How to Enter BIOS in Windows: 7 Best Working Methods

Some changes to your Windows PC can only be made from the BIOS or UEFI. Getting there ranges from pressing the right key at the right time to using various desktop tools. Instead of just wondering how to enter the BIOS in Windows, choose your preferred method below.

Good to know: Windows 11 S It's an alternative version of Windows that focuses on security. Learn how to enable it.

1. Press the key during startup.

The most common method, and the primary method for older versions of Windows, is to press a specific key or key combination during the boot process. The only problem with this method is that the key varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

For older Windows computers, the boot process is slower. Look for the key(s) on your screen, either just before the Windows logo appears or on the Start screen itself. Most Windows 10 and 11 computers boot faster, which means you probably won't see the key. These are the most common key combinations to use:

• F1
• F2
• F10
• Delete (or From)
• I

The most likely keys for popular computer manufacturers include:

• Acer: F2 Or From
• ASUS: F2 Or From
• Dell: F2 Or F12
• gateways: F1 Or F2
• HP: I Or F10 (Some older models use F2 or F12)
• Lenovo: F1 Or F2
• MSI: From
• Samsung: F2
• Sony: F1 Or F2
• Area: Press and hold the power button and release it while pressing volume Up
• Toshiba: F2, F12, or I

You'll need to restart your computer and press the correct key once the boot process begins. Keep holding it until the BIOS screen appears.

Advice: Windows Terminal app not opening? Learn how to fix it

2. Restore Windows

On some newer Windows computers, you can't enter BIOS or UEFI settings simply by pressing a key. Instead, you must first enter Recovery Mode. The steps differ slightly between Windows 10 and 11, but the end result is the same.

1. Go to start Select (or search for) "Settings".
2. Go to “System” in Windows 11 or “Update & Security” in Windows 10.
   
3. Locate "Payback" In the left pane of Windows 11. In Windows 10, you'll find it in the right pane.
   
4. Click on "Restart now" next to Advanced startup. Your computer will restart immediately. Make sure you have saved all open work before doing this.
   
5. On the next screen, select Troubleshooting.
   
6. Choose "Advanced Options".
   
7. Locate UEFI Firmware Settings.If you don't have UEFI.
8. Click “Restart”.
   
9. Locate BIOS setup. Make a note of the key next to this option so you can use it in the future.

3. Enter BIOS via Command Prompt

If you don't want to go through multiple windows in Settings, it's possible to use a single command to restart your computer and access advanced startup options just like we did in the previous section.

In Windows 10, you can use the Command Prompt. In Windows 11, you also have the option to use the Terminal app. However, the commands are the same in both cases.

1. Click on Win + R, And type cmd in Run window , And press "OK" To open a command prompt. If you prefer to use a terminal window, press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin).
   
2. Enter the command shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 at the prompt. This will restart your computer immediately.
   
3. When your computer restarts, the process will be the same as in the previous section. Go to Troubleshooting -> Advanced Options -> UEFI Firmware Settings -> Restart -> BIOS Setup.

4. Enter via Run

A simpler version of the previous method is to enter the shutdown command directly into the Run dialog box.

1. Click on Win + R To open a new window.
2. Enter shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 in the box.
   
3. Click on "OK" To restart, enter the screen. Options advanced , Then select Troubleshooting -> Advanced Options -> UEFI Firmware Settings -> Restart -> BIOS Setup.

5. Use the Shift Restart key.

If you are looking for the fastest way to enter BIOS in Windows 11, the option Shift + Restart This is the best option. This combination will restart your computer and take you to the advanced options window described in the previous methods.

1. If you are on the login screen, select the button. "Operation" With the mouse to show the shutdown, sleep, and restart options. If you are on the desktop, open start menu and click the . button "Energy".
   
2. Press and hold Shift key and click "Reboot" With the mouse at the same time.
3. Your computer should restart immediately and take you to the Advanced Startup Options window. From there, go to Troubleshooting -> Advanced Options -> UEFI Firmware Settings -> Restart -> BIOS Setup.

6. Specific button

Some computers include a dedicated BIOS button or button combination that allows you to quickly access the BIOS. For example, if you have a Surface device, you can use the volume up button and the power button at the same time to reboot into the BIOS.

7. Create a shortcut

The quickest way to enter BIOS on Windows is via a shortcut icon. If you need to enter BIOS frequently, it's helpful to create a desktop shortcut. Just don't accidentally press it, or your computer will suddenly reboot.

1. Right click on the location you want. Create a BIOS shortcut What's new in it?
2. Locate “New -> Shortcut”.
   
3. Enter this path in the location box: shutdown /r /o /f /t 00.
   
4. Enter a name for your shortcut and tap "ending".
   
5. You will see your new icon. Right-click on the icon and choose "Properties".
   
6. Locate "advanced" in the tab "abbreviation".
   
7. Locate "Run as administrator". Click on "OK" و "Application" to save the changes.
   
8. If you want to change the icon image, right-click on it and select "Properties". Locate "Change Code" in the tab "abbreviation". Choose an icon and select "application".
   
9. When you click the icon, your computer will immediately restart, and you will enter a window. Advanced Options As in the previous methods. Then move to Troubleshooting -> Advanced Options -> UEFI Firmware Settings -> Restart -> BIOS Setup.

find the mistakes and resolve it

In modern versions of Windows, Fast Boot helps your computer start up faster. Instead of actually shutting down, it enters a combination of hibernation and partial shutdown. If you try to enter the BIOS by booting your computer from a shutdown state, you won't be able to, because the computer hasn't been started from scratch.

Fast Boot is also known to cause problems when trying to restart your computer to access the BIOS. If you're having trouble entering the BIOS, try disabling Fast Boot.

1. Open start menu and search for "control Board". Specify the result.
2. Locate Energy Options.
   
3. Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left side.
   
4. Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
   
5. deselect Turn on fast startup And press "Saving changes". If this doesn't solve your issue, you can try restarting it later.
   

Tip: Try using the Command Prompt to open files and folders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why do I get an error when trying the Run method or Command Prompt?
answer. If you don't have administrator rights, you may not be able to restart your computer this way. In fact, it's possible that none of the above methods will allow you to enter the BIOS. This is to protect sensitive system settings from non-administrator users. You can Switch a standard user account to an administrator And vice versa from any responsible account.

Q2. Why doesn't a single key allow me to enter BIOS?
answer. Modern Windows computers often boot up so quickly that you can't press a key. This is especially true on computers with solid-state drives. You can try pressing the correct key from the moment you restart your computer or press the power button.

Q3. Can I set my computer to display advanced startup options every time?
answer. No. You must enter the correct key or use one of the restart methods above to enter the Advanced Startup Options window.