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

By / October 3, 2025

Need to change your boot order, enable virtualization, or tweak hardware settings? You’ll need to access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI firmware settings.

But unlike older PCs where you could just press a key like F2, F10, or Delete during startup, Windows 11 boots so fast that it’s easy to miss the timing. Luckily, Windows 11 provides built-in ways to restart directly into BIOS without the hassle of spamming keys.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to restart to BIOS in Windows 11, along with tips for troubleshooting and extra details for different PC brands.

📌 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • BIOS/UEFI lets you configure hardware-level settings.

  • You can restart into BIOS from Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup.

  • Keyboard shortcuts (F2, F10, Delete, Esc) also work, but timing can be tricky.

  • If Windows won’t boot, you can still access BIOS using the hardware shortcut at startup.

What Is BIOS/UEFI in Windows 11?

  • BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) – The traditional firmware interface on older PCs.

  • UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) – The modern replacement, faster and more secure, used by most Windows 11 devices.

👉 Both allow you to configure system settings like boot order, secure boot, CPU features, and hardware management.

Why Access BIOS in Windows 11?

Here are some common reasons:

  • Enable virtualization (for running virtual machines).

  • Change boot order (e.g., boot from USB).

  • Enable/disable Secure Boot.

  • Adjust fan speed or overclocking settings.

  • Troubleshoot hardware issues.

Methods to Restart to BIOS in Windows 11

Let’s go step by step through all available methods.

1. Restart to BIOS via Windows Settings (Easiest Method)

This method works on all Windows 11 PCs.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to System > Recovery.

  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  4. Your PC will reboot into the Choose an option menu.

  5. Select:

    • Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.

✅ Your PC will restart directly into BIOS/UEFI.

2. Use Shift + Restart Shortcut

This is a quick way to access BIOS if you’re already at the login or Start menu.

Steps:

  1. Hold down the Shift key.

  2. While holding, click Restart from the Start menu or Login screen power menu.

  3. When your PC reboots, select:

    • Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.

3. Access BIOS with Keyboard Shortcut at Startup

If you prefer the traditional way:

Steps:

  1. Shut down your PC completely.

  2. Turn it on, and immediately press the right key repeatedly (depends on manufacturer):

Brand BIOS Key
Dell F2 or F12
HP Esc or F10
Lenovo F1 or F2
Acer F2 or Delete
ASUS F2 or Delete
MSI Delete
Samsung F2
Toshiba F2

  1. You’ll enter BIOS/UEFI settings.

👉 If it’s too fast, use the Windows Settings method instead.

4. Restart to BIOS Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can use a single command.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

  2. Type the following command:

    shutdown /r /fw /t 0

  3. Press Enter.

✅ Your PC will restart straight into BIOS.

5. Use Windows Recovery (If Windows Won’t Boot)

If your PC doesn’t boot properly, you can still access BIOS:

  1. Turn on your PC and force shutdown by holding the power button.

  2. Repeat this 3 times.

  3. On the fourth boot, you’ll see the Automatic Repair screen.

  4. Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Enter BIOS on Windows 11

  • PC boots too fast? Use Settings > Advanced startup instead of the hotkey.

  • No UEFI option? Your PC might be using Legacy BIOS. Use startup keys instead.

  • Keyboard not detected? Try a wired USB keyboard plugged directly into the PC.

  • Laptop issue? Make sure it’s fully shut down (disable Fast Startup in Power options if needed).

Difference Between Restarting to BIOS and Boot Menu

  • BIOS/UEFI settings → Change system-level configurations (boot order, virtualization, security).

  • Boot menu (F12, Esc, etc.) → Temporarily choose a boot device without changing BIOS permanently.

👉 Use BIOS for permanent changes, boot menu for one-time selections.

Conclusion

Restarting to BIOS in Windows 11 is easier than ever thanks to built-in options.

  • For beginners, the best method is Settings > Recovery > Advanced startup.

  • Power users can use the shutdown command or keyboard shortcuts.

  • If your PC won’t boot, force restart recovery mode is your best bet.

Now you can confidently access BIOS to adjust your PC’s hardware settings without stress.

FAQs About Restarting to BIOS in Windows 11

1. What is the shortcut to restart to BIOS in Windows 11?
The command shutdown /r /fw /t 0 restarts directly to BIOS.

2. Which key do I press to enter BIOS?
Depends on your PC brand—common keys are F2, Delete, Esc, or F10.

3. Can I enter BIOS without restarting?
No. BIOS runs before Windows loads, so a restart is always required.

4. Why can’t I enter BIOS on my Windows 11 PC?
Your PC might boot too fast—use the Advanced startup method instead.

5. Is BIOS the same as UEFI?
Not exactly. UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS, but the terms are often used interchangeably.

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