How to Access BIOS in Windows 11

Accessing the BIOS is required in some situations. This can be necessary when you want to install a new operating system, fix hardware problems, or set up your computer’s hardware.

BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is a program that manages communication between hardware and the operating system on your computer. The BIOS also allows you to change some important settings, such as boot order, CPU speed, UEFI or Legacy mode, and more. The BIOS can usually be accessed by pressing certain keys when the computer starts up, such as F2, F10, F12, or Del.

However, in Windows 11, accessing the BIOS becomes slightly different from previous versions of Windows. This is because Windows 11 uses a feature called “Fast Startup”, which makes your computer not actually shut down when you turn it off, but just goes into hibernation mode. This feature aims to speed up boot time, but also makes you unable to directly enter BIOS when turning on the computer.

So, how do I access BIOS in Windows 11? There are several methods you can try, depending on your situation and preferences. Here are some ways you can go into BIOS in Windows 11.

1] Using Windows Settings

This method is the most convenient and practical way to access BIOS in Windows 11. You just need to go into Windows settings and select the option to restart into the boot selection menu. Here are the steps:

1. Open Settings by pressing the “Windows + I” key on your keyboard, or click the gear icon in the Start menu.
2. Select the “Sistem” menu, then click “Recovery” on the left.
3. Under the “Advanced startup” section, click “Restart now”.
4. Your computer will restart and display a “Choose an option” menu. Select “Troubleshoot”.
5. Select “Advanced options”, and then select “UEFI Firmware Settings”.
6. Click “Restart”. Your computer will restart again and enter BIOS.

2] Using the Shift Key

This method is a way you can use if you can’t get into Windows settings, for example, because you forgot your password or the system doesn’t work properly. You just need to press the “Shift” button when shutting down or restarting your computer. Here are the steps:

1. If your computer is already on, click the “Start” button, then select “Power”.
2. Hold down the “Shift” key on your keyboard, then select “Shut down” or “Restart”.
3. If your computer doesn’t turn on yet, press the “Power” key to turn it on, then press and hold the “Shift” key when the Windows logo appears.
4. Your computer will display a “Choose an option” menu. Follow steps 4-6 from the previous method.

3] Using Command Prompt

This method is the way you can use it if you want to access the BIOS without having to restart your computer. You just need to run a command in Command Prompt as an administrator. Here are the steps:

1. Open “Command Prompt” by pressing the “Windows + R” key on your keyboard, then type cmd and press “Enter”.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt window, then select “Run as administrator”.
3. Type the following command, and then press Enter:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

4. Your computer will restart and enter BIOS.

4] Using Custom Buttons

This method is a classic and traditional way to access BIOS, but also the most difficult and uncertain. You should know the special keys that must be pressed to enter the BIOS on the make and model of your computer, as well as the exact timings for pressing them. Here are some examples of special keys commonly used to enter BIOS:

•  “Acer” : F2, F12, Del
•  “ASUS” : F2, F8, Del
•  “Dell” : F2, F12
•  “HP” : F10, F11, Esc
•  “Lenovo” : F1, F2, F12, Fn+F2, Fn+F12
•  “MSI” : F2, Del
•  “Samsung” : F2, F10, Esc
•  “Sony” : F1, F2, F3
•  “Toshiba” : F2, F12, Esc

Here are the steps:

1. Shut down your computer completely by selecting “Shut down” from the “Power” menu.
2. Turn on your computer by pressing the “Power” key, then press and release the special key corresponding to your computer make and model repeatedly until the BIOS screen appears. You must press a special key before the Windows logo appears, or immediately after the logo of the computer manufacturer appears. If you are late or too soon, you should shut down turn on your computer again, and try again.
3. If none of the dedicated keys work, try other key combinations that may differ depending on the type of BIOS used by your computer. Some examples of other key combinations you can try are:
   • Ctrl+Alt+Esc
   • Ctrl+Alt+Del
   • Ctrl+Alt+Ins
   • Ctrl+Alt+S

Conclusion

Those are some of the ways you can access BIOS in Windows 11. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and conditions.

Accessing the BIOS can be useful for changing some important settings on your computer, but it’s also risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Therefore, you should be careful and only change settings that you are sure and understand. Good luck!