How to access BIOS or UEFI on your Windows 11 computer

If you're using a Windows 11 computer and need to access the BIOS or UEFI, you might be looking for the easiest way to do so. Although many still refer to the PC's basic firmware as BIOS , on most modern computers, it has been replaced by UEFI , a more advanced system that performs similar functions but with enhanced features.

Accessing the BIOS or UEFI is essential for making important system configurations, such as changing the boot order of hard drives, enabling virtualization, or configuring security options. Here are the best ways to access these options quickly and safely in Windows 11.

What is BIOS and UEFI?

The term BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) refers to the firmware located on the computer's motherboard that performs initial diagnostics and configures the hardware during startup. This system verifies that all hardware is functioning correctly before loading the operating system.

However, in recent years, most manufacturers have adopted UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which expands the functions of the traditional BIOS, including advanced security features such as Secure Boot, and a more modern and flexible design.

How to access BIOS or UEFI from Windows 11

There are several ways to access the BIOS or UEFI from Windows 11. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide that adapts to any situation:

From Windows Advanced Startup

One of the most direct methods to enter UEFI is by using the Advanced Boot Tool:

• Open your computer's start menu.
• Click the button on (usually located at the bottom of the menu).
• Hold down the key Capital letters and select the option Restart.
• Your PC will automatically restart and display a blue screen with several options. Select Solve problems.
• Then go to Advanced.
• Choose UEFI firmware settings and select Restart. This will directly boot your system into UEFI.

Using manufacturer keys during startup

Another way to access the BIOS or UEFI is by pressing specific keys while the computer is booting:

• When you turn on your computer, look at the startup screen, which usually displays the manufacturer's logo. This screen usually tells you which key to press to access the BIOS or UEFI.
• The most common keys are I, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11 o F12. On tablets, these could be the buttons Increase or decrease volume.
• If you can't see which key is the correct one, check the manufacturer's manual or search their website.

What to do if the UEFI setup option does not appear?

In some cases, you may not see the UEFI option in the Windows advanced menus. This issue may be caused by the following reasons:

• Your computer is older and uses Traditional BIOS instead of UEFI.
• Windows is installed on a disk with MBR format (Master Boot Record) instead of GPT (GUID Partition Table). This forces UEFI to run in legacy BIOS mode.

If your computer does not have UEFI, you will not be able to access this option from Windows, but you can try the methods mentioned above when you turn on your computer.

Other ways to enter BIOS or UEFI

If you prefer an alternative method, you can use the command prompt :

• Access the start menu and search CMD.
• Right click on “Command Prompt” and select Run as administrator.
• Write the command shutdown / r / fw and press Enter. This will reboot your computer and take you directly into the UEFI.

If using this command results in the message "This system's firmware does not support booting user interface in firmware" , this indicates that your PC does not have UEFI or uses an MBR partition.

Following these steps will allow you to access the BIOS or UEFI, depending on your needs, whether for advanced configurations or troubleshooting specific problems. Always remember to proceed with caution, as changes to these menus can affect your computer's performance.