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In Short.
To enter BIOS on a Windows 11 PC, press ESC key at startup to enter the Startup Menu. Then press F10 to enter BIOS. Alternatively, go to Settings > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Troubleshoot > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart to enter Startup Menu and press F10 to enter BIOS.

The Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS, is like a mini program that helps your computer start up and run Windows when you turn it on. It also helps your computer's brain (the operating system) talk to other parts of your computer, like your mouse, keyboard, and hard drive.

BIOS can also help you change some settings on your computer. This can be useful if something goes wrong and Windows doesn't start up right. Some changes can only be made through BIOS, so it's essential to know how to get to it on a Windows 11 computer.

In the past, you could get to BIOS right when your computer started by pressing specific keys. But now, computers start up really fast, and you might not have time to press the right key. If that happens, don't worry! You can still get to BIOS through your computer's settings.

Keep in mind that the key you need to press to get to BIOS might be different depending on the company that made your computer. However, the basic idea of how to get to BIOS is the same, so once you know how it works, you should be able to get to BIOS on any computer.

Note: We used an HP laptop for the article. The interface or keys may differ for other manufacturers. We recommend you check the PC manual or the manufacturer’s website for more information.

Enter BIOS at Startup

As mentioned earlier, you would have to respond quickly when entering BIOS at Startup since Windows boots up really fast in the latest computer models. Once in the BIOS, take all the time you want to explore the various options and settings.

To enter BIOS at startup, power on the computer and press the ESC key as soon as the screen lights up to enter the Startup Menu.

In the Startup Menu, you will find various options, with the specific key for each option mentioned next to it. To enter the BIOS, press F10.

You will now enter the BIOS on your Windows 11 PC. Navigate through it and make the necessary changes.

We want to reiterate that the interface and keys to access the options may differ for different manufacturers.

Enter BIOS from Windows Settings

Those of you who always miss the chance to hit the required key to enter BIOS can opt for this method. However, you will first have to launch the Windows RE (Recovery Environment) and then enter BIOS. Here’s how you do it.

To enter BIOS through Settings, right-click on the ‘Start’ icon in the Taskbar or press WINDOWS + X to launch the ‘Quick Access Menu’, and select ‘Settings’ from the list of options. Alternatively, you can press WINDOWS + I to launch Settings directly.

In the ‘System’ tab of Settings, select ‘Recovery’ on the right.

Next, click on ‘Restart now’ next to ‘Advanced startup’ under ‘Recovery options to restart your computer in the Windows RE.

Click on ‘Restart now’ in the window that appears.

Wait for the system to restart and you will then be presented with three options, select ‘Troubleshoot’.

Next, click on ‘Advanced options’.

You will now find six choices under ‘Advanced Options’, select ‘UEFI Firmware Settings’.

Now, click on ‘Restart’ to restart the computer and enter the Startup Menu.

You will now enter the Startup Menu, the one we got into right at startup in the last step. Finally, press the F10 key to enter the ‘BIOS’.

Although entering the BIOS takes a bit longer via Settings than the Startup method, but is a sure shot method. Also, it works on all computer models, whether old or new, and no matter how fast they boot Windows.

Conclusion

Accessing the BIOS on a Windows 11 PC is crucial for troubleshooting and making specific system changes. While pressing the appropriate key at startup used to be the standard method, the rapid boot times of modern computers have necessitated alternative approaches. Users can now access BIOS either through the Startup Menu by pressing the ESC key at startup and then F10, or by navigating to Settings, Recovery, and UEFI Firmware Settings within the Windows environment.

Although the keys and interface may vary across different computer manufacturers, the fundamental process remains consistent, enabling users to effectively access and utilize BIOS on their Windows 11 PCs. Familiarizing oneself with these methods ensures that users can successfully enter BIOS when needed, regardless of their computer model or manufacturer.