Need to get into BIOS and Windows keeps booting past the startup screen? On current Windows PCs, the cleanest route is through Windows Recovery and the UEFI Firmware Settings option. Start with the Windows 11 path below, then use the startup-key or recovery methods when Windows is harder to reach.
1. Open BIOS from Windows Settings
Use this first when Windows 11 loads normally. It sends the next restart straight to your PC's firmware screen.
Open Start, then select Settings. Choose System and open Recovery. Under Recovery options, find Advanced startup, then select Restart now.
On the recovery screen, choose Troubleshoot. Select Advanced options, choose UEFI Firmware Settings, and select Restart. The PC restarts into UEFI.
On Windows 10, Microsoft used Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Mainstream Windows 10 (version 22H2) support ended on October 14, 2025, though LTSC releases and ESU-enrolled devices follow separate support timelines.
2. Jump there with Advanced startup search
Select the Windows search bar, then type Change advanced startup options. Select Open. Under Advanced startup, choose Restart now, then select Restart now again.
Choose Troubleshoot and open Advanced options. Select UEFI Firmware Settings, then choose Restart. This lands in the same recovery menu as the Settings route, with fewer clicks.
3. Restart with the Shift shortcut
Use this when you can reach the desktop or the sign-in screen. Press and hold Shift, open Power, and select Restart. Release Shift when Windows Recovery opens.
Choose Troubleshoot. Select Advanced options, choose UEFI Firmware Settings, and select Restart. The sign-in screen power menu uses the same Power > Restart action, so this works even when you cannot get to the desktop.
4. Press your PC maker's startup key
Use a startup key when you want to enter BIOS before Windows loads. Start from a full shutdown, press the power button, then press the key for your PC right away.
Dell: Press F2 as soon as you press the power button. If needed, press F12. Choose BIOS Setup from the one-time boot menu.
HP notebook: Press the power button. Repeatedly press Esc until the Startup Menu opens. Press F10.
Lenovo ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation: Repeatedly tap F1 when the Lenovo, ThinkPad, ThinkStation, or ThinkCentre logo appears. Lenovo IdeaPad: Turn the PC on. Immediately press F2 or Fn + F2.
Lenovo models with Novo button: Shut down the PC. Press the Novo button. Choose BIOS Setup.
ASUS notebook, desktop, all-in-one, Mini PC: From shutdown, hold F2 and press the Power button. Release F2 when the BIOS screen appears.
Acer notebook: Fully shut down. Power on, then press F2 as soon as the first logo screen appears. Acer desktop: Fully shut down. Power on, then press Del as soon as the first logo screen appears.
Some Acer desktops use F2. MSI motherboard or notebook: Press Delete or Del repeatedly during startup or when the MSI logo appears. GIGABYTE motherboard: During POST, press Delete to open BIOS Setup. If a Dell key press is ignored, connect a USB keyboard and try another USB port.
5. Use the Surface UEFI buttons
Surface devices have their own hardware shortcut. Shut down the Surface, then wait about 10 seconds.
Press and hold Volume Up. Press and release Power. Keep holding Volume Up while the Microsoft or Surface logo appears, then release Volume Up when the UEFI screen appears.
You can also use the Windows route on Surface: Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
6. Send the next restart to firmware
Windows also has a command-line route. Use it when you want the shortest path and you have sufficient rights.
Open Command Prompt, Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Run with sufficient rights. Run shutdown /r /fw /t 0. Windows restarts and sends the next boot to the firmware user interface.
The PC firmware must support the boot-to-firmware handoff.
7. Force recovery when Windows will not boot
When Windows will not start normally, trigger Automatic Repair and open UEFI from there. Start the device and wait for the Windows logo or manufacturer logo. Press and hold the Power button until the device shuts down.
Turn it on and repeat the forced shutdown once. Turn it on a third time. At Automatic Repair, choose Advanced options.
Select Troubleshoot and open Advanced options. Choose UEFI Firmware Settings, then select Restart.
If you have Windows installation media, boot from the USB or DVD. Select Next, choose Repair my PC, and select Next. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
8. Skip outdated BIOS advice
Do not use the Windows 8 Settings charm path on a current Windows 11 PC. Do not treat F8 as a current BIOS-entry method either; Microsoft documents it as older Windows Advanced Boot Options behavior, not a Windows 11 route into BIOS or UEFI.
For ASUS, use the current F2 method for notebooks, desktops, all-in-ones, and Mini PCs. ASUS documents Del for some older desktop models, so it does not belong as the main current ASUS fix.
On work or school PCs, the organization can control firmware settings through management tools. Contact the IT administrator when the UEFI screen is blocked or settings are locked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What menu name should I look for in Windows?
Look for UEFI Firmware Settings. Modern Windows PCs commonly use UEFI firmware even when people still call it BIOS.
Can I enter BIOS without pressing a startup key?
Yes. Use Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
What should I do if the BIOS key does nothing?
Start from a full shutdown, press the key immediately after powering on, and use a USB keyboard. Dell specifically notes that some wireless keyboards may not respond before startup.
Can I open BIOS when Windows will not start?
Yes. Interrupt startup twice to reach Automatic Repair, then use Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Can an administrator block BIOS settings?
Yes. Managed Windows devices can restrict local access to UEFI settings, including eligible Surface devices managed with enterprise tools.
