Getting into the BIOS on a Windows 11 PC isn’t as tricky as it sounds, but it can catch you out if you’re not familiar with the steps. Maybe you’re trying to enable virtualization, change the boot order, or troubleshoot a weird startup issue, and the usual methods aren’t working. It’s not exactly hidden, but thanks to UEFI firmware and fast boot settings, timing can be a bit of a challenge. The idea is to access those low-level system settings without having to muck around with hardware jumpers or guess which key to press.
Follow these steps, and you’ll get into the UEFI firmware settings — which is basically the new version of BIOS. Once you’re in, you can tweak hardware options, update firmware, or just have a stickybeak. Just a heads up — messing around with settings can sometimes cause more problems, so be careful and make note of what you change. And if it’s being stubborn — you might need a couple of goes or to adjust fast startup options. It’s a bit of a dance, but with patience, you’ll be in there.
How to Boot into BIOS on Windows 11
Access Windows settings and restart into the firmware menu
This is the most common way. It works alright if fast startup is on, but sometimes you’ve got to turn it off if Windows boots too quick to catch the BIOS menu on the first shot.
- Start by clicking Start and then open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery from the sidebar. If it’s not obvious right away, it’s usually in the list of options, but sometimes tucked away behind a few menus.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. Your PC will reboot into a special menu. On some machines, this might load so fast you miss it — especially if you’ve got quick boot or fast startup enabled. Turning off fast startup (go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do) can help.
Navigate to UEFI Firmware Settings from Advanced Options
Once your PC restarts, you’ll see a blue or black screen with some options.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Next, choose Advanced Options.
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings. Sometimes, this option is greyed out if your motherboard doesn’t support certain features, but most modern ones do.
- Click Restart. Your system will reboot straight into the BIOS/UEFI. No need to guess which key to press — it’s sorted for you now.
Once inside the BIOS, you can turn on virtualization, change the boot order, or tweak other hardware settings. Easy peasy, but don’t go too crazy — changing stuff unexpectedly can cause boot issues.
Extra tips if it’s being a pain
- If tapping Delete or F2 during startup works (some motherboards support this), give that a go. Usually, you hold or tap it repeatedly right when you power on, but you need to be quick.
- On some setups, Windows might hurry past this step. Turning off Fast Startup or switching BIOS mode to “Legacy” temporarily can be handy.
- If it’s really playing up, a quick shutdown and then pressing the BIOS key repeatedly right after turning on can do the trick.
It might be a bit frustrating at first, but being patient and trying a few times usually gets you in. Some PCs just dislike you trying to access BIOS, and you might need to tweak a setting or two to make it work.
Tips for Getting In
- Make sure your PC is plugged in — especially laptops. No one wants a power glitch messing up your efforts.
- Familiarise yourself with what’s what before you start changing settings. Most BIOS screens are pretty straightforward, but checking your motherboard or laptop manual can save a headache later.
- If you’re flipping the BIOS switch or changing settings, jot down what you’ve done. Better safe than sorry.
- Some brands have their own key combos or menu tricks, so if you’re stuck, check the manual or support site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIOS?
Simply put, BIOS (or UEFI these days) is the firmware that runs before Windows loads. It checks your hardware and kicks the OS into gear.
Is the process the same for all PCs?
Not quite. Different brands have their quirks — Dell, HP, Lenovo, and such might do it differently. But the Windows method above works for most recent models.
Can BIOS help fix boot issues?
Definitely. Changing boot order or disabling secure boot can often sort out boot problems, especially if Windows isn’t starting correctly.
Will fiddling with BIOS void my warranty?
Usually not, as long as you don’t do anything major like flashing firmware without following instructions. Just be aware that if you go messing with certain settings or do a BIOS update incorrectly, support might be a bit harder to come by.
Is updating BIOS safe?
As long as you follow the instructions carefully and keep your system plugged in, yeah. Don’t do it if storms are forecast or if your PC’s acting dodgy — no one wants to brick their motherboard.
Summary
- Open Settings > Update & Security
- Click “Recovery”
- Hit “Restart now” under Advanced Startup
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options
- Click “UEFI Firmware Settings” and restart
Wrap-up
Getting into the BIOS on Windows 11 can be a bit of a pain, especially with quick boot options enabled, but with a bit of patience and the right approach, it’s doable. Once you’re inside, you’ve got a lot of power to tweak your system or troubleshoot issues. Just remember, poking around in BIOS isn’t without risks — so keep track of what you change and don’t be afraid to look up your motherboard or laptop model if you get stuck.
Hopefully, this saves you a bit of time and effort. Happy fiddling inside the firmware!