- Enter BIOS from Windows (any PC)
- No UEFI Firmware Settings option?
- Enter BIOS with a key at startup
- Why the key often doesn't work
- When Windows won't start at all
- Before you change anything
- Common reasons to enter BIOS
- Find your exact key in seconds
- Getting back out of BIOS
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To enter BIOS on Windows 11 or 10, open Settings, System, Recovery, and click Restart now next to Advanced startup. Then choose Troubleshoot, Advanced options, UEFI Firmware Settings, and Restart. Or tap the setup key, often F2, Del or Esc, as the PC starts.
BIOS, or UEFI on modern PCs, is the settings screen that runs before Windows loads. You need it to change the boot order, turn on virtualisation, enable secure boot or check that the hardware is detected. Getting into it used to mean hammering a key at exactly the right moment. On Windows 11 and 10 there's a calmer route from inside Windows, which works on any brand. Here are both.
Enter BIOS from Windows (any PC)
- Save your work and close your apps.
- Open Settings, then System, then Recovery. On Windows 10 it's Update & Security, Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now, and confirm.
- On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
- Choose UEFI Firmware Settings, then Restart.
The PC restarts straight into the firmware settings. A quicker way to reach the blue screen is to hold Shift while you click Power, Restart, from the Start menu or the sign-in screen.
No UEFI Firmware Settings option?
If that tile is missing under Advanced options, your PC is probably using old-style legacy BIOS rather than UEFI, or the manufacturer has hidden the option. In that case you'll need the startup key method below.
Enter BIOS with a key at startup
Every manufacturer picks its own key, and it's usually shown for a moment on the logo screen. Turn the PC off fully, switch it on and tap the key repeatedly; don't hold it down.
| Brand | Key to tap at startup |
|---|---|
| Dell | F2 at the Dell logo, or F12 for the boot menu then BIOS Setup |
| HP | Esc for the Startup Menu, then F10 for BIOS Setup |
| Lenovo, Acer, ASUS and others | Often F2, F1 or Del; check the logo screen or the manual |
| Custom-built desktops | Usually Del, sometimes F2 |
Dell's own guide says to tap F2 several times at the logo. HP's support community gives Esc first, then F10. If you miss the moment and Windows loads, just restart and try again, or use the Settings route above, which never needs perfect timing.
Why the key often doesn't work
- Fast Startup: Windows doesn't fully shut down, so the PC skips the logo screen. Use Restart instead of Shut down, or the Settings route.
- Wireless keyboard: it may not be ready in time. Use a wired keyboard or the laptop's built-in one.
- Very fast SSD boot: the logo flashes by too quickly. The Advanced startup route is easier here.
When Windows won't start at all
You can still reach the same menus. Microsoft explains that if Windows fails to start correctly several times, it opens the recovery environment automatically. You can trigger this by holding the power button to switch off as soon as the Windows logo appears, twice; on the third start you'll see Automatic Repair. Choose Advanced options, then Troubleshoot, Advanced options, UEFI Firmware Settings.
Before you change anything
BIOS settings control how the PC starts, so change one thing at a time and write down what you changed. If your drive is encrypted with BitLocker, changing secure boot or boot settings can trigger a request for the BitLocker recovery key, and Microsoft notes you'll need that key for some recovery tools, so find it in your Microsoft account first. If the PC won't start after a change, most firmware screens have an option to load default settings.
Common reasons to enter BIOS
- Changing the boot order to start from a USB stick.
- Turning on virtualisation for Android emulators or virtual machines.
- Enabling TPM and secure boot for Windows 11.
- Checking that a new drive or memory is detected.
If you're troubleshooting a PC that keeps crashing in one app, the firmware is rarely the answer; start with the app itself, as in my guide to Discord crashing on a PC. And be careful with driver update tools that promise to fix everything; read my review of whether Driver Easy is safe first.
Find your exact key in seconds
If you'd rather not guess, check the manual or the support page for your exact model; search for the model name plus BIOS key. The model name is on a sticker underneath most laptops, or in Settings, System, About. Some laptops also have a small recovery button or pinhole beside the power socket that opens a startup menu including BIOS. Microsoft mentions that some devices have a dedicated recovery button set up by the manufacturer, and Lenovo's Novo button is a well-known example.
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Getting back out of BIOS
To leave without changing anything, look for Exit or Discard Changes and Exit, often on the last tab or under the Esc key. To keep your changes, choose Save Changes and Exit, which is often F10. The PC then restarts into Windows as normal. If you're unsure whether you changed something by accident, discard and start again.
My verdict
Use Settings, System, Recovery, Advanced startup, and UEFI Firmware Settings: it works on every brand and needs no lucky timing. Keep the startup key, F2 on Dell or Esc then F10 on HP, for PCs where Windows won't load, and change one setting at a time once you're in.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enter BIOS on Windows 11?
Go to Settings, System, Recovery, Advanced startup, Restart now, then Troubleshoot, Advanced options, UEFI Firmware Settings.
What key do I press to enter BIOS?
It depends on the brand. Dell uses F2, HP uses Esc then F10, many others use Del or F2.
Why can't I get into BIOS with the key?
Fast Startup or a quick boot can skip the logo screen. Use the Advanced startup route instead.
Is BIOS the same as UEFI?
UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS, but most people still call it BIOS.
Can I enter BIOS if Windows won't start?
Yes. Windows opens the recovery screen after failed starts, and UEFI Firmware Settings is under Advanced options.
