Getting into BIOS on your computer

To access BIOS, restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly as it boots up — before Windows or your operating system loads. The key varies by manufacturer: Dell and Lenovo typically use F2, HP and Compaq use F10, ASUS uses Delete or F2, and Acer uses Delete. On Apple computers, restart and hold Command + R to enter Recovery mode instead, which handles firmware settings differently. You have only a few seconds after power-on to catch the boot screen, so you may need to restart several times to time it right.

If you miss the window, your computer will boot normally into Windows or macOS. Shut down completely, wait a few seconds, and try again. Some computers display a message like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Delete for BIOS" on the startup screen — watch for that text to know which key to use. If your computer is password-protected at the BIOS level, you will need that password to make changes.

Key Takeaways

  • The key to press during startup depends on your computer brand: F2 for Dell and Lenovo, F10 for HP, Delete for ASUS and Acer.
  • You must press the key repeatedly as soon as the computer powers on, before the operating system loads — you have only a few seconds.
  • If you miss the window, shut down completely and restart; do not try to access BIOS from within Windows or macOS.
  • Once inside BIOS, use arrow keys and Enter to navigate; look for tabs like "Boot," "System," or "Advanced" depending on what you need to change.
  • Save and exit when done, or press Escape to leave without saving if you made no changes.

Finding the right key for your computer brand

Laptop and desktop manufacturers use different keys, and some brands have multiple options. Lenovo ThinkPad laptops use F2 or sometimes Fn + F2 if function keys are locked. Dell XPS and Inspiron models use F2, but some older Dells use F1. HP Pavilion and Envy laptops use F10 or Esc followed by F10. ASUS VivoBook and gaming models use Delete or F2. Acer Aspire uses Delete. If you are unsure, check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's support website — search "[Your Model] enter BIOS" to find the exact key.

Some computers show the correct key on the boot screen itself. Watch the first screen that appears after you power on; it often displays text like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Delete for BIOS Settings." Write down the key before you restart so you do not have to guess. If your computer is very new or very old, the key may differ from the standard ones listed here — the manufacturer's website is the most reliable source.

Timing your keypress during startup

The window to press the BIOS key opens the moment your computer powers on and closes within a few seconds, before the Windows or macOS logo appears. Start pressing the key as soon as you see the manufacturer's logo or the first boot screen. Press it repeatedly — do not hold it down, but tap it several times per second. If you see the Windows loading screen or the Apple logo, you have missed the window and need to restart.

On some computers, especially newer ones with fast solid-state drives, the boot window is very short — sometimes only one or two seconds. If you consistently miss it, try restarting and pressing the key when ready and repeatedly from the moment you press the power button. Some BIOS screens also allow you to press a different key (often F12 or Esc) to open a boot menu, which then lets you select "Enter Setup" — this can be easier to catch than the BIOS key itself.

Navigating BIOS once you are inside

BIOS uses a text-based menu system controlled entirely by your keyboard — no mouse. Use the arrow keys to move between options, Enter to select, and Escape to go back or exit. The main screen shows tabs or categories like "Main," "Boot," "System," "Advanced," or "Security." Each tab contains settings related to that area. For example, the Boot tab controls the order in which your computer checks drives for an operating system; the System tab shows hardware information like RAM and processor speed.

Do not change settings unless you know what they do. Many BIOS options can prevent your computer from starting if set incorrectly. If you are in BIOS to update firmware or check hardware, look for those specific options and leave everything else alone. Some BIOS screens include a help panel on the right side that explains what each setting does — read it before making changes.

Saving your changes and exiting BIOS

When you have finished making changes, look for an option to "Save and Exit" or "Exit and Save Changes." This is usually at the bottom of the menu or in a separate tab. Press Enter to select it, and BIOS will ask you to confirm — select "Yes" to save and restart your computer. Your changes take effect after the restart. If you made a mistake or changed your mind, select "Exit Without Saving" or press Escape, and your computer will restart without explore any changes.

Some BIOS screens also have a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" option, which restores all settings to the factory standard. Use this only if your computer will not start or if you have made multiple changes and want to start over. After resetting, you will need to reconfigure any settings you intentionally changed, such as boot order or security options.

What to do if you cannot access BIOS

If the BIOS key does not work, your computer may have a BIOS password set, a locked boot sequence, or a very fast startup that makes the window impossible to catch. Try restarting in Safe Mode first — on Windows 10 and 11, hold Shift while clicking Restart from the shutdown menu, then select "Troubleshoot" and "Advanced Options." From there, you can sometimes access startup settings without entering BIOS directly. On Mac, restart and hold Command + Option + R for Internet Recovery, which gives you access to firmware settings.

If your computer has a BIOS password and you do not know it, you may need to contact the manufacturer or a technician. Some manufacturers can reset a forgotten BIOS password if you prove ownership. If the computer is a work or school device, contact your IT department — they may have the password or the ability to reset it. Never attempt to physically reset BIOS by removing the CMOS battery unless you are comfortable with hardware repair; this can damage the motherboard if done incorrectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I press the BIOS key but nothing happens?

You may have missed the timing window — the boot screen appears for only a few seconds. Restart your computer and begin pressing the key when ready after you press the power button, tapping it repeatedly until you see the BIOS screen or the operating system loads. If you still see nothing, try a different key; you may have the wrong one for your brand.

Can I access BIOS from within Windows or macOS?

No. You must restart your computer and press the key during startup, before the operating system loads. On Windows 10 and 11, you can restart into Advanced Startup Options, which sometimes provides access to firmware settings, but true BIOS access requires the startup key.

Is it safe to change settings in BIOS?

Changing the wrong setting can prevent your computer from starting. Only change settings you understand or that you have been instructed to change — for example, updating firmware or adjusting boot order. If you are unsure, do not change anything. You can always restart and try again.

What if I forgot my BIOS password?

Contact your computer's manufacturer with proof of ownership — they can sometimes reset it. If the computer belongs to your workplace or school, contact IT. Attempting to reset the password yourself without proper knowledge can damage the motherboard.

Why is my BIOS boot window so fast I cannot catch it?

Modern computers with solid-state drives boot very quickly. Try pressing the key when ready as you press the power button and continue tapping it rapidly. Some computers also let you press F12 or Esc to open a boot menu, which is easier to catch than the BIOS key itself.