How to Enter BIOS

Last Updated: October 19, 2020 Tested

Do you need to change your boot device order or reset your system clock? The BIOS or UEFI (the updated version of the BIOS) is the place for you. The BIOS or UEFI controls all of the low-level functions of your PC, and you'll need to access it if you want to make any changes. Accessing the BIOS or UEFI varies from computer to computer, but the basic process is the same. This wikiHow teaches you how to access the BIOS or UEFI on any PC.

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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
Question

I've already tried the keys F2, F1, F10, F11, Esc and Delete, but I still can't access the BIOS setting. How do I access it?

Community Answer

You need to make sure the computers is on beforehand. The power needs to be on for the computer to boot. Then you should try pressing those buttons. Or, you could try and access it through the Windows interface.
Question

What do I do after I have the BIOS number?

Community Answer

If by BIOS number you mean the button you should press, try pressing it on the PCs boot. this will allow you to enter your BIOS. Otherwise, this knowledge is useless and a BIOS number has no purpose.
Question

What is the process to upgrade my computer when in the BIOS?

Community Answer

If you are talking about updating your OS, you either need to use a USB to boot off and then re-install using the most recent OS, or if using Windows you should be able to go into the update section in their interface. Your BIOS wont help you update you your computer.
Question

How do I get a bios password for my Lenovo IdeaPad 100s-14ibr?

Community Answer

You will have to enter your Lenovo bios password. If you did not create the password or are not the owner of the PC, ask the owner (whoever made the bios password) for the password, as it is the only thing that can access the bios.