Accessing the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings on a Windows 11 PC might seem daunting at first, but we assure you it’s quite manageable. As seasoned tech experts, we’ve navigated these settings numerous times for various reasons—whether for troubleshooting, enabling virtualization, or configuring hardware.
Our experiences confirm that entering these settings is a critical skill for managing your PC’s functionality.
Understanding the differences between BIOS and UEFI is also important. UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface and is designed to replace the older BIOS firmware interface. With a richer user interface and faster boot times, UEFI is becoming the standard firmware interface for PCs. We’re here to walk you through the process, so you can feel confident in managing your system’s firmware.
Contents
Entering UEFI/BIOS in Windows 11
Accessing the UEFI/BIOS in Windows 11 can be critical for troubleshooting and system configuration. We’ll explore two straightforward methods to enter your system’s UEFI/BIOS.
Using Windows Settings
To enter the UEFI firmware settings through Windows Settings, you first need to navigate to the Settings app. Here, you select Update & Security followed by Recovery. Under the Advanced startup, click on the Restart now button. When the device restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, then click Restart. Your device will boot into the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings.
Shortcut Keys During Boot
Accessing the BIOS/UEFI at startup requires pressing a designated key during the Power-On Self Test (POST), before the Windows splash screen appears. The specific key varies by manufacturer but is typically F2, ESC, or Delete. Below is a summarized table for quick reference:
| Manufacturer | Common BIOS Key | Alternate Keys |
| Example Brand 1 | F2 | – |
| Example Brand 2 | Delete | F2, F10 |
| Example Brand 3 | ESC | F1, F2, F10 |
When turning on your PC, press and hold the appropriate key for your device until the BIOS/UEFI screen appears. If you’re uncertain about the key for your device, consult your user manual or the manufacturer’s website for guidance. Remember, timing is crucial; begin pressing the key as soon as the device powers on and before any logo appears.
Troubleshooting Access Issues
Occasionally, accessing the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings can pose challenges, especially when the typical methods fail or the system faces boot issues. In such cases, it’s crucial to know the alternative routes to enter these settings for troubleshooting and recovery purposes.
Advanced Startup Options
If your operating system is responsive, initiating Advanced Startup is straightforward. Navigate to the Settings app, click on “Update & Security,” and select “Recovery.” Under “Advanced startup,” click the “Restart now” button. Once the system reboots, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “UEFI Firmware Settings,” and then click “Restart.” This will reboot your system directly into the BIOS or UEFI settings.
Alternatively, if you’re unable to start Windows normally, turn on or restart your computer and immediately hold down the Shift key while selecting “Restart” from the sign-in screen. This will also lead you to the “Choose an option” screen where you can select “Troubleshoot” followed by “Advanced options.”
Recovering from Boot Issues
| Option | Description | How to Execute |
| Boot to Recovery Environment | Use if your PC fails to start, redirecting to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). | Repeatedly press the power button as Windows attempts to start, triggering automatic repair after 2-3 tries. |
| Secure Boot checks | Check if Secure Boot is hindering access to firmware settings. | Disable Secure Boot temporarily from the BIOS/UEFI settings. |
| Command Prompt Access | Trigger UEFI settings from the command line. | In WinRE, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”. |
If your system fails to boot to the operating system at all, you can still access the BIOS or UEFI firmware through the Windows Recovery Environment. Typically, the PC will automatically go into recovery mode after unsuccessfully attempting to start up 2-3 times. Alternatively, manually interrupt the boot process by powering down the system during the boot three consecutive times.
Once inside the Windows Recovery Environment, look for the “Troubleshoot menu,” and try using the “Advanced options” to fix boot issues. As a last resort, from the “Advanced Options,” select “Command Prompt.” This provides an environment to perform advanced recovery tasks, like rebuilding the boot loader for Windows or modifying firmware settings via command-line tools.
Keep in mind that the Secure Boot feature can sometimes prevent access to BIOS/UEFI settings. Ensure that Secure Boot is disabled to troubleshoot the firmware or recovery issues; this can be toggled in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
Configuring BIOS/UEFI Settings
When we access the BIOS or UEFI settings, we’re stepping into the command center for our computer’s hardware. It’s crucial to understand the settings here as they control everything from the boot order to system security and performance. Let’s explore how to adjust these settings to optimize our system.
Changing Boot Order and Security
To ensure our system starts up securely and efficiently, we need to fine-tune the boot sequence and security features. In the BIOS/UEFI menu, we can find the boot order options, often listed under “Boot” or “Startup.” This is where we can set our preferred boot device, whether it’s a hard drive, SSD, USB, or DVD. Prioritizing the boot devices can significantly impact the startup process and overall security.
Secure Boot is another critical feature that warrants our attention. When enabled, it provides a layer of security by preventing the execution of unauthenticated or potentially harmful code during the system startup. To adjust these settings:
- Locate the “Boot” or “Startup” tab in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Change the order by following the on-screen instructions, usually by using +/- keys.
- Ensure your preferred boot device is listed first.
Secure Boot:
- Find the “Security” tab.
- Locate “Secure Boot” and toggle it to “Enabled” or “Disabled” depending on your need.
Adjusting System Performance
Modifying the system performance settings like CPU, RAM timing, and voltages can be done in the BIOS/UEFI’s performance or overclocking section. It’s important to proceed with caution when adjusting these settings, as they can impact system stability.
For example, adjusting the RAM frequency and voltage can help in achieving better performance if our system’s components support it. If our CPU supports overclocking, we can also tweak its settings for higher performance. This can be useful for resource-intensive tasks, but it’s also critical to ensure proper cooling to prevent overheating. If needed, we can restore default settings to undo changes for troubleshooting purposes.
| CPU Settings | RAM Timing | Default Settings |
| Adjust frequency and voltage for overclocking | Modify frequency and latency for optimized performance | Use to reset any adjustments made |
Tips for Manufacturers’ BIOS/UEFI
We always emphasize the importance of knowing how to access your PC’s BIOS or UEFI, especially for troubleshooting or optimizing hardware settings. Each manufacturer has a specific key or set of keys to press during the boot process to enter the BIOS/UEFI.
| Manufacturer | Key for BIOS/UEFI | Notes |
| HP | F10 or Esc | Common for HP Pavilions and Spectre |
| Dell | F2 or F12 | Option varies by model |
| Lenovo | F1 or F2 | ThinkPads may also use Enter then F1 |
| Acer | F2 or Del | Predator series might use F2 |
| Microsoft (Surface) | Press and hold Volume Up button | Surface Pro models adhere to this method |
| ASUS | F2 or Del | Applies to motherboards and laptops |
| MSI | Del | Common across most MSI products |
| ASRock | F2 or Del | Consistent for ASRock motherboards |
| Gigabyte | Del or End | Gaming laptops may use F2 |
| Toshiba | F2 | Satellite series typically use F2 |
| Samsung | F2 | Navigating may require UEFI firmware setup |
Keep in mind that timing is crucial. Our recommendation is to start pressing the required key as soon as the manufacturer’s logo appears. In some instances, especially with fast-booting SSDs, it’s a matter of seconds before the window to enter BIOS/UEFI passes.
Some systems allow entry into the UEFI from within Windows through settings or the Windows Terminal, which can be particularly useful if you’re unable to enter the BIOS menu using the traditional method due to a fast startup or other issues. Regardless of your approach, ensure that you’re aware of the possibility of changes affecting system stability. Exercise caution and familiarize yourself with BIOS/UEFI settings before making any modifications.