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Restart Windows directly into BIOS/UEFI setup

One command reboots the PC straight into the firmware settings screen, no keyboard-mashing at startup needed.

WindowsbootcmdtroubleshootingMedium risk
Run: shutdown /r /fw /t 0 — the PC restarts and boots into the UEFI/BIOS setup screen.

01Command

Command
$ shutdown /r /fw /t 0

02What it does

The /r switch restarts the computer, and /fw tells Windows to land in the firmware (BIOS/UEFI) setup interface instead of the operating system. /t 0 means restart immediately. This is much easier than pausing boot to press F2, Del, or Esc, and works the same on every PC manufacturer.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
!Warning: Don't change firmware settings you don't understand — wrong BIOS/UEFI changes (especially Secure Boot or boot order) can stop Windows from starting.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • shutdown (Windows Commands)
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents /r (restart the computer) and /fw (combined with /r, restart to the UEFI/BIOS firmware interface) on the official shutdown reference page.
  • Shutdown.exe - Shutdown the computer
    SS64.com · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Lists the /fw switch for restarting to the firmware (BIOS/UEFI) setup interface, alongside /r and /t.

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: System & Settings

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