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

Ever tried to tweak your computer’s boot settings or enable virtualization, only to realize you need to access the BIOS or UEFI first? If you’re on Windows 11, entering the UEFI BIOS isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Whether you want to change boot order, enable secure boot, or fine-tune your hardware settings, this guide will walk you through how to enter UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 step by step.

What Is UEFI BIOS?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s get the basics straight.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the older firmware interface that initializes hardware before your operating system starts.
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is its modern successor—faster, more secure, and packed with advanced features.

Today, most modern PCs use UEFI rather than the traditional BIOS. But people often still call it “BIOS” out of habit.

Why Access UEFI BIOS on Windows 11?

There are many reasons you might need to enter UEFI BIOS:

Change boot order (to install Windows or boot from USB).
Enable or disable Secure Boot.
Turn on Virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V) for running virtual machines.
Adjust hardware-level configurations.
Troubleshoot startup problems.

Ways to Enter UEFI BIOS on Windows 11

There’s more than one way to get into UEFI BIOS on Windows 11. Below, we’ll explore each method step by step.

Method 1: Access UEFI via Windows Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest and safest way—no need to time your key presses.

Step 1 – Open Settings

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2 – Navigate to Recovery

Go to System → Recovery.

Step 3 – Click Restart Now

Under “Advanced startup,” click Restart now.

Step 4 – Advanced Startup Menu

After your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings.

Step 5 – Restart into BIOS

Click Restart, and your system will boot directly into the UEFI BIOS.

Method 2: Using a Keyboard Shortcut During Boot

If you prefer the traditional way:

Turn off your PC completely.
Turn it back on and immediately start pressing the designated key.
Common keys include F2, F10, F12, Esc, or Del (depends on the manufacturer).

Tip: Check your motherboard or laptop manual for the correct key.

Method 3: Access BIOS from Command Prompt

Another quick method for advanced users:

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:

shutdown /r /fw /f /t 0
Your system will restart directly into UEFI BIOS.

Method 4: Use Shift + Restart Shortcut

This is a handy trick if you don’t want to dig into Settings.

Click the Start menu → Power icon.
Hold Shift while clicking Restart.
After restart, go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.

Can’t Access BIOS? Here’s Why

Sometimes, you might not see the UEFI option. Common reasons include:

Your PC uses Legacy BIOS, not UEFI.
Fast Boot is enabled (making the key press window too short).
Corrupt firmware settings.

How to Check If Your PC Uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS

Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
Look for BIOS Mode.
- If it says UEFI, you’re good to go.
- If it says Legacy, your system is using the old BIOS.

What Can You Do Inside UEFI BIOS?

Change Boot Order – Boot from USB, DVD, or another drive.
Enable/Disable Secure Boot – Required for some OS installations.
Adjust CPU & RAM settings – For performance tuning.
Enable Virtualization – Needed for VirtualBox, Hyper-V, or VMware.
Reset to Default Settings – Fix misconfigured firmware.

Safety Tips Before Entering BIOS

Don’t change settings you don’t understand—it may prevent your PC from booting.
Back up your important data before making major changes.
Take a picture of default settings before modifying anything.

How to Exit UEFI BIOS

Save your changes (if any) and select Save & Exit.
If you made no changes, choose Exit Without Saving.

Benefits of UEFI Over Legacy BIOS

Faster boot times.
Secure Boot for malware protection.
Support for larger drives (over 2TB).
Graphical interface (mouse-supported).

Troubleshooting: UEFI Not Opening?

Disable Fast Startup: Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Turn off fast startup.
Try using a different key (F2, Del, Esc).
Update your motherboard’s firmware.

Conclusion

Accessing UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 is simple once you know the steps. Whether you go through the Settings app, use a keyboard shortcut, or run a command, you can easily tweak essential settings to get your PC running the way you want. Just remember—make changes carefully and always keep a backup of your important data.

FAQs

1. What key should I press to enter BIOS on Windows 11?
It depends on your device—common keys include F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc.

2. Can I enter BIOS without restarting my PC?
No, you must restart to access BIOS or UEFI firmware settings.

3. Why don’t I see the UEFI Firmware Settings option?
Your PC might be using Legacy BIOS instead of UEFI.

4. Is it safe to change BIOS settings?
Yes, but only modify settings you understand to avoid startup problems.

5. Do I need to enter BIOS to install Windows 11?
Not always, but you may need it to enable Secure Boot or change boot order.