Ever want to boot to or open UEFI settings on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 system? Here’s how to do it.
It may not be often, but there will be times when you need to access the UEFI settings (often called BIOS settings). For example, maybe you want to change the boot order, set the correct time, manage CPU & RAM settings (such as speed and voltage), secure boot settings, and more.
The good thing is, on Windows, you have three easy methods to open UEFI settings. Using the Settings app, by pressing a manufacturer-specific key displayed during the initial startup screen, and by pressing and holding the power button.
In this tutorial, I will show you these three methods. Follow the one you like to enter BIOS/UEFI settings in Windows 11 & 10. Let’s get started.
Before You Start
- Opening BIOS / UEFI requires restarting your system. So, save your work before proceeding.
- Caution: Modifying BIOS / UEFI settings is risky, especially when you don’t know what you are doing. So, be careful and only change the settings you are sure of. Any wrong changes may brick your motherboard.
Open BIOS or UEFI Using the Settings App in Windows 11 & 10
On both Windows 11 & 10, you use the Settings app and Advanced Startup to boot to UEFI settings easily. Here’s how.
- Open Settings by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
- Go to the “Windows Update” > “Advanced Options” > “Recovery” page.
- On Windows 10, go to “Update & Security” > “Recovery“.
- Click the “Restart Now” button under “Advanced Startup”.
- Let the system restart and boot to Advanced Startup.
- Select the “Troubleshooting” option.
- Click “Advanced Options“.
- Select “UEFI Firmware Settings“.
- Click “Restart“.
- With that, your system restarts and automatically boots into UEFI (BIOS).
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, open the Settings app by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut. Alternatively, you can also right-click the Windows key and select “Settings”.
Once it opens, go to the “Windows Update” tab from the sidebar and click “Advanced Options“. Next, click the “Recovery” option.
On Windows 10, go to the “Update & Security” page and go to the “Recovery” tab from the sidebar.
Now, click the “Restart Now” button under “Advanced Startup”.
Clicking the button restarts Windows and takes you to the Advanced Startup screen. Here, click the “Troubleshooting” option.
Click the “Advanced Options” option.
Now, click the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
On the confirmation screen, click the “Restart” button.
That’s it. Your system restarts and boots directly into the UEFI settings screen. The next time you restart, it boots normally. i.e., into Windows.
Good to know: How to see if Windows is running on BIOS or UEFI
Boot into UEFI by Pressing the Manufacturer-Specific Key
If you are unable to boot into Windows, you can access UEFI settings by pressing the manufacturer-specific key during the very initial startup splash screen. Here’s how.
Restart or power on your PC.
Even before you see anything on your screen, repeatedly press the manufacturer-specific key on your keyboard to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. If you don’t know what key to press, look closely at the initial startup splash screen that appears before the Windows logo. It will display the key you should press to enter BIOS/UEFI.
Common keys include:
- DEL (Delete)
- F2
- F1
- F10
- F12
- ESC (Escape)
You can also consult your motherboard or laptop manual to find the specific key you need to press to boot into BIOS/UEFI.
Enter BIOS/UEFI by Pressing & Holding the Power Button for 4 Seconds
Note: This method isn’t supported on all systems and depends on the manufacturer. If it doesn’t work for you, try one of the other methods described in this guide.
One of the lesser-known, but easiest ways to enter BIOS/UEFI is by pressing and holding the power button for 4 seconds. Here’s how.
- First, completely shut down the system. You can do that by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting the “Shutdown or sign out → Shutdown” option.
- After shutting down the system, press and hold the power button for four seconds.
- Your computer should automatically restart and open the BIOS or UEFI screen.
That is all. Once you are here, you can make the necessary changes and restart the system. When you restart the system, it will automatically boot into Windows.
Wrapping Up — Entering BIOS or UEFI in Windows 11 & Windows 10
As you can see, you have three methods to boot into BIOS/UEFI. If you can boot into Windows, follow the first method as it’s easier and straightforward to follow. If you cannot boot into Windows, follow the second or third methods. While the second method works on all systems, the third method is dependent on the manufacturer implementing the feature. Whichever method you follow, the end result is the same. i.e., opening the BIOS/UEFI settings.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
Good to know: How to find the UEFI firmware version
