The basic input/output system (BIOS) is a piece of software stored on a programmable logic array (PLA) within your computer that is loaded whenever you switch on the machine.
The programme has several low-level configuration options, including boot order, fan speeds, and auto-power features, and is responsible for detecting and verifying your hardware.
You may access and play with these configurations by going into the computer’s BIOS menu, which might be helpful when trying to figure out what’s causing a computer problem.
Upon booting your computer, hit the key designated for the BIOS menu (often F2) to enter the setup utility. However, many new computers now load up so quickly that you can lose your chance. Fortunately, Windows 11 includes a built-in method for accessing the BIOS setup menu upon reboot.
There are a Few Approaches to this, and we’ll Examine them all.
Method 1. Restart with the Shift Key Held Down to Access the BIOS.
From Windows 11, restarting while holding down the shift button is the simplest way to access the BIOS.
The first step is to access the Power menu from the Start menu. To restart, hold shift while clicking the Power button.
This can be done without even logging in by using the login screen. To restart, press and hold the shift key, then click the power button.
It will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. Select UEFI Firmware Settings from the Troubleshoot menu’s Advanced options.
The BIOS menu will load once you click the “Restart” button on the next page.
Method 2. To Access BIOS, Open the System Preferences Menu
If you’re having difficulties booting into BIOS via the shift-restart method, or if you just prefer a graphical interface, you may do so from within the Settings app.
As a first step, select “Settings” from the Start menu’s context menu. You can also use the Windows key plus I shortcut.
To access the Recovery option, go into the Settings menu and scroll down to the bottom.
Towards the right, you’ll find a “Restart now” button next to the “Advanced Startup” option. To restart, select the option to do so by clicking “Restart now,” followed by selecting the same option in the dialogue box that appears.
To enter BIOS mode after a restart, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Method 3. You Must Use a Command to Access the BIOS
There are a few options if you’d rather use a command to restart your machine into BIOS.
To access the Run command, use the Windows key plus R. Once it’s open, type in this command and hit OK:
/r/o/f/t/00 shutdown
This command can also be entered into PowerShell or the Windows Terminal. Type the above command into the command prompt and hit Enter to execute it.
After the restart, go into the BIOS settings by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Method 4. Use a Hotkey to Jump Into The BIOS
If you need to boot to BIOS regularly, a shortcut to the setup utility can be placed on the desktop for convenient access.
Select New -> Shortcut from the context menu that appears when you right-click a blank area of your desktop.
Put the same command, shutdown /r /o /f /t 00, into the “Create Shortcut” dialogue, and give your shortcut a name.
To turn off your computer now, just double-click the shortcut. The next time you turn it on, it should take you straight to the Windows Recovery Environment, where you may access the BIOS by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.