3 Ways to Enter BIOS - wikiHow (2024)

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methods

1Using the Setup Key

2Using Windows 10

3Using Windows 8 and 8.1

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Article Summary

Written byNicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: January 8, 2024Fact Checked

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Do you need to change your PC's boot order or reset your system clock? Once you learn how to access your PC's BIOS or UEFI (the updated version of the BIOS), making changes to the configuration is quick and easy. Entering the BIOS or UEFI varies from computer to computer, but the basic process is always the same. This wikiHow article will teach you how to boot into the BIOS on any Windows PC using a setup key or through your Windows settings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Setup Key

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  1. 1

    Reboot your computer. If you're using an earlier version of Windows or weren't able to use the steps in the Windows 10 or Windows 8 and 8.1 methods, you can enter the BIOS by pressing a special key on your keyboard right after the computer restarts.[1]

    • Entering the BIOS requires you to restart your PC. Save your work and shut down other programs before you continue with this method.
  2. 2

    Press the Setup key repeatedly. As soon as you see the manufacturer’s logo, press the key indicated on the screen to enter Setup or BIOS. They key you'll need to use varies by manufacturer and model. Keep pressing it over and over again until you enter the BIOS.

    • Here's a list of some of the most common setup keys by manufacturer:
      • Acer: F2 or DEL
      • ASUS: F2 or Del
      • Dell: F2 or F12
      • HP: ESC or F10
      • Lenovo: F2 or Fn + F2
      • Lenovo Desktops: F1
      • Lenovo ThinkPads: Enter + F1.
      • MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs
      • Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold the volume-up button.
      • Origin PC: F2
      • Samsung: F2
      • Sony: F1, F2, or F3
      • Toshiba: F2
    • If you don’t hit the key in time, Windows will load and you will have to reboot and retry.

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  3. 3

    Navigate the BIOS. As long as you pressed the correct key, the BIOS or UEFI will load. You can use your keyboard to navigate the menus as your mouse will most likely not be working.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Windows 10

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  1. 1

    Open your Windows Settings

    . You'll find it in the Start menu. As long as you are able to access your Windows desktop, you should be able to enter the UEFI/BIOS without worrying about pressing special keys at boot time.[2]

    • Entering the BIOS requires you to restart your PC. Save your work and shut down other programs before you continue with this method.
  2. 2

    Click Update & Security. It's the icon of two curved arrows.

  3. 3

    Click the Recovery tab. It's in the left column.

  4. 4

    Click Restart Now under "Advanced startup." It's in the right panel, although you may need to scroll down a little to find this button.

  5. 5

    Click Troubleshoot on the menu. Additional menu options will appear.

  6. 6

    Click UEFI Firmware Settings. It's the icon of a microchip with a gear on it. A confirmation screen will appear.

    • If you don't see this option, you'll need to use the Using the Setup Key method.
  7. 7

    Click Restart. This will restart your PC into the BIOS/UEFI.

    • Once you're in the BIOS or UEFI, use the arrow keys on your keyboard (or your mouse, if it works) to navigate and make menu selections.[3]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Windows 8 and 8.1

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  1. 1

    Open the Charms bar. You can do this by holding the mouse cursor at the bottom-right corner of your desktop.

    • Entering the BIOS requires you to restart your PC. Save your work and shut down other programs before you continue with this method.[4]
  2. 2

    Click Settings

    . It's the gear icon on the Charms bar.

  3. 3

    Click Change PC settings. It's at the bottom of the menu.

  4. 4

    Click Update & Recovery. It's at the bottom of the left panel.

    • If you're using Windows 8 and haven't updated to 8.1, select General in the left panel instead.[5]
  5. 5

    Click Recovery (Windows 8.1 only). It's in the left panel.

  6. 6

    Click Restart Now. It's under the "Advanced Setup" header in the right panel.

  7. 7

    Click Troubleshoot on the menu. It's the second option.

  8. 8

    Click Advanced options. It's the last option.

  9. 9

    Click UEFI Firmware Settings. It's the icon of a microchip with a gear on it. A confirmation screen will appear.

    • If you don't see this option, you'll need to use the Using the Setup Key method.
  10. 10

    Click Restart. This option will restart your PC into the BIOS/UEFI.

    • Once you're in the BIOS or UEFI, use your mouse to navigate and make menu selections. [6]
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  • Question

    How do I reset BIOS with an external monitor?

    3 Ways to Enter BIOS - wikiHow (28)

    Community Answer

    1: Power on. 2: Press Fn + F8. 3: Press F2 or Delete key depending on your notebook to enter BIOS. (You can do 3 before 2.)

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    YesNo

    Not Helpful 35Helpful 20

  • Question

    How can I get in if I do not know the password?

    3 Ways to Enter BIOS - wikiHow (29)

    Community Answer

    You can't. The BIOS has been designed to require a password to deter potential hackers.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    How do I enter BIOS on a Windows 7 computer?

    3 Ways to Enter BIOS - wikiHow (30)

    Siemen360

    Community Answer

    The operating system is irrelevant. Google your PC manufacturer or motherboard to find out what key to press on your keyboard. Once you know it, reboot your PC and press the key to enter the BIOS as soon as your PC powers on and the logo of your manufacturer shows.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Warnings

      • Don’t change any settings with the BIOS unless you are sure about what you are doing.

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      About This Article

      3 Ways to Enter BIOS - wikiHow (45)

      Written by:

      Nicole Levine, MFA

      wikiHow Technology Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 1,158,437 times.

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      Co-authors: 22

      Updated: January 8, 2024

      Views:1,158,437

      Categories: Windows

      Article SummaryX

      1.Open your Windows Settings.
      2.Click Update & Security.
      3.Click Recovery.
      4.Click Restart Now.
      5.Click Troubleshoot.
      6.Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
      7.Click Restart.

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      3 Ways to Enter BIOS - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      What are the 4 keys to enter BIOS? ›

      Some of the most common keys are F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc, but you may also need to press other keys, such as Tab, Shift, or Ctrl. You may also see a message on the screen that tells you which key to press to enter BIOS setup.

      How to enter BIOS without key? ›

      Entering the BIOS without a Keyboard from Windows
      1. In the taskbar, touch .
      2. Touch .
      3. Under Advanced startup, touch. Restart now. . Windows shuts down.
      4. Touch. Troubleshoot. .
      5. Touch. Advanced options. .
      6. Touch. UEFI Firmware Settings. .
      7. Touch. Restart. .

      What are some common methods to access the BIOS settings on a computer? ›

      Accessing BIOS settings depends on the computer's hardware configuration, but the most common method is to press a specific key during start-up. Usually, this key is displayed on the screen during the power-on self-test (POST). Common keys include F2, F10, Del and Esc, but it varies based on model and manufacturer.

      What are the 3 common keys used to access the BIOS? ›

      Common keys to enter the BIOS are F1, F2, F10, Delete, Esc, as well as key combinations like Ctrl + Alt + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete, although those are more common on older machines.

      How to force boot into BIOS? ›

      To boot to UEFI or BIOS:

      You can use any of these methods: Boot the PC, and press the manufacturer's key to open the menus. Common keys used: Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. On tablets, common buttons are Volume up or Volume down (find more common keys and buttons).

      How to enter BIOS without restarting? ›

      The System Information tool can be used to access the BIOS without restarting. To do this, open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows logo key + R. Type “msinfo32” and press Enter. On the System Information window, select the System Summary tab and then select the BIOS Version/Date option.

      How to boot into safe mode? ›

      Do one of the following:
      1. If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. ...
      2. If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in safe mode, and then press F8.

      How do I get into BIOS with Shift key? ›

      To enter BIOS by pressing Shift button + restarting the machine (applicable for Windows 8/8.1/10) Log out of Windows and go to the sign in screen. Hold down the Shift key on the keyboard while clicking the Power button on the screen. Continue to hold down the Shift key and select Restart.

      How to enter BIOS HP? ›

      Turn off the computer and wait five seconds. Turn on the computer, and then immediately press the esc key repeatedly until the Startup Menu opens. Press f10 to open the BIOS Setup Utility.

      How to enter BIOS from Windows 10? ›

      How to boot into UEFI or BIOS from Windows 11 or Windows 10
      1. Click Start and then select Settings.
      2. Click Update & Security.
      3. On the left side, click Recovery.
      4. Under Advanced start-up, click Restart Now.
      5. Click Troubleshoot.
      6. Click Advanced options.
      7. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
      Apr 16, 2024

      What are the different types of BIOS? ›

      There are two main types of BIOS: Legacy BIOS: Legacy BIOS is used in older motherboards to turn on the computer, and it controls how the CPU and different computer components talk to each other. Unfortunately, the Legacy BIOS has limitations. For example, it can't handle or recognize data drives larger than 2.1 TB.

      How to enter BIOS mode in Windows 10? ›

      How to enter the BIOS on a Windows 10 PC
      1. Navigate to Settings. You can get there by clicking the gear icon on the Start menu. ...
      2. Select Update & Security. ...
      3. Select Recovery from the left menu. ...
      4. Click Restart Now under Advanced startup. ...
      5. Click Troubleshoot.
      6. Click Advanced options.
      7. Select UEFI Firmware Settings. ...
      8. Click Restart.
      Jan 11, 2023

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