Accessing the BIOS (or UEFI firmware settings) on a Windows PC is essential for tasks like changing boot order, enabling virtualization, or checking hardware settings. But what if the BIOS key (like F2, Del, or Esc) doesn’t work or you simply don’t know it?
Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll walk you through three simple and effective ways to enter BIOS without needing the physical key. Whether you’re using a laptop or desktop, Windows 10 or 11 — these methods will help you reach BIOS directly from your operating system.
Let’s jump right in — and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to access your BIOS every time, even without touching your keyboard’s function keys.
🔧 Why You Might Need to Access BIOS
Some of the common reasons to access BIOS include:
- Changing boot priority to boot from USB
- Enabling Secure Boot or TPM 2.0
- Turning on Virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V)
- Adjusting fan or CPU settings
- Resetting system configuration to defaults
🚀 Method 1: Use Shift + Restart to Enter BIOS
This method works directly from the login or desktop screen and is great if your keyboard BIOS key isn’t working.
🧾 Steps:
- Power on your system and hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard.
- While holding SHIFT, click on Restart from the login screen or Start menu.
- On login screen: Click the power icon at the bottom right → Hold SHIFT → Click Restart
- On desktop: Press
Windows + X→ Power → Hold SHIFT → Click Restart
- Keep holding the SHIFT key until you see the “Please wait” message.
- When the Advanced Startup Menu appears:
- Click Troubleshoot
- Then click Advanced Options
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings
- Finally, click Restart
✅ Your system will now reboot directly into the BIOS.
💡 Tip: This method is compatible with both physical systems and virtual machines.
⚙️ Method 2: Use Windows Settings (Recovery Option)
If you’re already logged in, this method is one of the easiest ways to restart into BIOS through the Windows Settings menu.
🧾 Steps:
- Click on Start Menu → Select Settings
- Go to System → Click on Recovery
- Under Advanced Startup, click Restart now
- Your PC will reboot to the Advanced Startup Menu
Once here, follow the same steps as in Method 1:
- Click Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart
And there you go — you’ll be in the BIOS interface again.
🔄 This method is particularly useful when you’re troubleshooting boot issues or want to adjust firmware settings safely.
🖥️ Method 3: Enter BIOS Using Command Prompt
Prefer a command-line method? You can instruct Windows to reboot straight into BIOS using Command Prompt. It’s fast and reliable.
🧾 Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press
Windows + S, search for cmd, right-click it → Run as administrator
- Press
- Type the following command and press Enter:
shutdown /r /fw /t 0/rmeans restart/fwtells Windows to enter firmware (BIOS/UEFI)/t 0sets the delay to 0 seconds
- After executing the command, your system will instantly reboot into BIOS settings.
🔐 This method is ideal for power users, sysadmins, and developers who often need to reboot into BIOS for hardware or virtualization settings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the BIOS key for my system?
It depends on your manufacturer. Common keys include F2, Del, Esc, F10, or F12. But if those don’t work, use the methods above to enter BIOS without them.
Q2: Does this work on both Windows 10 and 11?
Yes! All three methods are compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.
Q3: My PC doesn’t show the UEFI option in Advanced Settings. Why?
Your PC may be using Legacy BIOS mode or may not support UEFI. Make sure Secure Boot and UEFI are enabled from within the BIOS if supported.
Q4: Can I access BIOS without a keyboard?
If you have access to your system using a touchscreen, mouse, or on-screen keyboard, you can use Method 1 or Method 2 to enter BIOS.
🎯 Final Thoughts
So far, we’ve covered three reliable and easy ways to enter the BIOS setup screen on Windows 10/11:
- Shift + Restart
- Windows Recovery Settings
- Command Prompt Shortcut
These methods are especially useful when your PC skips the BIOS prompt or you’re unsure about your system’s BIOS key. Next time you need to change boot settings, enable virtualization, or check your firmware — you know exactly how to get into BIOS, no guesswork required.
So let’s wrap up — now you’re all set to enter BIOS like a pro!
🔖 Tags:
bios access, enter bios windows 11, bios key not working, shift restart method, uefi firmware settings, command prompt bios, windows recovery bios, access bios without f2, windows 11 bios shortcut
📢 Hashtags:
#Windows11 #BIOSAccess #UEFISettings #ShiftRestart #CMDTricks #PCSettings #FirmwareAccess #StartupRepair #TechGuide
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. Make sure to back up your data before making any BIOS or firmware changes. Accessing or changing settings in BIOS should be done with care to avoid misconfigurations.
