How to Boot Into Your PC's BIOS/UEFI From Windows Explained In 2 Minutes

The Old-Fashioned Way: A Game of Reflexes

Accessing your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings traditionally involves restarting your machine and pressing a specific key—often F2, F10, Delete, or Escape, depending on the manufacturer. However, timing this key press perfectly can be a frustrating game of chance.

A Smarter, Faster Method from Windows

Fortunately, there's a much simpler method available directly within Windows, eliminating the need for guesswork or frantic button-mashing during startup. This article will show you how to boot directly into your BIOS using the Command Prompt.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Navigate to the Windows search bar and type cmd. Right-click on the "Command Prompt" result and select "Run as administrator" to ensure you have the necessary permissions.

2. Execute the Restart Command

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command exactly as shown and press Enter:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

Your computer will begin to restart immediately. Instead of loading the usual Windows desktop, it will boot directly into the BIOS or UEFI settings screen.

Important Considerations

Note on Compatibility: This technique is designed for modern PCs that use UEFI firmware. If you have an older system with a legacy BIOS, this command may not function. In that case, you will need to rely on the traditional method of pressing the designated key during startup.