If you own an MSI laptop, you may eventually need to access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS (or UEFI in modern systems) is where you configure important hardware and system-level settings, such as boot order, secure boot, XMP profiles, fan speeds, or overclocking options.
But if you’ve just upgraded to Windows 11 or recently bought an MSI laptop, you might be wondering: how do I enter BIOS on an MSI laptop running Windows 11?
Don’t worry — this guide will walk you through all the methods step by step, whether you prefer using a keyboard shortcut at startup or Windows 11 settings.
📝 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)
-
The most common way to enter BIOS on MSI laptops is by pressing the Delete key repeatedly during startup.
-
Alternatively, you can use the Advanced Startup menu in Windows 11 to boot into BIOS.
-
BIOS lets you change system settings like boot sequence, RAM speed (XMP), CPU performance, and fan control.
-
MSI uses a UEFI-based BIOS interface that’s graphical and easy to navigate.
-
You don’t need technical skills to enter BIOS — just follow the right steps.
What is BIOS (or UEFI) and Why Access It?
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) — or more accurately in modern systems, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) — is firmware stored on your laptop’s motherboard. It initializes hardware before Windows loads and provides low-level system settings.
Reasons to Access BIOS on MSI Laptops:
-
🔑 Change Boot Order – Boot from USB for Windows installation or recovery.
-
⚡ Enable/Disable XMP – Unlock your RAM’s full speed.
-
🔒 Enable Secure Boot – Protect your system against unauthorized software.
-
🎮 Overclocking & Performance Tuning – For gamers and advanced users.
-
🛠 Troubleshooting – Fix boot errors or hardware issues.
Important Notes Before Entering BIOS
-
Save your work before restarting — entering BIOS requires a reboot.
-
You don’t need to press and hold the BIOS key; just tap repeatedly as soon as you power on.
-
If you miss the timing, restart and try again.
-
Avoid changing settings you don’t understand — incorrect BIOS changes can cause system instability.
Methods to Enter BIOS in Windows 11 on MSI Laptops
MSI laptops typically give you two main ways to access BIOS:
-
During Startup (with a keyboard shortcut)
-
From Windows 11 Settings (Advanced Startup menu)
Let’s cover both methods step by step.
1. Enter BIOS on MSI Laptop Using the Delete Key
This is the most common and fastest way.
Steps:
-
Shut down your MSI laptop completely.
-
Press the power button to turn it on.
-
Immediately start pressing the
Deletekey repeatedly (not F2, F10, or Esc — MSI specifically uses Delete for BIOS). -
The MSI BIOS/UEFI interface will appear on screen.
👉 If you see the Windows logo instead, you pressed too late. Restart and try again.
2. Enter BIOS via Windows 11 Settings (Advanced Startup)
If you can’t access BIOS with the Delete key, use this method.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Go to System > Recovery.
-
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
-
Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
-
Select:
-
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
-
-
Your MSI laptop will reboot directly into BIOS.
👉 This method is useful if you can’t time the Delete key press.
3. Use Shift + Restart Shortcut
Another quick trick inside Windows 11:
-
Hold down the Shift key.
-
While holding Shift, click Restart from the Start menu or login screen.
-
Windows will load the Advanced Startup menu.
-
Follow the same path: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
4. Access MSI Boot Menu vs BIOS
Sometimes you may need the Boot Menu (not BIOS), for example, to boot from a USB installer.
-
On MSI laptops, press F11 at startup to open the Boot Menu.
-
From here, you can choose USB/DVD/SSD boot devices without entering BIOS.
MSI BIOS Hotkey Reference
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Function | MSI Key (During Boot) |
|---|---|
| Enter BIOS Setup | Delete |
| Boot Menu | F11 |
| Advanced Startup (Windows) | Shift + Restart |
Navigating the MSI BIOS
Once inside the MSI BIOS, you’ll see a graphical interface (Click BIOS 5). Here’s what you can do:
-
EZ Mode (Default view):
-
See CPU, RAM, storage info
-
Change boot priority
-
Enable/disable basic features
-
-
Advanced Mode (press F7):
-
Access overclocking options
-
Memory settings (XMP profiles)
-
Secure Boot, virtualization, fan curves
-
Troubleshooting: Can’t Enter BIOS on MSI Laptop?
-
⏱ Wrong timing – Restart and press Delete immediately after power on.
-
⌨ Keyboard not detected – Try using the built-in keyboard (on laptops) or a wired USB keyboard (for desktops).
-
⚡ Fast Boot enabled – Disable Fast Boot in Windows first, then try again.
-
🔋 Laptop doesn’t restart properly – Perform a full shutdown (
Shift + Shut down).
Best Practices When Using BIOS
-
Only change settings you understand.
-
Take photos/screenshots of default settings before modifying.
-
Keep BIOS updated (MSI regularly releases updates).
-
If something goes wrong, you can reset BIOS to default inside the BIOS menu.
Final Thoughts
Entering the BIOS on an MSI laptop running Windows 11 is simple once you know the correct method. The most common way is to press the Delete key during startup, but if that doesn’t work, you can always use Windows 11’s Advanced Startup options.
Whether you’re adjusting boot order, enabling XMP for RAM, or fine-tuning performance, MSI’s BIOS (Click BIOS 5) gives you powerful system control. Just remember: with great power comes great responsibility — change only what you need.
FAQs: How to Enter BIOS in Windows 11 on MSI Laptops
1. What is the BIOS key for MSI laptops?
The BIOS key is Delete, pressed repeatedly during startup.
2. How do I access the Boot Menu instead of BIOS on MSI?
Press F11 at startup to open the Boot Menu.
3. Can I enter BIOS without pressing a key?
Yes, go to Settings > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart now > UEFI Firmware Settings.
4. My MSI laptop skips BIOS and boots directly into Windows. Why?
Fast Boot may be enabled, or you may be pressing the key too late. Try a full shutdown first.
5. Is BIOS the same as UEFI on MSI laptops?
Yes — modern MSI laptops use UEFI-based BIOS (Click BIOS 5), which is graphical and more advanced.