How to Enter BIOS

Last Updated: July 7, 2022 Tested

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

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

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Windows 10

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.^{[1]
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- Entering the BIOS requires you to restart your PC. Save your work and shut down other programs before you continue with this method.
2
Click Update & Security. It's the icon of two curved arrows.
3
Click the Recovery tab. It's in the left column.
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
Click Troubleshoot on the menu. Additional menu options will appear.
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
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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Windows 8 and 8.1

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.
2
Click Settings
. It's the gear icon on the Charms bar.
3
Click Change PC settings. It's at the bottom of the menu.
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
Click Recovery (Windows 8.1 only). It's in the left panel.^{[2]
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6
Click Restart Now. It's under the "Advanced Setup" header in the right panel.
7
Click Troubleshoot on the menu. It's the second option.
8
Click Advanced options. It's the last option.
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
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.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I reset BIOS with an external monitor?

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.)
Question

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

Community Answer

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

How do I enter BIOS on a Windows 7 computer?

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.