How To Find the BIOS / UEFI Key in Windows 11 — Step-by-Step Guide
Quick summary: there are three reliable ways to get into BIOS/UEFI on a Windows 11 PC: use Windows’ Advanced Startup, press the boot key during power-on, or use OEM special buttons (Surface, Novo, Assist). Below are clear steps, commands, and extra tips.
Method 1 — From Windows (best, safe, and works with fast boot)
Use this when you don’t want to guess keys.
Steps (Settings):
- Open Settings → System → Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup click Restart now.
- PC will restart to a blue screen. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
- The PC will boot into BIOS/UEFI.
Quick alternative (one command):
- Open an admin Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0
This restarts into the Advanced Startup menu. Then follow Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings.
Notes:
- Works reliably even if fast startup is enabled.
- Use this when you miss the tiny on-screen prompt at boot.
Method 2 — Press the BIOS Key during boot (classic method)
This is the old-school way. You press a key while the machine starts.
General procedure:
- Turn off the PC.
- Turn it on and immediately start tapping the BIOS key repeatedly (don’t hold it down).
- If you see Windows starting, try again. Tap faster next time.
Common keys to try (start with the first for your brand):
| Brand / Type | Typical BIOS key | Typical Boot-menu key |
|---|---|---|
| Dell (desktop/laptop) | F2 | F12 |
| HP (Pavilion, Envy, ProBook) | Esc → F10 or F10 | F9 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad | F1 | F12 or Novo button |
| Lenovo IdeaPad / consumer | F2 | Novo button / F12 |
| Acer | F2 or Del | F12 |
| ASUS | F2 (laptops) / Del (desktops) | Esc or F8 |
| MSI | Del | F11 |
| Gigabyte / Aorus | Del | F12 |
| Samsung | F2 | F12 |
| Toshiba | F2 or Esc | F12 |
| Microsoft Surface | Hold Volume Up while powering on | (UEFI via Volume Up) |
| Sony VAIO | F2 or Assist button | F11 |
| Generic / desktops | Del | F12 |
Important: Keys vary by model. If none work, try these in this order: Esc, Del, F1, F2, F10, F11, F12.
Method 3 — OEM special buttons and Surface
Some laptops have a tiny button or special sequence.
- Surface: Shut down. Press and hold Volume Up, then press Power once. Keep holding Volume Up until UEFI screen appears.
- Lenovo (Novo button): Small pinhole/button near power. Press it (use paperclip) while off to open boot/UEFI menu.
- Sony VAIO: Use the ASSIST button when off to open recovery and firmware options.
How to find your PC model and vendor (so you can look up the exact key)
- Press Win + R, type
msinfo32, press Enter.- Check System Manufacturer and System Model.
- Or run PowerShell:
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_ComputerSystem | Select Manufacturer,Model - Use that exact model string to search the manufacturer support page or manual for “BIOS key” or “UEFI key”.
Troubleshooting tips
- If you use a wireless keyboard, plug in a wired keyboard or enable USB legacy support. Wireless drivers may not initialize at boot.
- If startup is too fast, use Method 1 (Advanced startup).
- If you see a manufacturer logo but no prompt, try tapping keys immediately after power on.
- If you still can’t enter BIOS, check the PC manual or the OEM support site for your model.
- On desktops, try Delete first. On laptops try F2 first. Dell often uses F2; HP often uses Esc then F10.
Commands & tools quick list
- Open System Information GUI:
msinfo32 - Reboot to Advanced Startup (from prompt):
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0 - PowerShell to get model:
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_ComputerSystem | Select Manufacturer,Model - BIOS info via WMI:
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select Manufacturer,SMBIOSBIOSVersion,ReleaseDate
Safety & best practices
- Don’t change settings unless you understand them.
- Note current BIOS values before editing. Take photos.
- If changing boot order to install OS, change it back afterwards.
- Updating BIOS/UEFI should follow manufacturer instructions. Use their tools and firmware files.
If you tell me your System Manufacturer and Model (from msinfo32), I’ll list the most likely BIOS key and any special button for that device.
