Share this article

Improve this guide

How to Change BIOS Settings on Windows 11 [Easy Steps]

Hardware settings can only be changed from BIOS

4 min. read

Updated onJanuary 29, 2024

updated onJanuary 29, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Changing your settings is sometimes necessary to ensure that your PC is working properly, and most settings can be adjusted from the built-in settings apps.

However, many hardware settings are inaccessible from the desktop, and the only way to access them is to enter BIOS and modify them from there.

Windows 11 didn’t change the modality to reach BIOS, and it’s almost the same as on the previous versions of the OS.

If you want to know how to change BIOS settings on Windows 11, then be sure to keep reading to find the best ways to do it.

What does BIOS do?

BIOS is a chip on your motherboard with motherboard firmware and settings stored on it, and it’s in charge of initializing your hardware during the boot and starting the boot loader.

Besides the initialization, it is also used to configure your hardware, system, security, and boot settings. In addition, you can use it to overclock your hardware or discover thebest BIOS settings for gaming.

To learn more, we suggest visiting ourwhat is BIOSarticle for more in-depth information.

How does BIOS work?

When you press the Power button on your PC, the first thing that BIOS does is check the CMOS for custom settings.

Next, it loads the interrupt handlers and device drivers and initializes registers and power management.

After that, it performs a power-on self-test and checks if the required hardware works properly. If everything is in order, you’ll see your system settings, and BIOS will determine if bootable devices are available.

Once the bootable device is found, the booting sequence will initiate and start your operating system.

How can I change BIOS settings on Windows 11?

1. Access BIOS using the shortcut key during the booting process

This is the easiest way toaccess BIOS, but it’s not universal. Some motherboards use a different key, and you can do two things to find the right key.

2. Enter BIOS using the Settings app

1.Click theStarticon in theTaskbar.

2.Now select theSettingsapp from the menu that opened.

3.Go to theRecovery options.

4.In theAdvanced startupsection, click onRestart now.

SelectRestart nowto confirm.

6.Go to theTroubleshootcenter.

7.SelectAdvanced options.

8.Now selectUEFI Firmware Settings.

Finally, clickRestartto confirm.
After the restart, Windows should boot directly to BIOS. From there, you can make all the BIOS changes you want.

There is a method to enter BIOS on Windows 11 without having to use a keyboard shortcut. Instead, you can access BIOS via Settings.

When should I update my BIOS?

This is a relatively simple but somewhat dangerous procedure. To learn more about the process, we recommend reading ourBIOS update guide.

Now that you know the basics, should you update to the new version as soon as it’s available? The short answer is no; as long as your PC is working properly, there’s no need to update.

These types of updates usually fix minor bugs and add support for newer hardware, so if your PC isn’t affected by this specific bug, there’s no reason to update your BIOS.

Some updates bring support for newer CPUs, and if you’re planning to upgrade your PC and get a new CPU, then an update is mandatory. If you’re having issues with specific hardware, an update might help in some instances.

Remember that this isn’t a risk-free process, and if the update goes wrong, you might cause permanent damage to your PC and make it unable to boot, so update your BIOS only if necessary.

What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI stores the data in a .efi file on a dedicated partition, while BIOS relies on an EPROM chip. Another advantage is the GUI interface with mouse support, faster boot time, TPM, and Secure Boot support.

To learn more about TPM, we suggest visiting ourTPM and Windows 11guide. UEFI also has discrete driver support that holds this information in its ROM and better support for larger drives.

When comparing the two, the UEFI is an obvious improvement, and almost all modern motherboards use it.

We also have a guide onhow to update BIOS in Windows 10that you can check out.

If you want to change BIOS settings on Windows 11, first, you need to access it, and you can do that using any of the methods mentioned in this guide.

The quickest way to do that is to use the keyboard shortcut during the boot, and this is the method that the majority of users prefer.

However, if this method isn’t working for you for some reason, you can always boot to BIOS using the Advanced startup options. And don’t hesitate to also check out our article onhow to remove BIOS password on Windows 11.

What is your favorite method to boot to BIOS? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Change BIOS Settings on Windows 11 [Easy Steps]#

How can I change BIOS settings on Windows 11?#

1. Access BIOS using the shortcut key during the booting process#

2. Enter BIOS using the Settings app#

When should I update my BIOS?#

What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?#