How to Open BIOS on Windows 11 without Restarting Your PC

How can you open BIOS on Windows 11 without restarting your PC? The process is simple. The BIOS and UEFI both let you change your computer’s settings, like the date and time or even how your processor works. BIOS is the older way, while UEFI is the newer, faster option found in most modern Windows 11 and 10 computers.

UEFI is like an improved BIOS: it supports bigger hard drives, works in 32- or 64-bit versions (compared to BIOS’s 16-bit), and even has security features to keep your computer safe.

But you might be worried about how to enter the BIOS in Windows 11.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss 5 easy methods to access BIOS (also known as UEFI Firmware Settings) on Windows 11 without restarting your PC. You can choose the method that works best for you, whether it’s using Settings, Command Prompt, a shortcut, or even a function key during startup. The sixth method requires restarting your devices.

The guide is useful for major laptops and PCs from manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, Dell, Acer, etc.

Now, let’s move ahead and start to find out how to open BIOS on Windows 11 or 10 on your PC or Laptop:

Quick Solution

BIOS is the first program that runs on your computer, initializing hardware and letting you boot your operating system. Here are a few quick and easy ways to access Windows 11 BIOS:

1. Accessing BIOS through Settings: Windows + I > System > Recovery > Choose “Restart Now” > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
2. Getting into BIOS Using PowerShell: PowerShell > write “shutdown /r /o” > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
3. Open BIOS Using Run Command: Win + R > type “shutdown /r /o /f /t 00” > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
4. Entering BIOS Using System Configuration: Win + R > type “msconfg” > Boot > Safe boot > Minimal > Apply > OK
5. Access BIOS Using Shortcut: New > Shortcut > Shutdown/r /o /f /t 00 > Name the shortcut, then double-click the shortcut. Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart
6. Launching BIOS with Keys: F2, F10, F12, Delete, Esc, or a function key.

Here’s a table of contents for entering BIOS using 6 methods, with and without restarting your Windows 11 PC. You can click and jump to each section and method.

What is BIOS (Basic Input/Output System?)

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware responsible for the initial startup and configuration of a computer. It runs before the operating system loads.

Entering the BIOS on a Windows 11 computer can be useful for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Configuring hardware settings
• Managing boot options
• Switching between UEFI and Legacy boot modes
• Adjusting power management preferences
• Accessing advanced overclocking settings
• Clock Adjustment
• Updating the BIOS firmware to fix bugs
• Improve compatibility
• Checking RAM and Resources
• And add new features.

The BIOS is the fundamental firmware that enables your computer to start up and function properly. Accessing BIOS is necessary for various hardware, boot, and configuration tasks, as well as for maintaining and updating your system.

How to Access BIOS on Windows 11 without Restarting

These methods allow you to access the BIOS/UEFI settings without having to physically restart your computer and interrupt your current workflow. Keep in mind that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your specific Windows 11 system and BIOS/UEFI implementation.

1. Open Windows 11/10 BIOS Using Settings

Now, follow these simple steps to open BIOS using settings in Windows 10 and 11:

1. Click the Windows icon, then type “settings” in the search bar and open it. Or you can use the shortcut key (Windows + i) altogether.
2. Select “System” in the menu on the left side and click on “Recovery” on the right side.
3. Choose “Restart Now” in the advanced startup to start the troubleshooting. (Please save your work before restarting your PC.)
4. Choose “Troubleshoot on the new menu.
5. Select “Advanced options”.
6. Select “UEFI Firmware Settings” and click on the “Restart” button to get into BIOS.

By following these steps, you will open the “BIOS setup.”

2. Get into BIOS using Command Prompt/Powershell or Windows Terminal (Windows 10/11)

Now, follow these easy steps to access BIOS using the Command Prompt in Windows 11 and 10.

Related: How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10?

1. In the start menu, search for PowerShell or Windows Terminal and click on “Run as Administrator.”. Or press “Win + R,”  type “Powershell,” and hit “Shift+Ctrl+Enter” at the same time. Clicking “Yes” will open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Now, type shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 or shutdown /r /o and press enter.
3. Once your computer restarts, you can find the BIOS settings by following these simple steps:

• Click on “Troubleshoot.”
• Then, choose “Advanced options.”
• Finally, select “UEFI Firmware Settings” and click “Restart.” This will take you directly to the BIOS.

3. Run Command for BIOS in Windows 10/11

1. Click on the Start Menu, type “Run” in the search bar, and open it.
2. In the Run box, type the following command: shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 or shutdown /r /o, and press Enter. This restarts your computer with special settings.
   
3. After restarting, click “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options” and “UEFI Firmware Settings.” Finally, click “Restart” again to enter your computer’s BIOS settings

4. Using System Configuration to Enter the BIOS on Your Windows 11 PC

1. Press the “Windows key + R” to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and hit Enter.
   
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Boot” tab.
4. Check the “Safe boot” option and select “Minimal“.
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK“.

Restart your computer, and it will take you to the BIOS setup.

5. Enter BIOS with a Shortcut Windows 10/11

There’s a shortcut to access BIOS settings on Windows 10 and 11.

1. Right-click anywhere on your desktop and choose “New,” then “Shortcut.”

2. In the Create Shortcut window, input shutdown /r /o /f /t 00or shutdown /r /o for the location of the item.
   
3. Name the Shortcut “Shutdown” and then Double-click the shortcut you just created. It will restart your computer. After restarting, follow the same steps as before: “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “UEFI Firmware Settings” and “Restart” to enter BIOS.6.

6. Enter BIOS with the Key in Windows 10/11

This method is used to physically restart your Windows 11/10 PC or laptop

When your computer is booting, you should see a message that informs you which key you need to press to access your computer or laptop BIOS.

Typically, BIOS entry keys are F2, F10, F12, Delete, Esc, or a function key.

As soon as your computer starts, you need to press and hold the right key for a short time.

The above screenshot is relevant to an HP laptop that requires an F10 key to enter into the BIOS setup. Pressing the required key will take you directly to the BIOS interface.

Conclusion

With this guide, you may have a clear idea about what is BIOS and how to access BIOS (or UEFI) on your Windows 10 or 11 PC or laptop without physically restarting them. Whether you prefer using Settings, the Shift key trick, Command Prompt, the Run command, or even creating a handy shortcut, we’ve covered all the methods. You just need to do the same steps and can successfully enter into BIOS with or without restarting your Windows 11 PC.