The fastest way: restart and press a key during startup

To access your BIOS on Windows 10, restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly as it boots up — before Windows loads. The key varies by manufacturer: Dell uses F2, HP and Lenovo use F10, ASUS uses Delete, and Acer uses Delete or F2. If you built your own computer, the key depends on your motherboard manufacturer, which you can find by opening Device Manager (right-click the Start button, select Device Manager) and looking under System Devices.

The timing is tight. Restart the computer, and as soon as the screen goes black or shows the manufacturer logo, start pressing the key every half-second or so. Press it repeatedly until you see the BIOS menu appear — usually a blue or gray screen with white text. If Windows loads instead, you waited too long; restart and try again.

Some newer computers, especially those with fast solid-state drives, boot so quickly that the window to press the key is only a second or two. If you keep missing it, try holding the key down continuously from the moment you restart, rather than tapping it.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your computer and press the manufacturer-specific key (F2, F10, or Delete) repeatedly during startup, before Windows loads.
  • The correct key depends on your computer's manufacturer: Dell uses F2, HP and Lenovo use F10, ASUS and Acer use Delete.
  • If you built your own computer, check Device Manager to find your motherboard manufacturer and look up its BIOS key online.
  • Modern computers with fast drives may only give you one or two seconds to press the key, so start pressing when ready when the screen goes black.

Using Windows 10 settings if the restart method does not work

If you cannot get into BIOS by restarting and pressing a key, Windows 10 offers an alternative route through the Settings app. Click the Start button, then Settings (the gear icon), then System, then About. Scroll down and click "Advanced startup options" or "Restart now" under "Recovery." Your computer will restart into a blue menu with several options.

From this menu, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "UEFI Firmware Settings." Click "Restart," and your computer will reboot directly into the BIOS. This method works on most modern Windows 10 machines and removes the timing pressure of the keyboard method.

This route is slower — it takes a few minutes to navigate the menus and restart — but it is more reliable if you have trouble catching the startup window. Use it if the key-press method has not worked after three or four attempts.

What to do if neither method opens the BIOS

Some computers, particularly older ones or those with heavily customized firmware, may not respond to either method. If you have tried the key-press approach multiple times and the Settings route does not show a "UEFI Firmware Settings" option, your computer may have a locked or password-protected BIOS.

Check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's support website for your specific model number. Search for "[your model number] BIOS access" to find whether there is a different key, a hidden menu, or a known issue with BIOS access on that model. Some manufacturers also publish a list of default BIOS passwords if one has been set.

If your computer is a work or school device, the BIOS may be intentionally locked by your IT department. Contact your IT support team before attempting further troubleshooting.

Recognizing the BIOS screen when you see it

Once you are in the BIOS, you will see a menu-driven interface that looks nothing like Windows. The screen is usually dark blue, dark gray, or black with white or light-colored text. You navigate using only the keyboard — no mouse — with arrow keys to move between options and Enter to select. Look for tabs or menu items like "Main," "Advanced," "Boot," "Security," or "Exit."

The BIOS displays information about your hardware: processor speed, RAM amount, hard drive size, and other system details. It also shows options to change boot order, enable or disable hardware features, or update the firmware itself. Do not change anything unless you have a specific reason to do so, as incorrect BIOS settings can prevent your computer from starting.

Exiting the BIOS without making changes

To leave the BIOS and return to Windows, look for an "Exit" menu option or tab. Select it, and you will usually see a prompt asking whether you want to save changes. If you have not intentionally changed any settings, select "No" or "Discard Changes." Your computer will restart and load Windows normally.

Some BIOS menus also allow you to press Escape to go back, or they display the exit key at the bottom of the screen (often F10 or Escape). Read the on-screen prompts carefully, as the exact steps vary by manufacturer.

Preparing before you enter the BIOS

Before you restart to access the BIOS, close any open programs and save your work. Entering the BIOS forces an when ready restart, and you will lose any unsaved files. Also, write down the reason you are entering the BIOS — whether you need to check a setting, update firmware, or change the boot order — so you know what to look for once you are inside.

If you are updating the BIOS firmware itself, plug your computer into power and do not unplug it during the update. BIOS updates can take several minutes, and losing power mid-update can damage your motherboard permanently. If you are using a laptop, make sure the battery is fully charged before you start.

Common reasons you might need to enter the BIOS

Most Windows 10 users never need to open the BIOS. You might need to enter it to update the firmware (which you would do from within the BIOS itself, using a file downloaded from the manufacturer's website), to change which drive your computer boots from, to enable or disable hardware features like USB ports or the camera, or to check hardware information if you are troubleshooting a problem.

If someone has told you to change a specific BIOS setting, they should have also told you exactly where to find it and what value to change it to. If the instructions are vague or you are unsure, do not make the change. Incorrect BIOS settings can make your computer unbootable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I press the key and nothing happens?

You may have pressed the wrong key, or you may have pressed it too late. Restart again and try a different key from your manufacturer's list, or try holding the key down continuously from the moment the screen goes black. If you have a Dell and F2 does not work, try F12 or Escape. Check your computer's manual if you are unsure.

Can I access the BIOS from within Windows without restarting?

No. The BIOS runs before Windows loads, so you must restart your computer to reach it. The Settings method (Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings) does restart your computer automatically, but it is still a restart.

Will entering the BIOS delete my files or harm my computer?

straightforward entering the BIOS and looking around will not harm anything. Your files are safe. Only if you change settings and save those changes could something go wrong — and even then, most incorrect settings just prevent Windows from starting, rather than deleting data. If you make a mistake, you can usually restart and try again.

Is the BIOS password-protected on my computer?

Most consumer Windows 10 computers do not have a BIOS password. If one is set, you will see a prompt asking for a password when you try to enter the BIOS. If you do not know the password, contact the person who set it up, or contact the manufacturer's support team with proof of ownership.

What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI is the modern version of BIOS. Most Windows 10 computers use UEFI, though the terms are often used interchangeably. The access methods are the same: restart and press a key, or use the Settings route. The menu looks slightly different, but the purpose is the same.