Windows 11 can restart directly into its advanced recovery options from a command line. From there, supported PCs can expose UEFI Firmware Settings, which is the modern equivalent of entering BIOS setup. The command does not itself edit firmware settings.
Restart into advanced startup from a command line
- Save your work and close applications because the PC will restart.
- Open Command Prompt, Terminal, or Run with sufficient permission for the shutdown operation.
- Enter
shutdown /r /o /t 0and press Enter. - After the restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings when that option is available.
- Choose Restart to enter the computer’s firmware interface.
If UEFI Firmware Settings is missing
Not every computer exposes firmware entry through Windows Recovery Environment. Use the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s documented startup key instead, commonly one of the function keys, Delete, or Esc. The correct key varies by manufacturer and model.
Be careful inside UEFI
Firmware controls can affect boot order, Secure Boot, TPM, virtualization, storage controllers, memory profiles, and other hardware behavior. Record the current setting before changing something and change only the option required for your task.
If BitLocker or device encryption is enabled, firmware/security changes can cause Windows to request the recovery key at the next boot. Make sure that key is available before changing TPM, Secure Boot, boot configuration, or related settings.
BIOS versus UEFI
People still commonly say “BIOS,” but Windows 11 systems normally use UEFI firmware. Old commands or tutorials designed for legacy BIOS hardware may not apply to a modern Windows 11 PC.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.