How to Open BIOS in Windows 11?

In this article we will explain How to Open BIOS in Windows 11. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or more recently the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a hardware component of a computer that controls and handles the system configurations and states of hardware devices at the boot up of the computer. In Windows 11 specifically, getting into the BIOS will enable the user to alter boot settings, turn on virtualization, and configure the security settings and hardware troublesooting.

Since current computers utilize UEFI instead of BIOS, the process of getting to it is, in fact, different from previous versions of the Windows operating system. The present guide provides solutions to various techniques to boot into BIOS/UEFI in Windows 11.

Methods to Open BIOS in Windows 11

1. Using Windows Settings

One of the easiest ways to access the BIOS in Windows 11 is through the Settings app.

Steps:

1. Access Settings: The settings can be opened using the Win + I keyboard shortcut.
2. Navigate to System: Recovery – You will get a list of possible options for the Recovery menu here.
3. Advanced Startup: Among Recovery options, select Restart now under the heading Advanced Startup.
4. UEFI Firmware: When the computer restarts, click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware settings.
5. Select BIOS: Press restart, and your computer will shut down. Then, start in the BIOS/UEFI setting.

2. Using the Shift + Restart Shortcut

If you cannot access Settings, you can use a keyboard shortcut to restart directly into the BIOS.

Steps:

1. Clicking on Start: Press the Win and press and click on the Power button.
2. Shift and Restart: For shift and restart, you need to hold down the shift key on the keyboard and, at the same time, click on the restart option.
3. Additional Settings: After the computer restarts, go to Repair your computer > Advanced Startup> Restart now > UEFI Firmware Settings.
4. Restart into BIOS: Use the Restart option, and your system will be in the BIOS.

3. Using a Key During Startup

Most PCs allow users to enter the BIOS by pressing a specific key during startup. The key varies by manufacturer.

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
• Toshiba – F2

Steps:

1. Shut down the computer completely.
2. Turn it on and immediately start pressing the BIOS key repeatedly.
3. If done correctly, the BIOS/UEFI settings menu will appear.

4. Using Command Prompt

Another way to access BIOS is via the Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

Enter Restart Command: Type the following command and press Enter:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

1. Restart into BIOS: The system will reboot into BIOS automatically.

5. Using Windows Terminal (PowerShell)

Similar to the Command Prompt method, you can use PowerShell to restart directly into BIOS.

Steps:

1. Right-click on Start and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Enter the command:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

1. The system will reboot into the BIOS settings.

What to Do After Entering BIOS

Once inside the BIOS/UEFI, you can:

• Edit Boot Priority (especially when the computer has to be booted through USB to install Windows).
• Enable or disable Secure Boot.
• Turn on Intel VT / AMD-V to support running virtual machines.
• Change settings related to overclocking of hardware or power-saving settings.
• Reset BIOS to default settings if troubleshooting issues.

Conclusion

To boot into BIOS/UEFi in Windows 11, one can try Windows Settings, Shift + Restart, BIOS keys, Command Line Interface, or PowerShell. In this case, it might be necessary to learn how to enter BIOS, as it helps when changing settings, repairing errors, and even modifying boot options.

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