How to Enter BIOS Windows 10 & 11
Click Restart now under the Advanced startup header. Note that the screen shots below are from Windows 11, but the same steps apply to Windows 10. Unfortunately, some computers go through POST so quickly that there’s no time to hit a key. Depending on the age of your model, the key may be different. You will now see a “Choose an Option” screen. Make sure you save any unsaved work before restarting your PC. In this prompt, click “Restart Now” to restart your PC. In the “Recovery” menu, next to “Advanced Startup,” click “Restart Now.” The advantage of this method is that you can use this even when your Windows OS doesn’t load. It’s advanced low-level software that offers more features than traditional BIOS. How to Enter the BIOS on Any PC: Access Keys by Manufacturer There are multiple ways you can enter BIOS, and we’ll show you how to use all of them. Accessing the BIOS on your Windows 11 PC can help you solve a variety of problems or allow you to adjust low-level settings. Method 2: Use Windows 11 or 10’s Advanced Start Menu This method allows you to access BIOS via the Run dialog box, which is another way to reach the Advanced Startup Options. This is an ideal method for users who prefer using commands or need an alternative method when other approaches fail. Another option to access BIOS is by using the Command Prompt to initiate a restart into Advanced Startup. This method is usually available for systems with UEFI firmware. You can use the Shift + Restart combination to access the BIOS without needing to navigate through the Settings menu. Once your computer restarts, you will be presented with a menu. How to access UEFI (BIOS) from boot However, if you have to change some system settings, there are multiple methods to access the motherboard firmware. However, sometimes, you may still need to enter the motherboard BIOS to troubleshoot problems, enable or disable features (such as virtualization, RAID array, and secure boot), adjust memory and processor advanced settings, and more. It’s responsible for basic operations, such as booting and configuring hardware (mouse, keyboard, memory, processor, and other components). After pressing the key, the BIOS setup screen should appear, allowing you to make changes to your system settings. You’ll usually see a message on the screen that says, “Press key to enter setup” during boot. If you can’t find the keyboard key to enter BIOS, or you prefer using graphical options, use Windows 11’s Settings app to enter BIOS. On every PC I’ve built, I’ve had to go into the BIOS to adjust settings, ranging from the boot order to the security properties. It acts as an interface between your computer’s hardware and software. This is a particularly useful method if you can’t access BIOS using the traditional key press at startup. Some newer systems use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which may have different methods for accessing and using the BIOS. Accessing the BIOS on your Windows 11 PC can help you solve a variety of problems or allow you to adjust low-level settings. On some computers, especially newer ones, you may be able to access BIOS using a “Setup” key, typically during the initial boot sequence. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and then click Restart from the power options. This method is particularly useful for users who find it difficult to press the BIOS key at the correct time. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu. While the steps provided here generally apply to most systems, some variations may exist based on the manufacturer and BIOS version. BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is firmware embedded in your computer’s motherboard. It acts as an interface between your computer’s hardware and software. This command works in both PowerShell and Command Prompt shells, so you can use either. Below are the various methods to access BIOS on Windows 10 and 11 systems. Some newer systems use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which may have different methods for accessing and using the BIOS. Accessing the BIOS allows you to change several system settings, such as boot priority, security settings, and overclocking features. The firmware usually works without user interaction if you use a Windows 10 device. Although these are different technologies, modern devices now use UEFI, but sometimes, the term “BIOS” is still used to refer to both types of firmware. If you need to change your computer’s UEFI (BIOS) settings, this guide will show you two ways to do so on Windows 10. The key varies depending on what kind of computer you have, but it’s typically F2, F10, Del, or Esc. Since the BIOS is tied to a computer’s motherboard, the appearance of each BIOS will vary slightly by manufacturer. This method is usually available for systems with UEFI firmware. Once your computer restarts, you will be presented with a menu. Although these are different technologies, modern devices now use UEFI, but sometimes, the term “BIOS” is still used to refer to both types of firmware. In Windows 10 and 11, you can access the BIOS directly from the Settings menu. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu. Another option to access BIOS is by using the Command Prompt to initiate a restart into Advanced Startup. Do this by pressing Windows+i keys at the same time. On most computers, this key is F2, but you should check on your computer’s splash screen to confirm. You could end up disabling key components. Pulling out your primary internal storage drive would also cause an error that would let you into the BIOS, but if that drive has a non-booting OS on it, your problems might resume once you plug it back in. Finally, if you can’t boot off of an emergency disk, you can try to cause a system halting error that would prevent your
How to Enter BIOS Windows 10 & 11 Read More »