How to Access UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 – Easy Steps
UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 is accessed through the Windows Recovery Environment.
UEFI BIOS, which stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Basic Input/Output System, is the modern system that starts your PC and manages its hardware before Windows even loads. It’s the successor to the older BIOS system.
You might need to enter UEFI BIOS to change settings like your computer’s boot order or to turn on specific features needed for newer software.
One simple way to get there in Windows 11 is by holding down the Shift key while you click the Restart option from the 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.
Method 1Use Keyboard Keys When Starting Your Computer
You can access UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 by pressing a specific key as soon as your computer starts up. Common keys include Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. If you have a tablet, try holding the Volume Up or Volume Down button while turning it on.
Common keys to try include:
- Esc
- Delete
- F1
- F2
- F10
- F11
- F12
For a tablet, hold the Volume Up or Volume Down button while powering the tablet on to access UEFI BIOS. This method directly initiates the UEFI BIOS startup sequence.
Method 2Use 🪟 Windows 11 Advanced Startup Settings
If pressing keys at startup doesn’t work, you can access UEFI BIOS in Windows 11 using the Advanced Startup settings. Go to Settings, then System, and choose Recovery. From there, under Advanced startup, click Restart now, and your PC will boot into advanced options.
- 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 straight into UEFI BIOS settings using a simple command. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator, type ‘shutdown /r /fw /t 0’, and press Enter. Your PC will then restart and automatically open the UEFI BIOS.
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 controls how your computer starts and manages its hardware. You can access it in Windows 11 using keyboard keys during startup, through the Advanced Startup menu, or by using a special command. Knowing how to get into UEFI BIOS helps you customize and fix your device.
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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