Can I enter BIOS from command prompt?

Answered by James Kissner

You can access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on Windows 10 through the Command Prompt. The BIOS is a built-in software that is responsible for initializing and configuring the hardware of your computer when you start it up. It also provides options for changing various settings related to your computer’s hardware.

To access the BIOS from the Command Prompt, you need to follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu.
2. From the menu, select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. If you don’t see this option, you can also search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click on it, and choose “Run as administrator.”

3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: “shutdown /r /fw”.

This command instructs your computer to restart and boot into the firmware settings (BIOS/UEFI) instead of the regular operating system.

4. After entering the command, your computer will restart and automatically boot into the BIOS/UEFI interface. You may see a manufacturer logo or a black screen with text before the BIOS/UEFI interface appears.

It’s worth noting that the key or key combination to access the BIOS may vary depending on the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard. Common keys to access the BIOS include F2, F10, Del, Esc, or a combination of keys like Ctrl+Alt+Delete. You can try pressing these keys during the startup process to access the BIOS if the above command doesn’t work for you.

Once you’re in the BIOS interface, you can navigate through the options using the arrow keys on your keyboard. The exact layout and options available in the BIOS may differ between manufacturers, but you can typically find settings related to boot order, hardware configuration, security, and more.

It’s important to note that changing settings in the BIOS can have a significant impact on your computer’s functionality, so it’s recommended to proceed with caution and only make changes if you are familiar with what you’re doing or have a specific reason for doing so. Incorrectly modifying BIOS settings can potentially cause issues or even prevent your computer from booting properly.

Accessing the BIOS from the Command Prompt on Windows 10 is possible by using the “shutdown /r /fw” command. However, the key or key combination to access the BIOS may vary depending on your computer or motherboard manufacturer. Exercise caution when making changes in the BIOS, as incorrect settings can have adverse effects on your computer’s performance.