Alex Ruben
How To Enter BIOS Settings on Laptop and PC (Windows 11)
Getting into BIOS or UEFI firmware settings in Windows 11 can be a bit of a headache sometimes, especially because manufacturers seem to hide the options in different ways. It’s usually necessary when you want to tweak hardware configs, change boot order, or troubleshoot startup issues. The thing is, not all PCs show the same BIOS entry method, and some will make you go through Windows’ recovery options — not exactly straightforward. This guide should help clarify the process across most brands like HP, Dell, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, and so on. Once in, you’ll be able to navigate through the BIOS to tweak settings or run hardware diagnostics.
How to Access BIOS Settings on Windows 11
Method 1: Using Windows Settings for a quick reboot into BIOS
This method is good if you prefer a GUI-based approach to get into UEFI firmware settings without fussing with keyboard shortcuts during startup. It’s targeted toward people who want to avoid guessing the right key and want to do it from within Windows. On some setups, this gets you into UEFI directly; on others, you might still need to restart a second time, so don’t get too confident. Also, it’s useful if your PC’s BIOS entry key isn’t well documented or if firmware updates changed the process.
- First, hit Start and open Settings.
- Click on Windows Update in the sidebar (sometimes buried under System).
- Scroll down and select Recovery.
- Look for the Advanced Startup section, then click Restart now. This pulls up the Windows advanced boot options, which can be confusing but stay with it.
- After reboot, you’ll see a blue screen with options. Select Troubleshoot.
- Next, go to Advanced options.
- Find and click UEFI Firmware Settings. If this shows up, you’re almost there.
- Hit Restart. The device will reboot and should take you directly into the BIOS/UEFI menu.
Why it helps: This method bypasses fiddling with keyboard shortcuts during startup, especially handy if your manufacturer swears by unusual keys or if your system is configured to skip BIOS entry unless you do it this way.
When it applies: If you notice your F2, Delete, or Esc keys aren’t working during boot, or if you dread trying to press keys at the perfect moment, this method is your friend.
What to expect: It will usually take two reboots, but once done, you’ll be inside the BIOS. Some systems might still want a quick keyboard poke to enter BIOS directly, so keep that manual note handy.
Method 2: Using the BIOS key at startup (the classic way)
This is the old-school method most are familiar with, hitting a function key during startup (like F2, Delete, or Esc). It’s unreliable sometimes because timing matters and Windows 11 has a habit of intercepting some key presses during boot. On newer machines, especially with fast boot options enabled, this can be tricky, making Method 1 or firmware-based options more reliable.
- Reboot your system.
- As it’s starting, begin repeatedly pressing the BIOS key (check your manufacturer’s manual if you’re unsure). For many, it’s F2 or Delete.
- If you see a logo or Windows loading screen instead, reboot and try again, faster.
- With some newer systems that use fast boot, holding the key during startup might be necessary.
Why it helps: It’s quick and direct if timing works out – especially on hardware where Windows settings don’t let you choose advanced startup options easily.
When it applies: If your device consistently responds to the key presses during boot, or if the Windows method fails to bring up the BIOS/UEFI menu.
What to expect: Usually quick, but on some setups, you might be on a wild goose chase trying different keys or timing. Also, some OEMs have their own keys (like F10 or F12) so double-check.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
- Make sure your device is plugged in, especially if you’re experimenting with fast startup settings or quick reboots — a dead battery in laptops can mess with timing.
- If your BIOS menu doesn’t appear or is missing the UEFI settings, it could be because your system is using legacy BIOS mode, or the firmware is locked down. In that case, check the manufacturer’s support tech or firmware update tools.
- Sometimes hitting the Shift + Restart combo in Windows (via the Power menu) helps jump straight into recovery options without navigating the Settings menus.
Summary
- Use Windows Settings to go via Advanced Startup and select UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Or try the traditional BIOS key during boot — F2, Delete, Esc, depending on the machine.
- Make sure to keep your device powered properly — nothing kills the process more than an accidental shutdown mid-boot.
- Consult your manufacturer’s manual if nothing else works, since BIOS access methods can wildly vary.
Wrap-up
Getting into BIOS on Windows 11 isn’t always a breeze, especially with newer fast-boot systems or if the manufacturer obscures the keystrokes. Using the Windows menu method usually works for most, but keep trying the key-press routine if you’re feeling more comfortable with traditional methods. After you’re in, it’s a whole new world of customization and troubleshooting, so knowing how to access BIOS is a handy skill.
Hopefully, this gets someone past that confusing boot screen and into the BIOS where the magic happens. Good luck!