3 Ways to Enter BIOS - wikiHow (2024)

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Using the Setup Key Using Windows 10 Using Windows 8 and 8.1 Community Q&A Video Tips Warnings You Might Also Like References About This Article Is this article up to date?
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  • Computers and Electronics
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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

    See Also
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    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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Community Q&A

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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.
    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

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 39Helpful 20

    See Also
    Adobe After Effects 2021 Free Download - Get Into PC

  • 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

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 37Helpful 21

  • 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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    Not Helpful 7Helpful 22

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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 1,198,771 times.

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      Co-authors: 22

      Updated: January 8, 2024

      Views:1,198,771

      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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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,198,771 times.

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