How to Enter BIOS Windows 11 HP: A Step-by-Step Guide for Users

By / October 25, 2025

If you’re using an HP laptop or desktop running Windows 11, there may come a time when you need to access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). Whether you want to change the boot order, enable virtualization, reset your hardware settings, or troubleshoot startup problems — the BIOS is the place to go.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple ways to enter BIOS on HP laptops and desktops running Windows 11, step-by-step.
We’ll also cover what BIOS is, why it matters, keyboard shortcuts, troubleshooting tips, and how to reset BIOS settings safely.

What Is BIOS in Windows 11 HP Devices?

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the low-level firmware that initializes your computer’s hardware before Windows starts. It’s like the “brain” that connects your hardware and software.

Modern HP devices often use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which is a more advanced version of BIOS. UEFI provides a graphical interface and supports faster booting, larger storage drives, and enhanced security.

In short:
BIOS/UEFI = System firmware that controls how your HP laptop or desktop boots up and interacts with hardware.

💡 Why You Might Need to Access BIOS

There are several reasons you may want to access BIOS on your HP device:

  • 🧭 Change Boot Order: Boot from USB or external drive.

  • 💾 Enable Virtualization: Run virtual machines like VMware or Hyper-V.

  • 🔒 Set BIOS Password: Add a layer of security at startup.

  • ⚙️ Troubleshoot Boot Issues: Diagnose system errors or startup problems.

  • 💻 Update BIOS Firmware: Improve compatibility and performance.

  • 🌡️ Check Hardware Info: View CPU, memory, and fan settings.

  • 🔋 Reset BIOS Settings: Revert to default configurations.

Now that you know why BIOS is important, let’s move to the actual steps.

⚙️ Different Methods to Enter BIOS on HP Windows 11

You can access BIOS on an HP laptop or desktop in several ways:

Method How to Access Works On Difficulty
Method 1 Press F10 at startup All HP laptops/desktops ⭐ Easy
Method 2 Use Advanced Startup in Settings Windows 11 ⭐⭐ Medium
Method 3 Run command in Command Prompt Windows 11 ⭐⭐ Medium
Method 4 Use ESC for HP Startup Menu HP devices ⭐ Easy

Let’s go through each one in detail.

🖱️ Method 1: Enter BIOS on Startup (Using F10 Key)

The most common and fastest way to enter BIOS on HP devices is by pressing F10 during startup.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Shut down your HP laptop or desktop completely.

  2. Turn it back on.

  3. As soon as you see the HP logo, repeatedly press the F10 key (about once per second).

  4. The HP BIOS Setup Utility screen should appear.

If it doesn’t work, restart the device and try again — timing is crucial.

💡 Tip:

  • If pressing F10 doesn’t open BIOS, try pressing ESC first, then F10 from the startup menu (explained next).

🔄 Method 2: Enter BIOS from Windows 11 Settings (Advanced Startup)

If you’re already logged into Windows 11, you can reboot into BIOS directly from the system settings.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to System → Recovery.

  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  4. When your PC restarts, select:

    • Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings

    • Click Restart again.

  5. Your HP device will reboot straight into the BIOS menu.

This is the easiest way if you can boot into Windows normally.

💻 Method 3: Access BIOS via Command Prompt

You can also use the Command Prompt to restart your HP laptop directly into BIOS (UEFI).

🔹 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.

  2. Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.

  3. Type this command and press Enter:

    shutdown /r /fw /t 0

  4. Your PC will restart and open the UEFI BIOS settings automatically.

💡 Note:

The /fw flag tells Windows to restart into the firmware interface (BIOS/UEFI).

🔑 Method 4: Enter BIOS Using HP Startup Menu (ESC Key)

The HP Startup Menu allows you to access BIOS, diagnostics, and other utilities.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Shut down your HP device.

  2. Turn it back on and press the ESC key repeatedly before the HP logo appears.

  3. You’ll see the Startup Menu with several options:

    • F1 – System Information

    • F2 – System Diagnostics

    • F9 – Boot Device Options

    • F10 – BIOS Setup

    • F11 – System Recovery

  4. Press F10 to open the BIOS Setup Utility.

This method works on all HP models, including Pavilion, Envy, Omen, Spectre, and Victus.

🖥️ How to Enter BIOS on HP Desktop PCs

For HP desktops, the BIOS access process is similar.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Power off the desktop.

  2. Power it back on.

  3. As soon as you see the HP logo, press F10 repeatedly until the BIOS screen appears.

  4. Alternatively, press ESC first → then choose F10 BIOS Setup.

💡 Pro Tip:
If your keyboard takes time to activate, plug it into a USB 2.0 port (not 3.0) for faster detection during startup.

💼 How to Enter BIOS on HP Laptop Models (Pavilion, Envy, Omen, Victus)

Here are BIOS shortcuts for popular HP laptop series:

HP Series BIOS Key Notes
HP Pavilion F10 Standard BIOS shortcut
HP Envy ESC → F10 May need ESC first
HP Omen F10 Fast boot; press quickly
HP Victus ESC → F10 Works with Startup Menu
HP Spectre F10 or ESC Some require external keyboard
HP ProBook/EliteBook F10 Works on business models

If your model boots too fast, disable “Fast Startup” in Windows to make BIOS easier to access.

⚡ How to Access UEFI Firmware Settings in Windows 11

Since most HP laptops use UEFI (the modern version of BIOS), you can access it directly from Windows.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I → System → Recovery.

  2. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart now.

  3. Go to:

    • Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings

  4. Click Restart, and your system will boot into UEFI settings.

🔁 How to Reset BIOS Settings to Default

If your HP laptop is acting up after BIOS changes, resetting to default can help.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Enter BIOS using F10 or ESC → F10.

  2. In BIOS, press F9 to load default settings.

  3. Select Yes to confirm.

  4. Press F10 to save and exit.

Your BIOS will now be restored to its factory defaults.

⚠️ What to Do If BIOS Key Doesn’t Work

If pressing F10 or ESC doesn’t open BIOS, try these fixes:

✅ Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Restart and try again, pressing the key repeatedly.

  • Disconnect USB drives — they can interfere with startup detection.

  • Use a wired keyboard (wireless ones may not register early).

  • Turn off Fast Startup:

    1. Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what power buttons do.

    2. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

    3. Uncheck Turn on fast startup → Save changes.

  • Update BIOS from HP Support Assistant if outdated.

If nothing works, access BIOS via Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup → UEFI Firmware Settings.

🧩 Difference Between BIOS and UEFI

Feature BIOS UEFI
Interface Text-based Graphical
Boot Speed Slower Faster
Drive Support Up to 2 TB Over 2 TB (GPT)
Secure Boot ❌ No ✅ Yes
Mouse Support ❌ No ✅ Yes
Modern HP Devices Use ❌ ✅

Most HP laptops running Windows 11 use UEFI, which is more secure and efficient.

🧭 Tips for Navigating HP BIOS Safely

Once you’re inside BIOS, follow these tips to avoid issues:

  • ⚙️ Don’t change unknown settings — can cause boot failure.

  • 🔋 Save changes before exiting (F10).

  • 🔒 Write down default configurations before modifying.

  • 💾 Update BIOS firmware only from official HP sources.

  • 🧰 Enable TPM & Secure Boot if reinstalling Windows 11.

  • 💡 Check Boot Order if your PC doesn’t detect a hard drive.

❓ FAQs

1. What is the BIOS key for HP laptops running Windows 11?

The BIOS key is usually F10. Press it repeatedly right after turning on your HP laptop.

2. How do I open BIOS if my F10 key doesn’t work?

Press ESC immediately after powering on your laptop → then press F10 in the HP Startup Menu.

3. Can I enter BIOS from Windows 11 directly?

Yes. Go to Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Troubleshoot → UEFI Firmware Settings.

4. Is BIOS and UEFI the same thing?

They serve the same purpose, but UEFI is the modern, faster, and more secure version of BIOS.

5. How do I reset BIOS on my HP laptop?

Enter BIOS → Press F9 to load defaults → Press F10 to save and exit.

6. What happens if I change BIOS settings incorrectly?

Incorrect BIOS changes may prevent your laptop from booting. Reset BIOS to default to fix it.

🏁 Conclusion

Accessing the BIOS on an HP laptop or desktop running Windows 11 is simple once you know the right key or menu option.
The most common shortcut is pressing F10 (or ESC → F10) during startup, but you can also access it directly from Windows settings or the command prompt.

To recap:

  • ✅ F10 = Direct BIOS Access

  • ✅ ESC → F10 = HP Startup Menu

  • ✅ Settings → Recovery → Advanced Startup = Access from Windows

Whether you need to enable virtualization, change boot order, or update firmware, knowing how to enter BIOS gives you full control over your HP computer’s performance and security.

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