Skip the race to press a startup key with Windows' firmware restart switch.
Trying to catch the firmware setup key before Windows starts? You can ask Windows to restart directly into the firmware interface.
Save your work and close your apps first. On a supported UEFI system, open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as administrator and run:
1shutdown /r /fw /t 0
This starts a restart immediately. /r restarts the computer, /fw requests the firmware interface on the next restart, and /t 0 removes the countdown.
Why specify the timeout? Windows defaults to 30 seconds, and a timeout greater than zero implies /f, which forces applications to close and can lose unsaved work. This version avoids implicitly adding that force-close switch.
If the firmware route isn’t supported, check your manufacturer’s instructions. In Windows 11, you can also use Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart where available.
Shutdown command reference · Windows firmware settings guidance
Original post: 18 April 2025. Documentation checked 13 October 2026.