot directly into the BIOS from within Windows.

One thing I noticed @byteguru didn’t touch on is making sure your monitor is connected correctly. If you’re using a discrete GPU, make sure your monitor is connected to the GPU and not the onboard graphics port on your motherboard. Otherwise, you might miss the splash screen that prompts you to press the BIOS entry key. This actually happened to me. I spent an hour trying to get into the BIOS only to find out I’d plugged my monitor into the wrong spot!

If your keyboard isn’t picking up signals right from the start, besides trying a USB 2.0 port as suggested, you might also want to check in your motherboard manual or online documentation for an option called Legacy USB Support. Sometimes enabling this setting allows USB keyboards to function properly pre-boot.

Lastly, I’ll share a word of caution: some modern motherboards have a fast boot feature that can almost completely skip the POST process, giving you literally half a second to hit the BIOS entry key. In this case, you’ll definitely want to go through the Windows recovery methods that @byteguru mentioned.

Don’t forget to back up your important data before making any major changes in the BIOS, just to be on the safe side!

4

Those methods are overly complicated and forget the simplest answer: patience and timing. Honestly, just spam the BIOS key DURING the entire boot process. Don’t wait for the logo to show up. Start pressing it right AFTER you power on.

I see someone mentioned turning off Fast Startup—definitely do it. It’s like an unnecessary hurdle most people forget about.

On top of that, @byteguru missed one important point. Some motherboards have that single-use “clear CMOS” button. Use it lightly. It resets everything, sure, but so do factory restores.

Feel free to use @codecrafter’s tip about third-party apps like MSI Afterburner, although I personally steer clear, as software solutions always seem a bit overkill and risky compared to just hitting a key at reboot. Bit finicky, don’t you think? Stick to basic troubleshooting before installing more software on an already troubled system. Also, why hasn’t anyone mentioned checking if your keyboard works in another machine? It could be as simple as a faulty keyboard.

In a nutshell, try pressing the keys more aggressively, turn off Fast Startup, and consider doing a CMOS reset if all else fails. Pros: fewer software layers, more direct action. Cons: might feel repetitive and frustrating.