How to Access UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 – Easy Steps
You access UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 by navigating through the Windows Recovery Environment.
UEFI BIOS, or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Basic Input/Output System, is the modern firmware interface that replaces your computer’s traditional BIOS, managing your system’s startup process and hardware configurations before Windows loads.
Accessing this critical interface, often necessary for tasks like changing boot order or enabling virtualization features, is straightforward within Windows 11’s advanced startup options.
For example, you can typically enter UEFI BIOS by holding the Shift key while clicking “Restart” from the Windows 11 Start Menu.
Access UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 through Advanced Startup. Go to Settings > System > Recovery, click Restart now under Advanced startup, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Alternatively, use the command shutdown /r /fw /t 0 in Windows Terminal.
What is UEFI BIOS?
It stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It’s the modern version of the old BIOS system, helping your computer start up faster and work better with new software.
Method 1Use Keyboard Keys When Starting Your Computer
Accessing your Windows 11 computer’s UEFI BIOS is often as simple as pressing a specific key right when you turn it on, before Windows starts loading.
Common keys to try include:
- Esc
- Delete
- F1
- F2
- F10
- F11
- F12
If you have a tablet, try holding the Volume Up or Volume Down buttons while turning it on.
Once inside the UEFI BIOS screen, you can make changes like adjusting the boot order or enabling hardware features. Remember to save your changes before exiting!
Method 2Use 🪟 Windows 11 Advanced Startup Settings
If the keyboard shortcut method doesn’t work for your PC, you can easily access your Windows 11 computer’s UEFI BIOS through the Advanced Startup settings found within Windows itself.
- Click the Start button, then go to Settings.
- Choose System > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
After your computer restarts, follow these steps:
- Select Troubleshoot.
windows 11 advanced startup boot troubleshoot - Select Advanced options.
windows 11 advanced startup boot advanced options - Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
windows advanced startup uefi firmware settings
Your computer will restart and open the UEFI BIOS menu automatically.
Method 3Use a Command to Restart into UEFI BIOS
You can restart your Windows 11 PC directly into the UEFI BIOS settings using a simple command, bypassing the need to press keys during startup.
shutdown /r /fw /t 0Here’s how:
- [Admin Required] Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (or open Command Prompt or PowerShell).
- Type or paste the command above and press Enter.
- Your PC will restart and take you straight to the UEFI BIOS settings.
Summary
- UEFI BIOS lets you control how your computer starts and runs.
- You can enter UEFI BIOS using keyboard keys during startup, Windows Advanced Startup, or a simple command.
- Knowing how to access UEFI BIOS helps you customize and fix your device.
UEFI BIOS is the system that controls how your computer starts up and manages its hardware, and you can access it in Windows 11 using keyboard keys, Advanced Startup, or a command.
Why is UEFI not showing in BIOS?
UEFI might not show in your BIOS if your system doesn’t support it, meaning it uses the older BIOS for starting up and managing hardware.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 have BIOS or UEFI?
The Windows 11, and Windows 10 operating systems can boot into the UEFI BIOS firmware setup on supported Dell computers.
Can I switch to UEFI without reinstalling Windows?
Switching from Legacy BIOS to UEFI on your Windows system can improve boot speed and security. This conversion doesn't require reinstalling Windows or losing your data. In this guide, we'll show you how to do it step by step using the built-in MBR2GPT tool.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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