Have you ever needed to enter your BIOS but didn’t know how? Maybe you want to change boot settings, enable virtualization, or tweak hardware options—but the startup key (like F2 or Del) flashes by too fast.
Good news: there’s a faster, more reliable way. You can enter BIOS directly from the Command Prompt in Windows 11, without pressing any special keys during boot.
In this complete step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to enter BIOS from Command Prompt in Windows 11, why you might need to access BIOS, and how to fix common issues if it doesn’t work.
Let’s dive in.
🧭 What Is BIOS in Windows 11?
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is your PC’s firmware interface. It starts before Windows loads and controls hardware-level settings such as:
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Boot order
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Virtualization (VT-x, AMD-V)
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Secure Boot
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TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
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Fan and thermal controls
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Memory configuration
In modern PCs, the traditional BIOS is replaced by UEFI, but many people still call it “BIOS.”
⚙️ Why You Might Need to Access BIOS in Windows 11
Here are some common reasons you may want to enter BIOS or UEFI:
| Reason | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 🔄 Change boot device | Boot from USB, SSD, or DVD |
| 🧱 Enable virtualization | Run virtual machines (Hyper-V, VirtualBox) |
| 🔐 Enable or disable Secure Boot | For installing alternate OSes or drivers |
| 🧩 Configure TPM | Required for Windows 11 installation |
| ⚡ Overclock CPU or RAM | Boost system performance |
| 🧭 Reset BIOS settings | Fix boot or performance issues |
🧑💻 Can You Access BIOS Directly from Windows 11?
Yes! You don’t have to restart your PC repeatedly trying to press the right key (F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).
Instead, you can launch BIOS or UEFI directly from within Windows 11 using Command Prompt, Settings, or Advanced Startup options.
🪟 Method 1: How to Enter BIOS from Command Prompt in Windows 11
If you prefer command-line tools, this is the fastest and most precise method.
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
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Press Windows + S and type cmd.
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Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
This opens an elevated Command Prompt window with administrative privileges.
Step 2: Enter the Command to Restart into BIOS
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
Here’s what the command does:
| Command Part | Function |
|---|---|
shutdown | Calls the shutdown utility |
/r | Restarts the computer |
/fw | Tells Windows to boot directly into firmware (BIOS/UEFI) |
/t 0 | Restarts immediately (0-second delay) |
Step 3: Wait for Reboot
After running the command, Windows will display a message:
“You’re about to be signed out.”
Click Close, and your system will restart straight into the BIOS/UEFI settings screen.
🎉 You’ve successfully entered BIOS using Command Prompt!
💡 Alternate Method: Enter BIOS Using Windows Settings
If Command Prompt isn’t your thing, Windows 11 provides a built-in way through Settings.
Here’s how:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to System → Recovery.
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Under Recovery options, find Advanced startup and click Restart now.
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After the PC restarts, click:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
Your system will reboot directly into BIOS/UEFI.
🧰 Alternative Command Prompt Method Using Advanced Startup
If /fw doesn’t work on your system, you can use this command to boot into Advanced Startup instead:
Then:
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On restart, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
✅ This also leads you into BIOS/UEFI setup.
🔎 Checking If Your PC Uses BIOS or UEFI
Before proceeding, it’s useful to know whether your system is running BIOS or UEFI.
Run this command in Command Prompt:
In the System Information window, look for BIOS Mode.
| BIOS Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Legacy | Old-style BIOS |
| UEFI | Modern firmware (used by Windows 11) |
🧠 How the Command Works Behind the Scenes
When you execute shutdown /r /fw /t 0, Windows sets a flag in the firmware that tells your PC:
“Next time you restart, go to UEFI setup instead of booting into Windows.”
This command is supported only on systems that use UEFI firmware (not Legacy BIOS).
⚠️ If “/fw” Command Doesn’t Work
If your PC doesn’t restart into BIOS after using /fw, here are possible reasons and fixes:
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
shutdown /r /fw /t 0 not supported | Legacy BIOS, not UEFI | Use F2 or Del key at startup |
| Secure Boot blocking access | Firmware restrictions | Enter BIOS manually using key press |
| Fast Startup enabled | Prevents proper firmware call | Disable Fast Startup in Power Options |
| No admin privileges | Insufficient rights | Run Command Prompt as Administrator |
🧩 How to Disable Fast Startup Before Entering BIOS
Fast Startup can sometimes skip the firmware boot sequence. To disable it:
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Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
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Click Choose what the power buttons do.
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Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
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Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
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Click Save changes and retry the command.
🧱 How to Enter BIOS Without Command Prompt
If Command Prompt isn’t working, you can still access BIOS manually during boot.
Here are common keys for popular PC brands:
| Brand | BIOS/UEFI Key |
|---|---|
| Dell | F2 or F12 |
| HP | Esc or F10 |
| Lenovo | F1 or F2 |
| Acer | Del or F2 |
| ASUS | F2 or Del |
| MSI | Del |
| Toshiba | F2 |
| Samsung | F2 or F10 |
Press the key repeatedly as soon as your PC starts booting (before the Windows logo appears).
🧑🔧 How to Enter BIOS If Windows Won’t Boot
If Windows 11 won’t load, you can still access BIOS using these steps:
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Power on your PC and force shutdown three times (press and hold the power button).
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On the third boot, you’ll see Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
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Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
Your PC will restart into BIOS directly.
🔐 Why BIOS Access Is Important in Windows 11
Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot). BIOS access lets you verify and enable these features.
| Feature | BIOS Setting Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| TPM 2.0 | Security → TPM or fTPM | Enables encryption and Windows Hello |
| Secure Boot | Boot → Secure Boot | Protects against rootkits |
| Virtualization | CPU Config → Intel VT-x / AMD-V | Needed for Hyper-V or virtual machines |
🧰 Advanced Tip: Create a Shortcut to Enter BIOS
If you often access BIOS, create a desktop shortcut to save time.
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Right-click your desktop → New → Shortcut.
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Paste this command:
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Name it Enter BIOS and click Finish.
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(Optional) Right-click → Properties → Advanced → Run as administrator.
Now, just double-click this shortcut anytime you want to reboot into BIOS.
🧹 Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default Settings
If you’ve changed something and your PC acts up, reset BIOS to defaults:
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Enter BIOS using Command Prompt or startup key.
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Find Load Setup Defaults, Load Optimized Defaults, or Reset to Default (varies by brand).
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Confirm and save changes.
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Restart your PC.
This reverts all firmware settings to their original factory state.
⚡ Troubleshooting: BIOS/UEFI Menu Doesn’t Appear
If your system restarts normally without showing BIOS:
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Ensure your firmware supports
/fw. -
Disable Fast Startup.
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Try Advanced Startup → UEFI Firmware Settings.
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Update your BIOS to the latest version using your manufacturer’s tool.
🧭 UEFI vs. BIOS — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | UEFI | BIOS |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Interface | Graphical | Text-based |
| Disk Support | GPT drives (>2 TB) | MBR (<2 TB) |
| Security | Secure Boot, TPM | Basic password only |
| Compatibility | Modern systems | Older PCs |
Windows 11 requires UEFI and Secure Boot to function properly, so most users are dealing with UEFI rather than old BIOS.
💬 Expert Tip: Keep BIOS Updated
Manufacturers frequently release BIOS/UEFI updates to improve compatibility, performance, and security.
Always check your brand’s official support page for BIOS updates and use their utility tools (like Dell Update, Lenovo Vantage, or ASUS EZ Flash).
🧩 Summary of Commands
| Purpose | Command |
|---|---|
| Enter BIOS directly | shutdown /r /fw /t 0 |
| Enter Advanced Startup | shutdown /r /o /f /t 0 |
| Check BIOS mode | msinfo32 |
| Restart computer | shutdown /r /t 0 |
✅ Conclusion
Accessing your BIOS from Command Prompt in Windows 11 is a fast, reliable, and professional method—no need to mash F2 or Del repeatedly.
By using the command:
you can boot straight into BIOS settings to configure boot order, enable TPM, manage Secure Boot, or tweak hardware options safely.
It’s a must-know trick for every Windows 11 user, especially if you’re upgrading hardware or troubleshooting startup problems.
So go ahead — open Command Prompt, run the command, and take control of your PC’s firmware settings!
FAQs About Entering BIOS from Command Prompt in Windows 11
1. What is the command to open BIOS in Windows 11?
Use:
This restarts your PC directly into BIOS or UEFI.
2. Why doesn’t the BIOS command work on my PC?
Your PC might be using Legacy BIOS instead of UEFI, or Fast Startup is enabled. Disable Fast Startup and try again.
3. Can I access BIOS without restarting my computer?
No, BIOS operates before Windows loads. You must restart to enter BIOS.
4. How do I enter BIOS if my keyboard isn’t working?
Use Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup to enter BIOS without needing keyboard inputs during boot.
5. Is it safe to access BIOS from Command Prompt?
Yes — it’s completely safe. Just avoid changing advanced settings unless you understand their impact.
🧾 Summary — Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Command | shutdown /r /fw /t 0 |
| Alternate Command | shutdown /r /o /f /t 0 |
| Works On | UEFI-based systems |
| Admin Rights Needed | Yes |
| Common Uses | Enable TPM, change boot order, disable Secure Boot |
✨ Final Thought
Knowing how to enter BIOS from Command Prompt in Windows 11 gives you a powerful shortcut for system control. Whether you’re tweaking hardware, enabling virtualization, or troubleshooting startup errors, this simple command puts BIOS access right at your fingertips.