Getting into BIOS before Windows loads

To change BIOS settings, you must enter BIOS before Windows starts up. This means restarting your computer and pressing a specific key during the boot process — the moment between when you press the power button and when the Windows logo appears. The key you press depends on your computer's manufacturer, but the most common ones are Delete, F2, F10, and F12.

The window to press the key is short, usually only a few seconds. If you miss it, Windows will load normally and you'll have to restart and try again. On newer computers with fast startup times, this window can be especially narrow.

Key Takeaways

  • You enter BIOS by restarting your computer and pressing a specific key during startup — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12 depending on your manufacturer.
  • The key press window lasts only a few seconds, so you may need to restart multiple times to catch it.
  • If you have a Dell, HP, Lenovo, or ASUS computer, checking your startup screen or the manufacturer's website tells you exactly which key to use.
  • On Windows 11 computers with fast startup enabled, you may need to use the Settings menu to restart into BIOS instead of pressing a key during boot.
  • Once in BIOS, look for tabs labeled Setup, Main, or System Information to find the settings you need to change.

Finding your manufacturer's BIOS key

The easiest way to know which key to press is to look at your computer during startup. Most computers display a message like "Press Delete to enter Setup" or "Press F2 for BIOS" on the first screen that appears. Watch for this message when you restart — it usually appears for just a few seconds before the Windows logo shows up.

If you can't catch the message on screen, check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's support website. Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS all publish lists of which key opens BIOS for each model. You can also search "[your computer brand] BIOS key" online and find the answer in seconds.

Common BIOS keys by manufacturer: Dell uses F2, HP uses F10 or Esc, Lenovo uses F2 or Enter, ASUS uses Delete or F2, and Acer uses Delete or F2. If you built your own computer, the key depends on your motherboard manufacturer — check the motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website.

Restarting and pressing the key at the right moment

Restart your computer normally. As soon as you press the restart button or select Restart from the Windows menu, watch the screen carefully. The moment the screen goes black or shows the manufacturer's logo, start pressing your BIOS key repeatedly — don't wait for a prompt, just press it over and over until the BIOS screen appears.

Pressing the key multiple times increases your chances of catching the window. You don't need to hold it down; quick, repeated presses work better. If Windows loads instead, you missed the window. Restart and try again, pressing the key earlier this time.

On computers with very fast startup (common on newer laptops with solid-state drives), the boot window may be too quick to catch by restarting normally. If you restart three times and can't get in, try the Windows 11 method instead.

Using Windows 11 Settings to enter BIOS directly

Windows 11 offers a built-in way to restart directly into BIOS without having to catch a key press. Open Settings, go to System, then select Recovery. Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now." Your computer will restart into a menu with several options — select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "UEFI Firmware Settings." Click Restart, and your computer will boot directly into BIOS.

This method works on most Windows 11 computers and removes the timing pressure of catching a key press. Windows 10 has a similar path: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then follow the same Troubleshoot and UEFI Firmware Settings steps.

If you don't see "UEFI Firmware Settings" in the Advanced options menu, your computer may use an older BIOS system or the manufacturer may have disabled this feature. In that case, return to the key-press method.

Navigating BIOS once you're inside

BIOS screens look different depending on your manufacturer, but they all work the same way: use arrow keys to move between options, Enter to select, and Esc to go back. Most BIOS menus have tabs at the top — look for tabs labeled Main, Setup, System Information, Boot, Security, or Advanced. The settings you need are usually in Main or Setup.

Do not change settings unless you know what they do. Changing the wrong setting can prevent your computer from starting. If you're in BIOS to update firmware or change a specific setting, look for that setting in the Main or Setup tab first. If you can't find it, check your motherboard or computer manual.

To exit BIOS without saving changes, press Esc until you return to the main menu, then look for an option like "Exit Without Saving" or "Discard Changes and Exit." To save and exit, look for "Save and Exit" or "Save Changes and Exit Setup." Your computer will restart into Windows.

Troubleshooting when you can't get into BIOS

If you've tried the key-press method several times and nothing happens, your computer may have a password protecting BIOS access. Some employers and schools set BIOS passwords on work computers to prevent changes. If this is your personal computer and you don't remember setting a password, contact the manufacturer's support line — they can walk you through resetting it.

If you're on Windows 11 and the Settings method doesn't work, check that you're running Windows 11 version 21H2 or later. Older versions don't have the UEFI Firmware Settings option. You can check your version in Settings > System > About.

If your computer is very old (before 2010), it may use Legacy BIOS instead of UEFI. Legacy BIOS uses the same key-press method, but the screens look different and some options may not be available. The key-press method is your only option for Legacy BIOS computers.

What to do after you've made changes in BIOS

After you change a BIOS setting, save your changes before exiting. Look for a "Save and Exit" button or menu option — this is usually at the bottom of the screen or in a separate menu. Your computer will restart into Windows with the new setting active.

Some changes take effect when ready; others require a full restart. If your computer doesn't behave as expected after a BIOS change, restart it once more. If the problem persists, return to BIOS and change the setting back to its original value, then save and exit again.

If a BIOS change prevents your computer from starting at all, you may need to reset BIOS to factory defaults. This is usually done by removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard for a few minutes, but this requires opening your computer case. If you're not comfortable doing this, contact the manufacturer or a local repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I press the BIOS key but nothing happens?

You may have missed the timing window — it closes quickly, especially on newer computers. Restart and try pressing the key as soon as the screen goes black, before any logo appears. If you're on Windows 11, use the Settings method instead, which doesn't require timing.

Can I damage my computer by changing BIOS settings?

Yes, changing the wrong setting can prevent your computer from starting. Only change settings you understand or that a manufacturer's guide tells you to change. If something goes wrong, restart and return to BIOS to change it back.

Is BIOS the same as UEFI?

UEFI is the modern version of BIOS. Most computers made after 2010 use UEFI, though they're often still called BIOS. The access method is the same for both — press a key during startup or use the Windows 11 Settings method.

Do I need a password to enter BIOS?

Most personal computers don't have a BIOS password. If your computer asks for one and you didn't set it, the computer may be owned by an employer or school. Contact them for access, or contact the manufacturer's support line for help resetting it.

Will updating BIOS erase my files?

No. BIOS is separate from Windows and your files. Updating BIOS does not touch your documents, photos, or programs. However, if something goes wrong during a BIOS update, your computer may not start — so only update BIOS if the manufacturer recommends it for a specific reason.