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

By / October 9, 2025

Ever found yourself stuck in the BIOS screen on your Windows 11 computer and not sure how to get out? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many users open the BIOS to tweak boot settings, enable virtualization, or change startup preferences but then wonder, “How do I exit BIOS without messing anything up?”

In this detailed, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to exit BIOS safely in Windows 11, whether you want to save your changes or discard them. We’ll also cover what to do if your computer keeps booting into BIOS automatically.

🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Action Shortcut Key Description
Save and exit BIOS F10 Saves all changes and restarts your PC normally.
Exit without saving Esc or F9 Discards recent changes and reboots Windows.
Restore default settings F9 Resets BIOS settings to factory defaults.
If BIOS keeps showing up – Check boot order, hardware, or CMOS battery issues.

What Is BIOS in Windows 11?

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware stored on your computer’s motherboard. It initializes hardware before Windows starts and determines how components like RAM, CPU, and drives work together.

Think of BIOS as your PC’s control room — it runs before Windows loads and ensures everything is ready for the operating system to boot.

Why You Might Need to Exit BIOS

You might enter BIOS to:

  • Change your boot order (for example, to boot from a USB drive)

  • Enable virtualization for running virtual machines

  • Overclock your CPU or memory

  • Update BIOS firmware

  • Check hardware info

But after making these tweaks, you’ll want to exit properly — otherwise, your system won’t boot into Windows.

How to Exit BIOS in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the simplest way to exit BIOS safely and return to Windows:

Step 1: Finish Making Your Changes

Adjust whatever settings you need, like boot priority, system clock, or virtualization.

⚠️ Tip: Don’t change options you don’t understand — incorrect BIOS settings can cause your computer not to start properly.

Step 2: Save and Exit BIOS

Once done, you can save your settings and exit.

  • Press F10 on your keyboard.

  • You’ll usually see a message like:
    “Save configuration changes and exit?”

  • Select Yes using the arrow keys and hit Enter.

Your computer will restart and boot into Windows 11.

Step 3: Exit Without Saving (If Needed)

If you accidentally changed something or just looked around:

  • Press Esc or F9.

  • Select Discard Changes and Exit.

  • Confirm with Yes or Enter.

This ensures your BIOS settings remain unchanged.

Step 4: Reboot into Windows 11

After exiting, your PC will automatically restart.
If everything is fine, you’ll see the Windows logo appear — meaning you’ve successfully exited BIOS!

Alternative Ways to Exit BIOS

Sometimes the BIOS interface might look different depending on your manufacturer (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.). Here are common variations:

Manufacturer Save & Exit Key Discard Changes Key
Dell F10 Esc
HP F10 Esc
Lenovo F10 F9
ASUS F10 Esc
Acer F10 Esc

💡 If none of these keys work, look for on-screen instructions — usually displayed at the bottom or right corner of the BIOS window.

What If Your Computer Keeps Booting Into BIOS?

Sometimes, even after exiting, your PC might keep restarting into BIOS. Here’s why that happens — and how to fix it.

1. Incorrect Boot Device

If your Windows drive isn’t listed as the first boot option:

  1. Open BIOS again.

  2. Go to Boot or Boot Order.

  3. Make sure your main SSD/HDD with Windows is at the top.

  4. Press F10 to save and exit.

2. Loose or Faulty Drive Connection

If the BIOS can’t detect your Windows drive:

  • Power off your computer.

  • Open the case (if it’s a desktop).

  • Reconnect the SATA or NVMe drive cables.

For laptops, ensure your SSD is properly seated.

3. Corrupted BIOS Settings

Sometimes settings get messed up due to power issues.

  • In BIOS, press F9 (Load Setup Defaults).

  • Confirm and then Save & Exit using F10.

This resets everything to factory defaults.

4. Dead CMOS Battery

A weak CMOS battery can make BIOS forget your settings, causing repeated boot loops.

Replace the small round battery (usually a CR2032 coin cell) on your motherboard.

5. Windows Boot Configuration Error

If Windows files are corrupted, BIOS may not find the OS.

Fix it using Automatic Repair:

  1. Boot from a Windows 11 installation USB.

  2. Select Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Startup Repair.

  3. Follow on-screen prompts.

How to Exit UEFI BIOS in Modern PCs

Most Windows 11 systems use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of legacy BIOS.
Exiting is nearly identical, but with a modern graphical interface.

To Exit UEFI BIOS:

  1. Click the Exit tab using your mouse or arrow keys.

  2. Choose one of these options:

    • Save Changes and Exit

    • Discard Changes and Exit

  3. Confirm your choice.

That’s it — your PC will reboot into Windows.

How to Enter and Exit BIOS from Windows 11 Settings

If you entered BIOS from within Windows, you can exit it directly after reboot.

To Enter BIOS via Settings:

  1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.

  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  3. After restart → choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.

Your PC will boot into BIOS.
Once done, exit as explained earlier (F10 or Exit → Save Changes).

How to Reset BIOS Settings Before Exiting

If you suspect wrong settings are causing issues:

  1. Open BIOS.

  2. Find the Exit or Save & Exit tab.

  3. Select Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults.

  4. Press Enter → then Save & Exit with F10.

Your PC will boot normally with default firmware settings.

Troubleshooting: BIOS Doesn’t Respond or Exit Option Missing

If the BIOS interface freezes or doesn’t exit:

  • Try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart.

  • Disconnect peripherals (USB drives, external disks).

  • Hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown.

  • Restart your PC normally.

Advanced Fix: Clear CMOS to Exit BIOS Loop

If you can’t get out of BIOS no matter what you do:

  1. Power off your PC completely.

  2. Unplug it from power.

  3. Open the case.

  4. Locate the CMOS jumper (check your motherboard manual).

  5. Move the jumper from pins 1-2 to 2-3 for 10 seconds.

  6. Return it to its original position and reboot.

This will clear all BIOS memory and let your PC boot normally.

Prevent Getting Stuck in BIOS Again

Follow these best practices:

  • Avoid changing boot order unless necessary.

  • Keep your BIOS firmware updated.

  • Don’t unplug drives or USBs during boot.

  • Replace CMOS battery every 2–3 years.

  • Back up data before making BIOS changes.

✅ Conclusion

Exiting BIOS in Windows 11 is simple once you know the right keys:

  • F10 → Save and Exit

  • Esc/F9 → Exit Without Saving

If your computer keeps reopening BIOS, double-check your boot device order, drive connection, or CMOS battery.
Understanding these steps ensures you can confidently make system changes — and return to Windows without a hitch.

🧩 FAQs About Exiting BIOS in Windows 11

1. How do I exit BIOS and boot to Windows?

Press F10, select Yes to save and exit, and your computer will restart into Windows 11.

2. What if my computer keeps going to BIOS instead of Windows?

It may not detect your boot drive. Check the boot order or reconnect your storage drive.

3. Can I exit BIOS without saving changes?

Yes, press Esc or F9, then choose Exit Without Saving.

4. What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI is a modern, faster, and more secure version of BIOS with a graphical interface.

5. Can I exit BIOS using the power button?

If your BIOS freezes, holding the Power button for 10 seconds forces a shutdown — though it’s best to use Exit options if possible.

✅ Key Takeaway:
To exit BIOS in Windows 11 safely — press F10 to save and reboot, or Esc to exit without saving. If your system keeps looping into BIOS, check your boot device settings, storage drive, or reset BIOS to defaults.

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