If you’re using Windows 11 and need to tweak advanced system settings, troubleshoot hardware, or change boot order, you’ll eventually need to enter the UEFI BIOS. But here’s the thing—gone are the days when you could just hammer the F2 or Delete key during startup and easily get in. With fast boot technology and modern hardware, accessing the BIOS feels like trying to catch a speeding train.

Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every method to enter the UEFI BIOS on Windows 11. Whether you’re a beginner or a tech enthusiast, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to do it.

Table of Contents

What Is UEFI BIOS?

Before jumping into the steps, let’s clear up what UEFI BIOS actually means.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) – The traditional firmware interface between your computer’s hardware and operating system.
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) – The modern version of BIOS, faster, more secure, and packed with advanced features.

Think of BIOS as the old flip phone and UEFI as today’s smartphone—same purpose, but UEFI does it with a sleek, modern touch.

Why Access UEFI BIOS in Windows 11?

You might be wondering: Why do I even need to go into BIOS?

Here are some common reasons:

Change boot order (e.g., boot from USB or external drive).
Enable or disable Secure Boot.
Adjust virtualization settings for running virtual machines.
Manage hardware configurations like RAM, CPU, and fan speeds.
Troubleshoot startup problems.

Simply put, BIOS/UEFI is like the control room of your PC.

Method 1: Enter UEFI BIOS via Windows Settings

This is the safest and most reliable way to get into BIOS from Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I to quickly open the Settings app.

Step 2: Go to System > Recovery

In the left-hand menu, select System, then click Recovery.

Step 3: Restart into Advanced Startup

Under Advanced Startup, click Restart now.

Step 4: Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings

After your PC restarts, you’ll see a blue screen menu. Navigate like this:

Troubleshoot
Advanced options
UEFI Firmware Settings
Click Restart

Boom—you’ll be in your UEFI BIOS screen.

Method 2: Use Shift + Restart Shortcut

Want a quicker shortcut? This one’s for you.

Hold down the Shift key.
While holding it, click the Power icon in the Start menu.
Select Restart.

This launches you straight into the advanced startup menu, where you can follow the same path:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt or Run Box

If you’re more of a “keyboard ninja,” this method will feel satisfying.

Step 1: Open Run Box

Press Windows + R.

Step 2: Type the Command

Enter:

Step 3: Restart into BIOS Options

Your PC will instantly restart into the advanced options menu, where you can pick UEFI Firmware Settings.

Method 4: Use a Special BIOS Key During Startup

This is the classic method, but timing can be tricky on modern PCs.

Common BIOS Keys

Dell: F2 or F12
HP: Esc or F10
Lenovo: F1 or F2
ASUS: F2 or Del
Acer: F2 or Del
MSI: Del
Samsung: F2
Microsoft Surface: Hold Volume Up

Steps

Shut down your PC completely.
Power it on and immediately start pressing the BIOS key repeatedly until BIOS loads.

If you miss it, don’t panic—just try again.

Method 5: Enter BIOS on a Surface Device

If you’re rocking a Microsoft Surface, it’s a little different.

Shut down your Surface completely.
Hold down the Volume Up button.
While holding it, press the Power button once and release.
Keep holding Volume Up until UEFI BIOS appears.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Access BIOS?

Sometimes, no matter what you do, BIOS just won’t open. Here are common issues and fixes:

Fast Startup enabled: Disable it from Control Panel > Power Options.
Wrong timing: Restart instead of shutting down, then press the BIOS key.
Wireless keyboards not working: Plug in a wired USB keyboard instead.

How to Exit BIOS Safely

When you’re done adjusting settings:

Press F10 to save and exit (common shortcut).
Or select Exit > Save Changes and Restart.

Always double-check your changes before saving—you don’t want to accidentally disable something important.

Important BIOS Settings in Windows 11

If you’re in BIOS for the first time, here are the most useful settings you might explore:

Secure Boot

Ensures only trusted software loads during startup.
Useful for protecting against malware, but sometimes you’ll need to disable it for installing Linux or older OS versions.

Boot Order

Lets you choose which device to boot from (e.g., USB drive).
Super handy when reinstalling Windows.

Virtualization (Intel VT-x / AMD-V)

Needed for running virtual machines.
Enable this if you’re using apps like VMware or Hyper-V.

Fan & Performance Controls

Some systems let you tweak cooling or overclocking.

UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS: What’s the Difference?

Legacy BIOS: Old-school, limited to 2TB drives, slower boot.
UEFI BIOS: Modern, supports larger drives, graphical interface, faster boot times, and more security.

Most Windows 11 PCs require UEFI with Secure Boot enabled, especially for system updates.

When Should You NOT Enter BIOS?

Here’s a little warning—don’t mess with BIOS if you’re not sure what you’re changing.

Avoid BIOS if:

You just want to change wallpaper or basic settings (that’s in Windows Settings).
You’re unsure about hardware tweaks like overclocking.
You don’t want to risk system instability.

Think of BIOS like the cockpit of an airplane—you don’t flip random switches unless you know what they do.

Tips for Navigating BIOS Like a Pro

Take pictures of default settings before making changes.
Use arrow keys—most BIOS menus don’t support a mouse.
Look for “Restore Defaults” in case something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Accessing the UEFI BIOS on Windows 11 may sound intimidating, but as you’ve seen, it’s actually straightforward. You can use Windows Settings, the Shift + Restart trick, command line shortcuts, or the classic BIOS key method. Once inside, you have the power to tweak advanced settings, manage boot devices, or enable features like virtualization.

Remember: BIOS is powerful but sensitive. Make only the changes you understand, and always save safely before exiting.

FAQs

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

2. Can I access BIOS without restarting my PC?
No. You must restart into BIOS, either through advanced startup or hardware keys.

3. Does every Windows 11 PC have UEFI BIOS?
Yes, all modern Windows 11 systems use UEFI, though some also support Legacy BIOS.

4. What happens if I change the wrong BIOS setting?
You could cause boot problems, but you can usually restore default settings to fix it.

5. Is entering BIOS on Windows 11 different from Windows 10?
Not really—the methods are nearly identical, though Windows 11 emphasizes UEFI and Secure Boot more strongly.

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