How to Access UEFI in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting into UEFI Settings on Windows 11

Accessing UEFI settings on a Windows 11 PC might seem like a bit of a kerfuffle at first, but it’s easier than it looks. Entering UEFI allows you to tweak firmware settings like boot order and run hardware diagnostics—handy when upgrading components or troubleshooting odd issues. Here’s a quick guide to help you find your way to UEFI, even if you’re new to it all.

First up, open the Start Menu by clicking the Windows icon on your taskbar or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. Think of the Start Menu as your control centre, where all the good stuff is kept.

Next, look for the Settings app — it’s that gear icon or just type “Settings” into the search bar. Clicking on it will take you to a menu full of options to customise your system, including some advanced settings you’ll need to access UEFI.

Once you’re in Settings, click on System in the sidebar, then scroll down until you find Recovery. This section is your gateway to recovery tools and advanced startup options, including UEFI.

In the Recovery menu, find the Advanced startup section and click on Restart now. Your PC will reboot into a specialised repair mode, which includes the option to jump straight into UEFI.

After it restarts, you’ll see a blue screen with various options. Select Troubleshoot; this is where the actual configuration bits are tucked away.

Within Troubleshoot, click on Advanced options, which will narrow your choices and lead you directly to the firmware setup.

Finally, choose UEFI Firmware Settings. Your PC will prompt you one last time to restart — just click Restart. When it boots back up, you should land straight in UEFI, ready to tweak settings like boot order or security features.

While inside UEFI, you can do a lot — from setting the boot sequence to toggling hardware bits on or off. Some machines let you jump directly into UEFI by pressing keys like F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup. Tech-savvy users can also access UEFI via Command Prompt or PowerShell if they’re feeling adventurous:

# Enable UEFI firmware settings access (if supported)
bcdedit /set {current} recoveryenabled Yes
# Reboot into firmware interface
shutdown /r /fw

Just a quick tip—before you start fiddling around, it’s a good idea to jot down your current settings. Once you start changing things, it’s easy to forget what was there, especially if firmware isn’t your thing.

Common Questions About UEFI

What the heck is UEFI?

Well, UEFI stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. Basically, it’s the modern replacement for BIOS, running the show before your operating system kicks in. It offers better security features and can boot up a lot quicker—definitely a step up from the old-school BIOS.

How often do I need to mess with UEFI?

Most folks won’t need to visit UEFI very often—usually only when upgrading hardware or troubleshooting. If everything’s running smoothly, it’s best to leave well alone.

Can fiddling with UEFI break my system?

Absolutely. Changing settings without knowing what they do can cause all sorts of headaches, including a system that refuses to boot. So, be cautious and make sure you know what you’re doing!

Can I access UEFI without restarting?

Unfortunately, no. UEFI runs independently of your Windows OS, so a reboot is necessary to get in.

Does Windows 11 still support BIOS?

Yes, although UEFI is the preferred boot mode for Windows 11, many systems can still boot in legacy BIOS mode. That said, sticking with UEFI is recommended for better security and performance.

Knowing how to access UEFI gives you greater control over your PC—whether you’re upgrading hardware or troubleshooting. Just remember to be careful, note down your original settings, and do a quick search if you’re unsure about what to change.

Here’s a quick checklist to get into UEFI:

  • Open the Start Menu
  • Go to Settings
  • Select System > Recovery
  • Click “Restart now” under Advanced startup
  • Choose Troubleshoot
  • Select Advanced options
  • Click on UEFI Firmware Settings and restart

Hopefully, this guide saves you some time and frustration when navigating the ins and outs of UEFI.

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