How to Access BIOS in Windows 11 Without Restarting Your Computer

You cannot access BIOS without restarting — but Windows 11 offers a faster alternative

BIOS lives on a chip separate from Windows and runs before your operating system loads. To enter BIOS itself, you must restart your computer and interrupt the boot process — there is no way around this. However, if you need to change firmware settings or check hardware information, Windows 11 provides UEFI Firmware Settings, a built-in tool that lets you reach many of the same controls without a full restart cycle.

The distinction matters because most routine firmware tasks — checking boot order, enabling or disabling hardware features, viewing system information — can be done through UEFI Firmware Settings. Only specialized tasks like clearing CMOS or updating BIOS itself require the traditional restart-and-interrupt method.

Key Takeaways

UEFI Firmware Settings in Windows 11 lets you access many BIOS controls without restarting, though it is not the same as BIOS itself.
You can open UEFI Firmware Settings through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup, then restart once from there.
The traditional method of holding Delete or F2 during startup still works and is necessary for tasks like BIOS updates or CMOS resets.
If your computer boots too fast to catch the BIOS prompt, use the Advanced Startup method instead.

Opening UEFI Firmware Settings from Windows 11 Settings

This is the fastest way to reach firmware controls without a full restart. Open the Settings app (press Windows key + I), then navigate to System > Recovery. Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now." Your computer will restart into a menu where you can select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "UEFI Firmware Settings." Click "Restart" and your computer will boot directly into the firmware interface.

This method counts as one restart, not zero, but it is faster than the traditional approach because you do not have to time a key press during boot. Once you finish making changes in UEFI Firmware Settings, select "Exit and save changes" (or the equivalent option on your motherboard) and Windows will resume normally.

Using the Command Prompt shortcut

If you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click the Start button, select "Terminal (Admin)") and type shutdown /r /fw /t 0. This command restarts your computer and boots directly into UEFI Firmware Settings without showing the Windows login screen. The "/fw" flag tells Windows to enter firmware mode on the next restart, and "/t 0" means restart when ready.

This method is identical to the Settings menu approach in terms of what happens — your computer restarts once and enters the firmware interface. It is useful if you are already in Command Prompt or prefer typing to clicking through menus.

When you need the traditional BIOS restart method

Some tasks require entering BIOS the old way: by restarting and pressing a key during startup. These include updating BIOS itself, clearing CMOS (resetting all firmware settings to factory defaults), or accessing diagnostic tools that do not appear in UEFI Firmware Settings. If your motherboard manufacturer has released a BIOS update, you will need to use this method.

To enter BIOS during startup, restart your computer and when ready begin pressing Delete, F2, F10, or F12 (the key varies by manufacturer — check your motherboard manual or the startup screen itself). You must press the key repeatedly as soon as the computer powers on, before the Windows logo appears. If you miss the window, the computer will boot into Windows and you will need to restart and try again.

Why modern computers boot too fast to catch BIOS

Newer computers with NVMe solid-state drives and UEFI firmware boot in seconds, making it nearly impossible to press the BIOS key in time. This is why Windows 11 added the Advanced Startup method — it gives you a reliable way to reach firmware without the timing challenge. If you find yourself repeatedly missing the BIOS prompt during startup, use UEFI Firmware Settings or the Command Prompt method instead.

Some manufacturers include a "BIOS Setup" option in the Windows shutdown menu, accessible by holding Shift while clicking "Shut Down" in the Start menu. This feature is not standard across all computers, but if your manufacturer included it, this is the easiest single-click route to BIOS.

What you can and cannot do in UEFI Firmware Settings

UEFI Firmware Settings gives you access to boot order, find boot toggles, hardware enable/disable options, and system information. You can check temperatures, storage capacity, and RAM details. You cannot update BIOS itself from this interface, nor can you clear CMOS or access low-level diagnostic tools that some motherboards offer only in full BIOS.

If you are unsure whether your task requires full BIOS or can be done in UEFI Firmware Settings, start with the Settings menu method. If the option you need is not there, you can always restart and use the traditional key-press method.

Troubleshooting if UEFI Firmware Settings will not open

If clicking "UEFI Firmware Settings" does nothing or returns an error, your computer may have find Boot or other protections blocking the transition. Restart your computer normally and try the Command Prompt method instead: shutdown /r /fw /t 0. This often works when the Settings menu does not.

If neither method works, your motherboard or system manufacturer may have disabled this feature. In that case, you will need to use the traditional BIOS key method during startup. Consult your motherboard manual or manufacturer support to confirm which key to press and whether any firmware-level restrictions are in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UEFI Firmware Settings the same as BIOS?

No. UEFI Firmware Settings is a Windows tool that communicates with your firmware and lets you change some settings without restarting. BIOS is the actual firmware on your motherboard. UEFI Firmware Settings is a shortcut to common tasks; full BIOS access requires restarting and pressing a key during boot.

Will I lose my data if I restart to access UEFI Firmware Settings?

No. Restarting to access UEFI Firmware Settings is the same as any normal restart. Windows will save your work and resume normally after you exit the firmware interface. Do not turn off your computer while in UEFI Firmware Settings, as that can cause problems.

What if I do not see the UEFI Firmware Settings option in Advanced Startup?

Your system may not support this feature, or it may be disabled by your manufacturer. Try the Command Prompt method: open Command Prompt as administrator and type shutdown /r /fw /t 0. If that does not work, use the traditional method of pressing Delete or F2 during startup.

Can I change my boot order without restarting?

You can view your boot order in UEFI Firmware Settings without restarting, but changing it requires one restart to enter the firmware interface. Once you make the change and save, Windows resumes normally. This is still faster than the traditional BIOS key method because you do not have to time a key press.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.