How to Open BIOS in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to open BIOS in Windows 11 can help you change important hardware and startup settings on your computer. Whether you need to enable virtualization, change the boot order, configure Secure Boot, troubleshoot startup problems, or check hardware settings, BIOS is one of the most useful tools available before Windows loads.

But how do you actually get into BIOS on a Windows 11 PC?

The good news is that you have several options. You can enter BIOS by pressing a keyboard key during startup, use Windows 11’s Advanced Startup options, or access UEFI Firmware Settings directly from Windows. The exact key varies by computer manufacturer, but the Windows-based method works on many modern UEFI systems.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to open BIOS in Windows 11 step by step, including methods for laptops and desktops, common BIOS keys, troubleshooting tips, and what to do if your computer boots too quickly.

What Is BIOS?

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is firmware stored on your computer’s motherboard that initializes hardware and helps the system start.

Modern Windows 11 computers commonly use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of traditional BIOS. However, people still commonly use the term “BIOS” to refer to the firmware setup screen.

Think of BIOS or UEFI as the control room of your PC. Windows is the operating system you interact with every day, while BIOS/UEFI handles important hardware and startup instructions before Windows begins loading.

What Can You Change in BIOS?

Depending on your computer, BIOS/UEFI may let you configure:

• Boot order
• Secure Boot
• TPM settings
• CPU virtualization
• Memory settings
• Fan controls
• Storage configuration
• USB boot options
• Date and time
• Hardware monitoring
• Processor settings
• Power management
• Firmware security settings

Be careful when changing settings. Some BIOS options can prevent Windows from starting correctly if configured incorrectly.

Why Would You Need to Open BIOS in Windows 11?

There are several reasons you might need to access BIOS or UEFI.

For example, you may want to:

1. Enable CPU virtualization.
2. Change the boot device.
3. Boot from a USB flash drive.
4. Enable or disable Secure Boot.
5. Check hardware configuration.
6. Troubleshoot startup problems.
7. Configure memory settings.
8. Enable TPM-related options.
9. Adjust hardware or power settings.
10. Install or troubleshoot another operating system.

If you’re following a Windows 11 tutorial that tells you to “enter BIOS,” you’ll generally be looking for your computer’s UEFI firmware settings.

How to Open BIOS in Windows 11 Using Advanced Startup

One of the easiest methods is to enter UEFI firmware settings through Windows 11.

This is especially useful when you don’t know your computer’s BIOS key or your PC starts too quickly.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

First, open Settings.

You can do this by pressing:

Windows + I

You can also open the Start menu and select Settings.

Step 2: Open System Settings

Inside Settings, select:

System → Recovery

The Recovery page contains several troubleshooting and startup options.

Step 3: Find Advanced Startup

Look for Advanced startup.

Select:

Restart now

Windows will warn you that the computer will restart.

Save any work before continuing.

Step 4: Open Troubleshoot

After your computer restarts, you’ll see the Windows Recovery Environment.

Select:

Troubleshoot

Step 5: Select Advanced Options

On the Troubleshoot screen, choose:

Advanced options

You’ll see several recovery and troubleshooting tools.

Step 6: Choose UEFI Firmware Settings

Select:

UEFI Firmware Settings

If your computer supports this option, Windows will display a restart option.

Select:

Restart

Your computer will restart and open the UEFI/BIOS setup interface.

That’s it. You have successfully learned how to open BIOS in Windows 11 without pressing a BIOS key during startup.

How to Enter BIOS in Windows 11 With a Keyboard Key

Another common method is to press a specific key immediately after turning on or restarting the computer.

The exact key depends on your motherboard or computer manufacturer.

Common BIOS keys include:

Manufacturer	Common BIOS/UEFI Key
Dell	F2
HP	Esc or F10
Lenovo	F1, F2, or dedicated button
ASUS	F2 or Delete
Acer	F2 or Delete
MSI	Delete
Gigabyte	Delete
ASRock	F2 or Delete
Samsung	F2
Toshiba/Dynabook	F2

These are common keys, but your specific model may use a different one.

Step-by-Step Keyboard Method

1. Shut down your computer completely.
2. Turn it back on.
3. Immediately begin pressing the BIOS key repeatedly.
4. Continue until the BIOS/UEFI screen appears.
5. Stop pressing the key once the firmware interface loads.

Don’t wait until the Windows logo appears. The important moment is immediately after powering on the computer.

How to Open BIOS on a Dell Computer

If you’re using a Dell PC or laptop, F2 is commonly used to access BIOS setup.

Restart the computer and repeatedly press F2 when the Dell logo appears.

Some Dell systems may display a message such as:

Press F2 to enter Setup

You may also see an option for a boot menu, commonly associated with F12.

Remember that the exact behavior can vary by model.

How to Open BIOS on an HP Laptop

HP computers commonly use Esc or F10 during startup.

Try this sequence:

1. Shut down the HP computer.
2. Turn it on.
3. Immediately press Esc repeatedly.
4. Look for the Startup Menu.
5. Select the BIOS Setup option, commonly associated with F10.

On some HP models, pressing F10 repeatedly immediately after powering on can open BIOS Setup directly.

How to Open BIOS on a Lenovo Computer

Lenovo computers can use several different methods.

Common BIOS keys include:

• F1
• F2
• Fn + F2
• A dedicated BIOS button
• Novo button on some laptops

If the function keys don’t work, check your Lenovo model’s documentation for the correct startup key.

Some Lenovo laptops also include a small physical button that can provide access to a startup menu.

How to Open BIOS on ASUS Computers

ASUS motherboards and laptops commonly use:

F2 or Delete

For an ASUS desktop motherboard, Delete is particularly common.

Restart the computer and repeatedly press the appropriate key before Windows begins loading.

How to Open BIOS on Acer Computers

Acer laptops and desktops commonly use:

F2

Some desktop systems may use Delete.

Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the appropriate key as soon as the Acer logo appears.

How to Open BIOS on MSI Motherboards

MSI desktop motherboards commonly use:

Delete

Restart the PC and repeatedly press Delete during the startup process.

You should see the MSI firmware interface if the timing is correct.

How to Open BIOS on Gigabyte Motherboards

Gigabyte motherboards commonly use the:

Delete

key to enter BIOS setup.

Turn on or restart the computer and press Delete repeatedly before Windows starts.

How to Open BIOS Using the Windows Restart Command

Windows 11 also provides a convenient way to access the advanced recovery environment.

Press:

Windows + R

Then enter:

shutdown /r /o /f /t 00

Press Enter.

Windows should restart into the Advanced Startup environment.

From there, navigate to:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart

If UEFI Firmware Settings isn’t available, your system may not expose the firmware option through Windows, or the firmware configuration may require another method.

How to Open BIOS From the Start Menu

You can also reach Advanced Startup through the Start menu.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Select the Power button.
3. Hold down Shift.
4. While holding Shift, select Restart.
5. Keep holding Shift until the recovery menu appears.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Choose Advanced options.
8. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
9. Select Restart.

Your PC should reboot directly into its firmware setup screen.

This is particularly useful if your computer boots too quickly for you to press the BIOS key.

BIOS vs UEFI: What’s the Difference?

You may hear both BIOS and UEFI when searching for instructions.

They’re related but not identical.

BIOS	UEFI
Older firmware standard	Modern firmware standard
Typically text-based	Often graphical
Limited modern features	Supports newer hardware features
Traditional boot method	Modern boot architecture
Common on older PCs	Common on Windows 11 PCs

Windows 11 computers generally use UEFI because modern Windows systems rely on features such as Secure Boot and TPM support.

That’s why Windows 11 may show UEFI Firmware Settings instead of a button simply labeled “BIOS.”

How to Check Whether Windows 11 Uses UEFI

You can check your firmware mode directly from Windows.

Step 1: Open System Information

Press:

Windows + R

Type:

msinfo32

Then press Enter.

Step 2: Find BIOS Mode

In System Information, look for:

BIOS Mode

You may see:

• UEFI
• Legacy

If it says UEFI, your system uses modern UEFI firmware.

You can also look for BIOS Version/Date to identify your motherboard or firmware information.

What If UEFI Firmware Settings Is Missing?

Sometimes you may open Advanced Options but not see UEFI Firmware Settings.

There are several possible reasons.

Your Computer Uses Legacy BIOS

Older computers may use traditional BIOS rather than UEFI.

In this case, Windows may not provide a UEFI Firmware Settings option.

Your Firmware Doesn’t Expose the Option

Some systems don’t provide a Windows shortcut to firmware setup.

If this happens, use the manufacturer’s startup key instead.

You’re Using a Virtual Machine

Virtual machines can have different firmware configurations. The method for accessing their virtual firmware depends on the virtualization software.

Firmware or System Configuration Issues

In some cases, firmware configuration, boot mode, or motherboard settings can affect what Windows displays.

If you’re troubleshooting a specific computer, checking the manufacturer’s documentation can help identify the correct method.

What If My Computer Boots Too Fast?

Fast startup can make it difficult to catch the BIOS key.

You press F2.

Nothing happens.

You try Delete.

Windows appears anyway.

Sound familiar?

Don’t worry. Use the Windows 11 Advanced Startup method instead.

Go to:

Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now

Then:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart

This avoids the timing problem entirely when the option is available.

What If the BIOS Key Doesn’t Work?

If pressing the expected key doesn’t open BIOS, try these troubleshooting steps.

Try Pressing the Key Repeatedly

Don’t press the key only once.

Start pressing it repeatedly immediately after powering on the computer.

Try Another Function Key

Some manufacturers use different keys depending on the model.

For example, you might need F1, F2, F10, F12, or Delete.

Try Fn + Function Key

Some laptops require you to press:

Fn + F2

instead of F2.

This depends on how the laptop’s function-key mode is configured.

Use an External Keyboard

If your laptop keyboard isn’t responding during startup, try connecting a USB keyboard.

For desktop computers, also try a different USB port.

Check Your Manufacturer’s Documentation

Search for the exact model of your computer or motherboard and look for its BIOS/UEFI startup instructions.

What Is the Difference Between BIOS Setup and the Boot Menu?

Don’t confuse the BIOS setup screen with the one-time boot menu.

They’re used for different purposes.

BIOS/UEFI Setup

BIOS setup lets you change firmware settings.

Examples include:

• Secure Boot
• Virtualization
• Boot configuration
• Hardware settings
• Firmware security

Boot Menu

The boot menu lets you temporarily select a device from which to start the computer.

For example, you might choose:

• Internal SSD
• USB flash drive
• External storage
• Network boot

If you only need to boot from a USB drive once, the boot menu may be more convenient than changing the permanent boot order in BIOS.

How to Enable Virtualization in BIOS

One common reason users search for how to open BIOS in Windows 11 is to enable virtualization.

Virtualization settings may be labeled differently depending on your processor and motherboard.

You might see options such as:

• Intel Virtualization Technology
• Intel VT-x
• AMD-V
• SVM Mode
• Virtualization Technology

The exact location varies by firmware.

After opening BIOS, look through processor, advanced, CPU configuration, or similar sections.

Don’t change unrelated settings if you’re unfamiliar with them.

How to Enable Secure Boot in BIOS

Secure Boot is another important firmware feature associated with Windows 11.

Depending on your computer, you may find Secure Boot under sections such as:

• Security
• Boot
• Authentication
• Advanced

The exact menu layout varies significantly between manufacturers.

If you’re enabling or disabling Secure Boot for troubleshooting, record the original setting before changing it.

How to Change the Boot Order

You may also need BIOS to change which device starts first.

For example, if you’re installing Windows from a USB drive, you may need to select the USB device as a boot option.

A typical process is:

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI.
2. Open the Boot section.
3. Find Boot Priority or Boot Order.
4. Select the desired device.
5. Move it to the appropriate position.
6. Save your changes.
7. Restart the computer.

The terminology can vary between firmware interfaces.

How to Exit BIOS Safely

Once you’ve finished making changes, you’ll need to exit the firmware interface.

Common options include:

Save & Exit

or

Exit Saving Changes

If you didn’t intentionally change anything, an option such as:

Exit Without Saving

may be appropriate.

Avoid selecting “Save Changes” unless you’re sure you want to apply the modifications.

What Happens If You Change the Wrong BIOS Setting?

BIOS contains powerful configuration options.

Changing the wrong setting can cause problems such as:

• Windows failing to boot
• No operating system being detected
• Hardware behaving unexpectedly
• Changed fan behavior
• Boot-device problems
• Compatibility issues

The good news is that many BIOS settings can be restored to their defaults.

However, don’t randomly change settings to see what happens.

A better approach is to identify the exact setting you need before modifying it.

How to Restore BIOS Defaults

If you’ve changed BIOS settings and something isn’t working correctly, many firmware interfaces provide an option such as:

• Load Optimized Defaults
• Load Setup Defaults
• Restore Defaults
• Load Default Settings

The exact wording varies.

Before restoring defaults, consider whether you intentionally configured settings such as RAID, custom boot options, virtualization, or other hardware-specific features.

BIOS Access on Windows 11: Quick Comparison

Method	Best For	Requires Timing?
BIOS keyboard key	Fast access	Yes
Settings → Recovery	Beginners	No
Shift + Restart	Quick recovery access	No
shutdown /r /o	Advanced users	No
Manufacturer startup button	Some laptops	Yes

For most beginners, the Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup route is straightforward because you don’t have to guess when to press a key.

Common Mistakes When Opening BIOS

Waiting Until Windows Starts

If you wait for the Windows logo, you’ve often missed the keyboard-input window.

Start pressing the BIOS key immediately after turning on the computer.

Using the Wrong Key

Different manufacturers use different keys.

Don’t assume F2 works on every computer.

Changing Settings Without Recording Them

Before changing an unfamiliar option, take note of its original value.

This makes troubleshooting much easier.

Confusing BIOS With Windows Settings

BIOS isn’t an ordinary Windows application.

You can’t normally open it like File Explorer or Settings.

It’s firmware that runs before Windows.

Changing Multiple Options at Once

If you’re troubleshooting, change one relevant setting at a time.

That way, if something goes wrong, you know what caused the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open BIOS from Windows 11?

Yes. On compatible UEFI systems, go to Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now, then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.

What key opens BIOS in Windows 11?

There isn’t one universal BIOS key. Common keys include F2, Delete, F10, F1, and Esc, depending on the computer or motherboard manufacturer.

Why can’t I find UEFI Firmware Settings?

Your PC may use Legacy BIOS, the firmware may not expose the option through Windows, or the system configuration may differ. Try using the manufacturer’s BIOS startup key instead.

Can I enter BIOS without restarting Windows?

No. BIOS/UEFI firmware setup runs outside the normal Windows environment, so the computer must restart to enter it.

Is BIOS the same as UEFI?

Not exactly. BIOS is the older firmware standard, while UEFI is the modern replacement used by most current Windows 11 systems. People often still use “BIOS” as a general term for firmware setup.

Can I damage my computer by entering BIOS?

Simply opening BIOS normally won’t damage your computer. Problems can occur if you make inappropriate firmware changes. If you’re unsure about an option, research it before changing it.

How do I open BIOS if my keyboard doesn’t work?

Try a different USB keyboard or USB port. On some laptops, you may also need to use the Fn key with a function key. If possible, use Windows 11’s Advanced Startup method.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to open BIOS in Windows 11 is easier than it might initially seem. You can usually access firmware settings either by pressing the appropriate keyboard key during startup or by using Windows 11’s Advanced Startup options.

For a quick approach, restart your computer and use the BIOS key associated with your manufacturer. If you don’t know the correct key or your PC boots too quickly, use:

Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings

Once you’re inside BIOS or UEFI, take care when changing settings. Features such as boot order, Secure Boot, virtualization, and hardware configuration can have a significant effect on how your PC starts.

The safest rule is simple: change only the setting you understand, and keep track of what you changed.

Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 PCs generally use UEFI firmware.
• BIOS and UEFI are often used interchangeably in everyday instructions.
• Common BIOS keys include F2, Delete, F10, F1, and Esc.
• Windows 11 provides an Advanced Startup route to UEFI Firmware Settings on compatible systems.
• BIOS can be used to configure boot options, virtualization, Secure Boot, and hardware settings.
• Always be careful when modifying firmware settings.
• If a BIOS key doesn’t work, try Windows 11’s Recovery options or check your computer manufacturer’s instructions.