Can’t Get Into BIOS in Windows 10/11 | A Quick Guide to Get You In

Usually pressing the appropriate BIOS key for your device will get you into BIOS. However, you can still get access to it in other ways. You have to go to the windows start menu and then by following a couple of steps you will stumble upon the option of UEFI firmware settings. This helps you if you can’t get into bios.

However, this applies to Windows 10/11. Older versions of Windows may not have UEFI.

How to Get Access into BIOS on Windows 10 PC/Laptop?

Newer PCs with storage capacities of many terabytes appear to be too sophisticated for older BIOS software. Modern systems, which are frequently equipped with 3TB drives or more, are confined to 16-bit CPU modes and booting drives of 2.1TB or less.

As a result, for the requirement of more powerful booting, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) was formed. These restrictions of the old BIOS system are overcome by the new BIOS standard. UEFI, or Unified Extended Firmware Interface Forum, is a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system that can potentially handle disks up to 9.4 zettabytes in size.

Entering into BIOS in Windows 10

When using Windows 10/11, it is frequently hard to access the BIOS or Basic Input Output System. But users need to access BIOS for many reasons. Here are some techniques to help you get into BIOS. 

Use the Correct Hot-key during Boot-up

Different PC brands have different keys assigned for BIOS. You need to know the right BIOS key for your PC. If you are not sure then you can find it out by searching on Google. Here are some common BIOS keys by brands:

• Asus: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for motherboards
• HP: ESC or F10
• Acer: F2 or DEL
• Dell: F2 or F12
• Toshiba: F2
• Samsung: F2

Use the Start Menu in Windows 10

• Enter into Windows settings. Select settings on the left side of your Windows start menu. Windows shortcut keys Windows + I may also be used to access your Windows settings.

• Scroll down to find “Update & Security”. Then select it. 

• Choose “Recovery” from “Update & Security”.

• You will see the option for restarting your PC under “Advanced startup”. Choose “Restart Now”.

• Once your computer restarts, you’ll be presented with a particular menu that allows you to “Continue,” “Turn off your pc,” or “Troubleshoot.” Select the option “Troubleshoot”.

• Then you will come across two options; “Reset this PC” and “Advanced options”. Select “Advanced options”.

• Choose “UEFI Firmware Settings”. This will enable you to access the BIOS settings on your Windows 10 computer.

• Select “Restart”

Getting into the BIOS of Windows 7, Vista, and XP

You should be able to enter your BIOS using the same approach of hitting your specified hotkey during boot-up. As soon as you see your manufacturer’s brand logo, push that button.

Because older operating systems take longer to load, your window of time to press your assigned hotkey should be large enough to allow you to enter the BIOS quickly. On Windows 7 or later, use this three-step procedure to get into the BIOS.

• Turn your computer off. You can only access BIOS on earlier operating systems shortly before the Microsoft Windows logo displays on your computer screen.
• Turn on your computer.
• Use the BIOS hotkey to enter the BIOS. Your PC’s BIOS will be launched with one keystroke or a mixture of pressed keys. Often, your computer will specify which key or keys must be pushed to enter BIOS on the starting screen.

Still cannot get into BIOS

If you still cannot get into BIOS then you may need to go through some additional steps to fix it. Here are two methods:

Method 1

Your timing may be preventing you from accessing your PC’s BIOS. It happens if your PC powers up too rapidly for you to determine when to push your BIOS hotkey.

You’ll have to disable quick startup to decelerate your boot time and open your window for hotkey pressing. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Go to your control panel and look for “Power choices.”

2. In the left panel, choose “Choose what the power button does”

3. Above the power button and lid settings, press “Change settings that are currently available” 

4. Uncheck the box next to “Turn on rapid startup.”

5. Restart your computer and enter BIOS using your hotkey.

Method 2

You may experience boot failure if your computer refuses to enter BIOS or displays the blue screen of death. You can try using an emergency boot disk to bring back life to your PC through a USB drive for gaining access to BIOS.

You should be able to choose a boot device after the USB drive has started up.

1. Rather than clicking the central “Install immediately” button, select “Repair your computer.”

2. Select “Troubleshoot”.

3. Next select “UEFI Firmware Settings”.

4. Choose “Restart”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will Windows 11 support BIOS?

For your information, Windows 11 does not support Legacy BIOS. Additionally, if you try to install Windows 11 on your Legacy BIOS computer, you cannot update it to the latest version ever. Moreover, doing so will bypass some hardware checking and change some settings of the files, and lead to the danger of a system crash.

Do I need UEFI BIOS for Windows 11?

Yes, you need it. Basically, when you are upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, your computer should be capable of providing Secure Boot (it also ensures better security). Therefore, your BIOS/UEFI should be enabled. 

How can I reset BIOS on Windows 10?The procedure is pretty simple. Start by powering on your PC. Enter the BIOS accordingly. Then navigate through Advanced > Special Configuration > Factory Recovery. Now, choose Enabled. Finally, select Home then Save and Exit.

Conclusion

If none of these work then you may need to seek the help of a computer repair professional in your region. Windows 7 can have UEFI as well. The boot mode may be found in Windows under “System Information” on the Start panel and under BIOS Mode. Your system has BIOS if it says Legacy. It’s UEFI if it claims UEFI.