How to Access BIOS Windows 10 Without Restarting – Honestly, accessing BIOS on Windows 10 without restarting sounds impossible, but guess what? It’s totally doable! Since tweaking system settings feels annoying when a restart is needed, knowing a faster way saves a lot of time. So, let me share my personal tricks to enter BIOS without restarting Windows 10, and trust me, these work like magic! 😉
What is BIOS & Why Do You Need It?
To understand why BIOS matters, let’s break it down quickly. While BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) runs as firmware, it manages hardware before Windows even loads. Plus, most modern PCs now use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of the classic BIOS. Since accessing BIOS helps with boot order changes, enabling virtualization, and troubleshooting, knowing an easier way is a lifesaver.
Normally, restarting and pressing keys like F2, F12, DEL, or ESC gets you there, but let’s explore smarter alternatives! 🚀
Also Read: What is Memory Integrity Windows 11? Must-Enable Feature!
Method 1: Using Windows Advanced Startup Options
Since Windows 10 has built-in advanced startup settings, accessing BIOS without manually restarting is easier than ever. Just follow these steps:
- Open Settings using (Win + I).
- Click Update & Security, then go to Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- Once the system boots into Advanced Startup Mode, pick Troubleshoot.
- Navigate to Advanced Options, then select UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click Restart, and voilà! BIOS opens instantly! 🎉
Since this method doesn’t require pressing keys during startup, it’s perfect for anyone who struggles with timing the BIOS entry.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt (CMD)
If speed matters, then this CMD trick to enter BIOS without restart works like a charm! Just follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the following command:
shutdown /r /fw /t 0
- Press Enter, and Windows instantly boots into BIOS.
💡 Pro Tip: Since Administrator access is required, make sure to run CMD with elevated privileges.
Method 3: Using Windows PowerShell
Since PowerShell offers a similar solution, using it is another easy way to boot into BIOS directly. Just follow these steps:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Enter this command:
shutdown /r /fw
- Hit Enter, and Windows instantly redirects to BIOS!
Since PowerShell provides an alternative to CMD, choosing either method depends on personal preference. 😎
Method 4: Creating a BIOS Shortcut (One-Click Access!)
Since manually entering commands gets tiring, creating a BIOS shortcut makes life easier! Here’s how:
- Right-click the desktop → Select New → Shortcut.
- Enter the following command:
shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00
- Click Next, name it Access BIOS, then hit Finish.
- Double-clicking this shortcut instantly sends you to BIOS—no restart required! 😍
Troubleshooting BIOS Access Issues
Since things don’t always go as planned, let’s tackle common issues:
-
BIOS option missing in Advanced Startup?
- Since some PCs don’t support UEFI, checking system compatibility helps.
- Updating the motherboard firmware often fixes the issue.
-
Command Prompt method not working?
- Running CMD as Administrator is necessary.
- Keeping Windows updated prevents common errors.
-
Shortcut doesn’t work?
- Since incorrect syntax causes issues, double-checking the command helps.
- Trying PowerShell instead provides an alternative solution.
FAQs: How to Access BIOS Windows 10 Without Restarting
1. Can I access BIOS without shutting down Windows 10?
Yes! Since Windows offers built-in options, using Advanced Startup, CMD, PowerShell, or a shortcut makes BIOS access easy.
2. What is the fastest way to enter BIOS in Windows 10?
Since CMD and PowerShell work instantly, running shutdown /r /fw
is the quickest solution.
3. Why is UEFI Firmware Settings missing in Windows 10?
Since some systems use Legacy BIOS, enabling UEFI or updating the motherboard firmware often fixes the issue.
4. Does entering BIOS this way harm my PC?
No! Since these methods are officially supported by Windows 10, they remain completely safe. 😊