How to Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting

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Quickly access the BIOS or UEFI settings on Windows 10, 11, and 8
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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, 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 easy ways to enter the BIOS on any Windows PC using a setup key or through your Windows settings. We'll also help you troubleshoot and fix common problems that prevent you from entering the BIOS.

Quick Steps

  1. Reboot your computer.
  2. As soon as the manufacturer's logo appears, press the setup key repeatedly.
  3. Common setup keys are F1 , F2 , Del , F10 , F12 , or Esc .
  4. Navigate the BIOS menus using the arrow keys and Enter key.
Section 1 of 5:

Using the Setup Key

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  1. your computer. One way to enter the BIOS is to use your computer's setup key—a keyboard key you'll press as soon as your computer restarts.
    • Entering the BIOS requires you to restart your PC. Save your work and shut down other programs before continuing this method.
  2. As soon as you see the manufacturer’s logo, press the key indicated on the screen to enter Setup or BIOS . The 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 Desktops: F1 or F2 (hold down the Fn key if your F keys are blue or orange) [1]
      • Lenovo IdeaPad: F9 or Fn + F9 [2]
      • Lenovo ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, & ThinkStation: F1 or Enter [3]
      • MSI: Del for both MSI 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 try again.
    • Sometimes Windows will boot so quickly that you won't have time to enter the BIOS using the setup key. If this happens, you can enter the BIOS from the Windows desktop .
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  3. If you press the correct key, the BIOS or UEFI will load. If your mouse isn't working in the BIOS, you can navigate menus using your keyboard .
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Section 2 of 5:

Using Windows 10 & 11 Settings

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  1. If you can boot into Windows, you should be able to enter the UEFI/BIOS without worrying about pressing special keys at boot time. [4]
    • Entering the BIOS requires you to restart your PC. Save your work and shut down other programs before continuing this method.
  2. On Windows 10, it's the icon of two curved arrows. On Windows 11, "System" is an option in the left sidebar.
  3. It's in the left column on Windows 10, and in the right panel on Windows 11.
  4. It's in the right panel, although you may need to scroll down a little to find the button.
  5. Additional menu options will appear.
  6. It's the icon of a microchip with a gear on it. A confirmation screen will appear.
  7. 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. [5]
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Section 3 of 5:

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  1. If you can't sign in to Windows, you can still enter the BIOS from the login screen. If you're currently signed into an account, you'll need to log out to use this method.
  2. Do not release the Shift key yet.
  3. Your PC will reboot to a blue screen with several options.
  4. Additional menu options will appear.
  5. It's the icon of a microchip with a gear on it. A confirmation screen will appear.
  6. 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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Section 4 of 5:

Using Windows 8 and 8.1 Settings

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  1. 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 continuing this method. [6]
  2. It's the gear icon on the Charms bar.
  3. It's at the bottom of the menu.
  4. 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. [7]
  5. It's on the left panel.
  6. It's under the "Advanced Setup" header in the right panel.
  7. It's the second option.
  8. It's the last option.
  9. It's the icon of a microchip with a gear on it. A confirmation screen will appear.
  10. 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. [8]
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Section 5 of 5:

Troubleshooting

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  1. If Fast Startup is enabled, you likely won't be able to enter the BIOS by pressing your computer's setup key because it'll boot up too fast. You can disable Fast Startup to fix this, or use a different method to enter the BIOS. To disable Fast Startup:
    • Windows 11:
      • Type choose a power plan into the Windows search bar and click Choose a power plan in the search results.
      • Click Choose what the power button does in the left panel.
      • Uncheck "Turn on fast startup." If it's grayed out, click Change settings that are currently unavailable first.
      • Click Save changes . [9]
    • Windows 10:
      • Type power and sleep into the Windows search bar and click Power & sleep settings .
      • Click Additional power settings under "Related settings."
      • Click Choose what the power button does in the left panel.
      • Uncheck "Turn on fast startup." If it's grayed out, click Change settings that are currently unavailable first.
      • Click Save changes .
  2. This usually happens when the BIOS doesn't support the resolution of your monitor or there's an unsupported device connected to your PC. Try connecting a different monitor to your computer, and make sure no external devices other than your mouse and keyboard are connected when you try to enter the BIOS.
  3. This could happen for a few reasons:
    • Different motherboards use different setup keys, so you may just be using the wrong one. If your computer was prebuilt by an OEM manufacturer like Dell, HP, or Lenovo, look up your model and "Setup key" or "BIOS key" to find the right setup key.
    • If you're using the right key but it's not working, you may need to hold down Fn as you press it.
    • As soon as the computer turns off and back on, press the setup key repeatedly, but don't hold it down. Press it over and over again quickly until it boots to the BIOS or a menu with an option to enter it.
    • If you're using a Lenovo laptop or desktop computer, try pressing Enter as soon as you see the Lenovo logo to enter the Startup Interrupt Menu. When the menu loads, press F1 to enter the BIOS setup utility.
  4. You can reset the BIOS to its default settings by removing the CMOS battery for about 5 minutes and then reconnecting it, or by temporarily moving the CMOS jumper slider to a different position.
    • Removing/replacing the CMOS battery:
      • Turn off your PC and disconnect all cables and peripherals.
      • Open your computer and locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard. It's a round battery in a horizontal or vertical battery holder, or sometimes connected to a header with a wire. [10]
      • If the CMOS battery is in a holder, take a photo so you can remember which direction it's inserted in, then remove it from the holder for about 5 minutes before replacing it.
      • If it's connected with a wire, disconnect the wire for about 5 minutes, then reconnect it.
      • Reboot and enter the BIOS.
    • Resetting with a jumper:
      • Turn off your PC and disconnect all cables and peripherals.
      • Locate the 3 pins near the CMOS battery, a round disc-style battery.
      • The jumper should have two positions—1-2, and 2-3. The default position is 1-2.
      • Move the jumper to 2-3 and leave it in place for 5 minutes.
      • Move the jumper back to the default position, reboot, and enter the BIOS.
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Community Q&A

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  • 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.)
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 40 Helpful 20
  • 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.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 40 Helpful 21
  • 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.
    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 9 Helpful 23
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      • If you need to reset the BIOS because you don't have the password, you'll lose any custom BIOS settings you've added. So, if you set the optical drive as the first device in the boot order, you'll need to make that change again after resetting the BIOS.
      • If your computer has a BIOS, the mouse won't be usable. If you have a UEFI, you should be able to use the mouse.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/videos/vid100750
      2. ↑ https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht500207
      3. ↑ https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht500222-recommended-ways-to-enter-bios-boot-menu-thinkpad-thinkcentre-thinkstation
      4. ↑ https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-enter-bios-setup-windows-pcs
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBKe5V26yQs
      6. ↑ https://support.dynabook.com/support/viewContentDetail?contentId=4009232
      7. ↑ https://support.dynabook.com/support/viewContentDetail?contentId=4009232
      8. ↑ https://support.dynabook.com/support/viewContentDetail?contentId=4009232
      9. ↑ https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1045548/
      1. ↑ https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000025368/processors.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 2, 2016

        "The specific key that I needed to press to access the BIOS upon startup helped."
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