Forum Discussion

Leefuasn's avatar
Leefuasn
Iron Contributor
Jul 30, 2026

Difficulty in Accessing BIOS/UEFI Settings on Windows PC

I'm having trouble accessing the BIOS or UEFI settings on my Windows PC. Whenever I try to enter the BIOS during startup, the screen either remains blank, quickly flashes by, or I can't find the righ...
licensing
Michelle_Scott77's avatar
Michelle_Scott77
Copper Contributor
Jul 30, 2026

Since Windows is still starting, first check the current boot mode. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and look for BIOS Mode in System Information. If it says UEFI, save any open work, open Terminal or Command Prompt, and run:

shutdown /r /fw /t 0

The /fw switch requests that the next restart open the firmware interface on systems that support it. 

If the command is not supported, or BIOS Mode shows Legacy, use the setup key listed for the exact PC or motherboard model. F2 and Delete are common, but F12 frequently opens only a temporary boot menu. Turn the PC fully off first, then begin tapping the documented setup key immediately after pressing the power button.

A firmware screen that is blank while Windows displays normally can be a pre-boot video-output issue. For a desktop PC, try with only one directly connected monitor and a wired keyboard; for a laptop, disconnect external screens and use the built-in panel. Avoid selecting “Load Defaults” or changing boot and security settings unless the original values have been noted. If the screen remains blank even with the manufacturer’s correct method, the problem is outside Windows and should be handled through the device or motherboard manufacturer’s support.