How to find the BIOS/UEFI key in Windows 11: step-by-step guide

By / September 22, 2025

Ever stared at a black screen during boot and wondered, “What key opens the BIOS?” You’re not alone. Finding the BIOS (or UEFI) entry key on a Windows 11 PC can feel like decoding a secret handshake — but it’s actually simple once you know where to look. In this step-by-step guide we’ll show you how to find BIOS key Windows 11 quickly, explain why different PCs use different keys, and give fast troubleshooting tips if the usual methods don’t work.

This article puts the main keyword in the title and the introduction (good for SEO), and it walks you through multiple methods: using startup prompts, manufacturer documentation, Windows 11 settings, and command-line checks. We’ll also cover UEFI vs BIOS, secure boot complications, and how to reach firmware settings on modern systems.

Table of Contents

Key takeaways (summary)

  • The BIOS/UEFI entry key differs by manufacturer (Esc, F1, F2, F10, F11, F12, Del are common).

  • Use on-screen startup messages or your PC manual first — they usually show the key.

  • From inside Windows 11, you can reboot to firmware settings via Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup.

  • If fast boot hides the message, disable fast startup or use a timed restart.

  • Troubleshoot with keyboard type (USB vs PS/2), external devices, and try multiple keys early in boot.

Table of contents

  1. What is the BIOS / UEFI and why you might need it

  2. Common BIOS keys by manufacturer (quick reference table)

  3. How to find BIOS key during boot (fast & classic)

  4. How to access UEFI firmware from Windows 11 (safe method)

  5. What to do if the BIOS key doesn’t work (troubleshooting)

  6. How to change boot order without entering BIOS (alternate methods)

  7. UEFI vs legacy BIOS — what’s the difference?

  8. Tips for laptops, desktops, and branded PCs (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, MSI)

  9. Security considerations: Secure Boot, BitLocker, and firmware passwords

  10. Advanced: Using command-line tools to identify firmware type

  11. Frequently asked questions (5 answers)

  12. Conclusion and quick action checklist

What is the BIOS / UEFI and why you might need it?

Think of BIOS/UEFI as the computer’s control room. It’s firmware that initializes hardware before your operating system starts. You might need to enter BIOS/UEFI to:

  • Boot from USB or DVD to install Windows or run recovery tools.

  • Change boot order, enable virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V), or adjust fan and power settings.

  • Update firmware (BIOS/UEFI update), enable/disable Secure Boot, or troubleshoot hardware.

It’s a low-level environment — handle settings carefully.

Common BIOS keys by manufacturer (quick reference table)

Manufacturer Typical BIOS/UEFI Key(s)
Acer F2, Del, F12
Asus F2, Del
Dell F2, F12, F1
HP Esc, F10, F9
Lenovo (ThinkPad) F1, F2, Enter
Lenovo (IdeaPad) Novo button, F12
MSI Del, F2
Samsung F2, F10
Toshiba F2, F12, Esc
Sony F2, Assist button
Gigabyte Del, F12
Microsoft Surface Volume Up (with button)
Others Esc, F1, F3, F11, F12, Del

Note: Manufacturers can change keys by model and year; always check your model documentation if possible.

How to find BIOS key during boot (fast & classic)

Method 1 — Watch the startup screen (best first step)

  1. Shut down your PC completely.

  2. Power it on.

  3. Immediately look for a small message: “Press F2 for Setup”, “Press Del to enter BIOS”, or “Press F12 for Boot Menu.”

  4. Press that key quickly — often repeatedly — until the BIOS/UEFI screen appears.

Why this works: The firmware briefly displays the key during POST (Power-On Self-Test). If you miss it, restart and try again.

Method 2 — Try the usual suspects (if you missed the message)

  • Tap Del repeatedly right after powering on.

  • If Del does nothing, try F2.

  • Other keys to try: Esc, F1, F10, F11, F12.

  • For some laptops, press Fn + F2 or enable the Fn lock depending on your keyboard.

Tip: Press the key early — during the first 1–3 seconds after you press power — before Windows loads.

How to access UEFI firmware from Windows 11 (safe method)

If you can boot into Windows 11, this is the most reliable way.

Step-by-step: Use advanced startup

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).

  2. Go to System → Recovery.

  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  4. When the blue options screen appears, select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.

  5. Your PC will reboot directly into BIOS/UEFI.

This method bypasses the need to guess the key and works on most modern systems.

How to find BIOS key using your PC’s manual or website

Manufacturers include the BIOS key in the user manual or support website. If you have your model number:

  1. Search “[brand] [model] BIOS key” or “[brand] how to access BIOS [model]”.

  2. Check the official support page or the downloadable manual/PDF.

  3. Look for a “Boot options” or “Entering BIOS/UEFI” section.

Pro tip: The sticker on your laptop or the original box may contain the model number needed for searching.

What to do if the BIOS key doesn’t work (troubleshooting)

1. Disable Fast Startup / Fast Boot

Fast startup can skip the POST screen or make it too quick.

  • Windows 11: Settings → System → Power & battery → Additional power settings → Choose what the power buttons do → Uncheck Turn on fast startup.

2. Use a different keyboard or port

Some USB keyboards aren’t recognized early in boot. Try:

  • A wired USB keyboard in a rear port (desktop), or a PS/2 keyboard if available.

  • Built-in laptop keyboard if you were using an external one.

3. Remove peripherals

Unplug extra USB devices (external drives, hubs). Some USB devices interfere with POST or change the boot behavior and message display.

4. Use the manufacturer-specific “novobtn” or “assist” button

Some Lenovo, Sony, and other laptops have a dedicated hardware button (Novo, Assist) that opens a special menu to access BIOS.

5. Update firmware via manufacturer tools

If the firmware is buggy you may need to update it from Windows first (check support site). Updating can restore expected behavior.

How to change boot order without entering BIOS (alternate methods)

If you only need to boot from USB once (for installing OS), use Windows Recovery:

  1. Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now

  2. Choose Use a device and select your USB or network boot option.

Or, use the one-time boot menu key (often F12, Esc, or F11) during startup to select a temporary boot device.

UEFI vs legacy BIOS — what’s the difference?

  • Legacy BIOS: Old firmware standard; limited to MBR disks and 2 TB drives.

  • UEFI: Modern replacement offering faster boot, GPT support, Secure Boot, and richer interfaces.

Windows 11 prefers UEFI + Secure Boot on modern PCs. When searching for the BIOS key you may actually be entering the UEFI interface.

Tips for specific brands and scenarios

Dell

  • Try F2 for BIOS; F12 for Boot Menu.

  • For Dell laptops press F12 repeatedly during power-on.

HP

  • Try Esc first to show a menu, then F10 for BIOS.

  • Some HP models use F9 for one-time boot menu.

Lenovo

  • ThinkPad: F1 or Enter then F1.

  • IdeaPad: Use the Novo button (small pinhole) or F12.

Asus / Acer / MSI / Gigabyte / Others

  • Usually F2 or Del. If Del fails, try F2 then F12.

Microsoft Surface

  • With Surface off, press and hold Volume Up, then press and release the Power button; keep holding Volume Up until UEFI appears.

Security considerations: Secure Boot, BitLocker, and firmware passwords

  • Secure Boot may prevent booting from unsigned media. You can toggle it in UEFI.

  • BitLocker drive encryption may require recovery keys if you change boot settings. Back up your BitLocker key before changing firmware settings or boot order.

  • Firmware passwords: If your PC has a BIOS/UEFI password, you’ll need it to make changes. Contact the vendor or use their recovery procedures if you forgot it.

Advanced: Use command-line to identify firmware type (UEFI or BIOS)

Open PowerShell (Admin) and run:

Confirm-SecureBootUEFI

  • Returns True if Secure Boot is enabled (UEFI).

  • Returns False or an error for legacy BIOS or if unsupported.

Or:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_ComputerSystem | Select-Object BootupState, SystemType

This helps you know what firmware you’re dealing with before trying different keys.

Quick checklist: Before you try to enter BIOS

  • Turn off Fast Startup.

  • Connect a wired keyboard to a rear USB port (desktop).

  • Unplug unnecessary USB devices.

  • Watch the screen closely right after powering on.

  • Use Windows Advanced Startup if you can boot into Windows 11.

  • Check your model manual or support site for the exact key.

FAQ — common questions (concise answers)

1. Which key opens BIOS on Windows 11?

There’s no single key for all PCs. Common keys: Del, F2, F1, Esc, F10, F12. Check the startup message or your model’s manual.

2. Why can’t I see the “Press [key] for setup” message?

Fast boot or splash screens may hide it. Disable fast startup or use Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup to go to UEFI directly.

3. My keyboard doesn’t work during boot — what now?

Try another USB port, use a wired keyboard, or use your laptop’s built-in keyboard. Some BIOS require PS/2 or rear USB ports.

4. How do I access BIOS on a Surface device?

Power off, then press and hold Volume Up and press Power; hold Volume Up until UEFI loads.

5. Will changing BIOS settings harm Windows 11?

Most settings are safe to view, but changing critical options (boot mode, Secure Boot, or drive mode) can affect Windows. Back up data and note default values before changing anything.

Conclusion — get in, make the change, and don’t panic

Finding the BIOS key on a Windows 11 machine is usually fast: watch the startup screen, check the manufacturer table above, or use Windows’ Advanced Startup to reboot straight into firmware settings. If the key seems stubborn, disable fast startup, try another keyboard, or consult your PC manual.

Quick action checklist:

  • Try Del, F2, Esc, F1, F10, F11, F12 (in that order).

  • Use Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup if you’re in Windows.

  • Disable fast startup if you miss the boot message often.

  • Check the manufacturer’s support page using your exact model number.

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