The basic steps to access BIOS on your machine

To enter BIOS, restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly during the startup sequence — before Windows or macOS loads. The key varies by manufacturer: Dell and Lenovo machines usually need F2, HP and Compaq need F10, ASUS needs Delete, and Acer needs F2 or Delete. Some older machines use F1 or Escape. You have only a few seconds after power-on, so you may need to restart a few times to catch the window.

If you miss the timing, the computer will boot normally into your operating system. Restart and try again — there is no penalty for missing it. If you are not sure which key your machine uses, look for a brief message on the black startup screen that says "Press [key] to enter Setup" or check your computer's manual or manufacturer website.

On newer computers with fast startup times, you may not see the startup screen at all. In that case, you can restart from within Windows: hold Shift while clicking Restart, then look for a "Troubleshoot" or "Advanced Options" menu that includes "UEFI Firmware Settings" or "Enter Setup". This takes you to the same BIOS screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The key to press during startup depends on your computer brand — Dell and Lenovo typically use F2, HP uses F10, and ASUS uses Delete.
  • You must press the key repeatedly during the first few seconds after power-on, before your operating system loads.
  • If you miss the timing window, straightforward restart your computer and try again.
  • On newer computers, you can also access BIOS through Windows by holding Shift during restart and selecting "UEFI Firmware Settings".
  • Once inside BIOS, use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select — the mouse does not work.

What you see when BIOS opens

When you enter BIOS successfully, you will see a blue or gray screen with text menus and information about your hardware. The layout varies by manufacturer, but most BIOS screens show your processor type, amount of RAM, hard drive size, and system date and time in the main area. On the right or bottom of the screen, you will see instructions like "Use arrow keys to navigate" and "Press Enter to select".

The menu structure usually has tabs or sections across the top — common ones are "Main" (showing hardware details), "Advanced" (for power and performance settings), "Security" (for passwords and boot options), "Boot" (for startup order), and "Exit" (to save and leave). Do not panic if the screen looks unfamiliar; you are not expected to understand every setting.

Navigating BIOS without a mouse

BIOS does not respond to your mouse or trackpad. Use only the keyboard: arrow keys move between menu items, Enter selects an option, and Escape or Backspace usually goes back one level. Some BIOS screens also use Plus and Minus keys to change numerical values, or F keys for specific functions like F1 for help or F10 to save and exit.

If you accidentally change a setting and want to undo it, look for a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Factory Settings" option in the Exit menu. This restores all settings to the manufacturer's original state without erasing your files. Use this if you are unsure whether a change you made is safe.

Common reasons to enter BIOS and what to look for

Most people enter BIOS to check the system date and time, change the boot order (which device starts first), enable or disable hardware like USB ports, or update the BIOS itself. If you are there to update BIOS, look for a menu option called "Update BIOS", "Flash BIOS", or "Firmware Update" — this is usually in the Main or Tools section. You will need the update file on a USB drive, and the process can take several minutes; do not turn off the computer during an update.

If you are changing the boot order because you want to install Windows or another operating system from a USB drive, go to the Boot menu and move the USB device to the top of the list. Save and exit, then insert the USB drive and restart. The computer will boot from the USB instead of your hard drive.

Saving your changes and exiting BIOS

When you are done making changes, look for an "Exit" menu or button, usually at the top right or bottom of the screen. You will see options like "Save and Exit" or "Exit Without Saving". Choose "Save and Exit" if you made changes you want to keep, or "Exit Without Saving" if you changed something by accident and want to discard it. Some BIOS screens also let you press F10 to save and exit when ready.

After you select Save and Exit, the computer will restart and load your operating system normally. Any changes you made — like changing the boot order or updating the BIOS — will take effect on the next startup.

What to do if you get stuck in BIOS

If you cannot find the Exit menu or accidentally locked yourself out with a password, restart the computer by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely. Then turn it back on and try again. On most machines, restarting this way does not save any changes you made, so you will return to the previous BIOS state.

If you set a BIOS password and forgot it, you may need to reset the CMOS battery — a small coin-shaped battery inside the computer that stores BIOS settings. This is a hardware step that requires opening the computer case. Consult your computer's manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions specific to your model, as the process varies widely.

Differences between BIOS and UEFI

Newer computers use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of traditional BIOS, though the terms are often used interchangeably. UEFI looks similar to BIOS but may have a graphical interface with a mouse pointer, and it supports larger hard drives and faster boot times. The steps to enter UEFI are the same — press the manufacturer's key during startup — and the navigation is nearly identical.

Whether your computer uses BIOS or UEFI, the information in this guide applies. The main difference you will notice is appearance: UEFI screens often look more polished and may include graphics or a mouse cursor, while traditional BIOS is text-only. Both serve the same purpose of letting you configure hardware and update firmware before your operating system loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I press the BIOS key and nothing happens?

You may have missed the timing window — it closes within a few seconds of power-on. Restart the computer and try again, pressing the key repeatedly as soon as you see the startup screen. If you still cannot enter BIOS, try a different key (F1, F2, Delete, or Escape) or check your computer manufacturer's website for the correct key for your model.

Can I damage my computer by changing BIOS settings?

Most BIOS changes are safe and easily reversed. If you change something and the computer does not work properly, restart, enter BIOS again, and use the "Load Defaults" option to restore factory settings. Avoid changing settings you do not understand, and never turn off the computer during a BIOS update — that can cause serious damage.

Why does my computer boot slowly after I changed the boot order?

If you moved a slow device (like a USB drive or network adapter) to the top of the boot order, the computer will wait for it to respond before moving to the next device. Return to the Boot menu and move your primary hard drive back to the top of the list. The computer will boot faster once it checks the hard drive first.

Do I need a password to enter BIOS?

Most computers do not require a password to enter BIOS by default. If you see a password prompt, you may have set one yourself previously, or your workplace may have locked BIOS for security. If you forgot the password, you will need to reset the CMOS battery inside the computer or contact your IT department or manufacturer.

Is it safe to update BIOS from inside BIOS?

Yes, updating BIOS from within the BIOS menu is the standard method. Make sure your computer is plugged into power and will not be interrupted, and do not turn it off during the update. The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, and the computer will restart automatically when finished.