You can’t open Command Prompt from the BIOS itself. The BIOS (or UEFI firmware) runs before Windows and doesn’t include a command line. What most people mean is opening Command Prompt before Windows starts, from the Windows Recovery Environment. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. If Windows won’t start, you can get there automatically after failed boots, or boot from a Windows USB drive and press Shift + F10.
This guide covers all three ways, plus useful commands and how to get into the real BIOS if that’s what you need.
BIOS vs. recovery Command Prompt
| BIOS/UEFI setup | Recovery Command Prompt | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Firmware settings for your hardware | A text command line from Windows’ recovery tools |
| Use it for | Boot order, Secure Boot, virtualization, date and time | Repairing startup, fixing disks, copying files, resetting boot files |
| How to get there | A key like F2, F10, Del, or Esc at power-on | Advanced startup, automatic repair, or Windows USB media |
Method 1: From Windows (Advanced startup)
- Open Settings with Windows key + I.
- Click Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Choose your account and enter its password if asked.
Shortcut: hold Shift while you click Restart in the Start menu’s power options, or on the sign-in screen, to go straight to these recovery options.
Method 2: When Windows won’t start
- Turn on the PC. As soon as the Windows logo or spinning dots appear, hold the power button until it turns off.
- Repeat this two more times. On the third start, Windows usually shows Preparing Automatic Repair.
- On the Automatic Repair screen, click Advanced options.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Forcing shutdowns is safe for this purpose, but avoid it while Windows is installing updates.
Method 3: From a Windows installation USB
- Create a Windows 10 USB drive with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on another PC.
- Plug it in and boot from it. You may need to press a boot-menu key like F12, F11, or Esc at power-on, or change the boot order in the BIOS.
- When the Windows Setup screen appears, press Shift + F10. Command Prompt opens right away.
You can also click Next > Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
Useful commands in recovery Command Prompt
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
bcdedit |
Shows your boot configuration and which drive letter Windows is on |
chkdsk C: /f |
Checks and fixes file system errors (use the correct Windows drive letter) |
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows |
Repairs Windows system files from recovery |
bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, bootrec /rebuildbcd |
Repairs boot records on older or BIOS-mode systems |
diskpart then list volume |
Shows all drives and their letters |
notepad |
Opens Notepad, whose File > Open window works as a basic file browser for copying files |
In recovery, Windows may not be on drive C:. Run diskpart, then list volume, and look for the large NTFS volume before running repair commands. Type exit to leave diskpart.
How to open the real BIOS instead
- From the Advanced options screen above, choose UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
- Or press your PC’s setup key at power-on, often F2, Del, F10, or Esc.
For details, see how to enter the BIOS on Windows 10.
Related: Boot to Command Prompt in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see Command Prompt under Advanced options?
Click See more recovery options if it’s shown. If recovery tools are damaged or missing, use a Windows USB drive (Method 3).
It asks for a BitLocker recovery key. What do I do?
Your drive is encrypted. See how to find your BitLocker recovery key before continuing.
Can I reset a forgotten password from recovery Command Prompt?
Only use official methods. See how to reset a Windows 10 password for safe options, like resetting a Microsoft account password online.
How do I get back to Windows?
Type exit and press Enter, then click Continue to start Windows normally.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He started on a university help desk, spent years as the IT person for small businesses, and has been writing tech guides full time since 2020. Each guide is checked on a device he owns, and re-checked when a menu moves. More about Kermit.