Microsoft’s latest PC operating system, Windows 11, is growing steadily in popularity, with its share up 2.6% within only a few short months earlier this year.
However, many users have been confused with the BIOS after upgrading to Windows 11. That’s because there are some things you can only change from BIOS and not from the operating system (OS).
If you need to change something integral to your computer – like how it turns on – you’ll need to access the BIOS to do so. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few different ways you can access the BIOS on Windows 11 devices.
What is BIOS?
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is the operating system that controls how your computer starts up and performs initialization tasks when you press the power button.
It is also a place where you can find some useful setting, which is why many users prefer accessing Windows 11 BIOS in order to change various parameters, like performance or power consumption, or enable advanced features, such as fast boot or overclocking.
5 ways to access Windows 11 BIOS
1. Computer start-up
The BIOS is the first part of the PC that boots up. When the splash screen shows – usually with the PC manufacturer’s logo – a message will also appear prompting you to press a certain key to access the BIOS. This key is usually F2, but it varies depending on the manufacturer.
If your PC is particularly quick to boot up, you may miss the prompt, but don’t worry; if that happens, there are several other ways to access the BIOS.
2. From the settings menu
One of the simplest ways to access the BIOS is from the Windows 11 Settings app. You can find the Settings option in the Start menu on your desktop, or by pressing the Windows + i keys simultaneously.
When the Settings app opens, select System and then navigate to Recovery. In the Recovery menu, click Restart Now next to Advanced Setup. This will bring up a message stating, “We’ll restart your device so save your work”. Click Restart Now in this message, which will then bring up a Choose an Option message. From here, navigate Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. This will bring you to the PC’s BIOS mode.
3. Restart your computer
Another easy way to access Windows 11 BIOS is to hold down the Shift key while restarting your PC.
To do this, go to the Start menu on your desktop and select Power > Restart. Hold down the Shift key as you click Restart.
When your computer has restarted, it will bring up the Windows Recovery Environment. From here, you can navigate through Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart to enter the BIOS mode.
4. Use a command
Open the Start menu on the desktop and select Windows Terminal. When it opens, type: shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
And press enter. This command will work for either PowerShell or Command Prompts. Once you have pressed enter, the command will bring up the Choose an Option screen. From here, you can again navigate Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart to bring up the BIOS.
5. Create a shortcut
If you are in a position where you need to access the BIOS regularly, the easiest option is to create a shortcut.
To do that, right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut. This will bring up the Create Shortcut screen; where prompted, type: shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
And select next. The screen will prompt you to name the shortcut, and when finished, an icon will appear on your desktop.
Now, whenever you need to access the BIOS, you simply double-click the shortcut and navigate Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Get expert advice and guidance from the specialists
BIOS is the only way to change the configuration of your computer, and you’ll need to have it in order to get the most out of Windows 11. Although some things can be done from the operating system – like changing your display settings – you’ll need to boot into the BIOS in order to adjust things like the boot priority and power management.
The Microsoft specialists at Technology Solutions can help you optimise your Windows devices, customize your OS, and fully or co-manage your entire Microsoft environment for maximum efficiency and performance. Talk to them today about your business requirements and streamline your daily operations.
