What BIOS is and why you might need to open it

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system loads. It controls hardware settings like boot order, fan speed, RAM timing, and power management. On an MSI motherboard, you access BIOS through a setup utility that appears during startup — before Windows or Linux begins to load.

You might need to open BIOS to change which drive your computer boots from, adjust fan curves to reduce noise or heat, enable or disable hardware features, or update the BIOS itself. Most daily computer use never requires touching BIOS, but knowing how to enter it is useful when troubleshooting or making hardware changes.

Key Takeaways

  • MSI boards typically use the Delete key to enter BIOS during startup, though some newer models use F2 or F12 — watch the boot screen to see which key your board displays.
  • You must press the key repeatedly as soon as the computer powers on, before the Windows or Linux logo appears, or you will miss the window and boot normally.
  • If you cannot get into BIOS on the first try, restart the computer and watch the initial screen more carefully for the prompt.
  • Once inside BIOS, use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select — the mouse usually does not work in BIOS menus.
  • Do not change settings you do not understand; incorrect BIOS changes can prevent your computer from starting.

How to enter BIOS on an MSI motherboard

Power on your computer and watch the screen closely as it starts. Most MSI boards display a message at the bottom or top of the screen saying something like "Press Delete to enter Setup" or "Press F2 to enter BIOS." The exact key varies by model and BIOS version.

As soon as you see that message, press the indicated key repeatedly — do not wait, and do not press it just once. Press it several times in quick succession. If you press too late, your computer will load Windows or Linux normally and you will need to restart and try again. If you are having trouble seeing the message, restart and look more carefully at the very first screen that appears, before any logos load.

Some MSI boards (particularly newer ones with graphical BIOS interfaces) may use F2, F12, or even a combination like Ctrl+Delete. If Delete does not work, restart and try F2 or F12. The boot screen will tell you which key to use on your specific board.

What to do if you cannot get into BIOS

If you press the key and nothing happens, you may have missed the window. Restart your computer and try again, watching the screen from the moment it powers on. Some computers boot very quickly, especially if you have an SSD, so the window to press the key can be quite short.

If you are using a keyboard connected through a USB hub rather than directly to the motherboard, try plugging it into a USB port on the back of the case instead. Some MSI boards do not recognize keyboard input through hubs during the boot process. If you are using a wireless keyboard, switch to a wired one — wireless keyboards often do not work during startup.

If you have recently updated your BIOS or changed hardware, your board may be in a state where it will not accept keyboard input during boot. In that case, you may need to clear the CMOS (the battery-backed memory that stores BIOS settings). This requires opening your computer case and either removing the CMOS battery for 10 seconds or moving a jumper on the motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual for the exact location and procedure.

Navigating BIOS menus and finding what you need

Once you are in BIOS, you will see a menu with tabs or sections at the top. Common sections on MSI boards include "Main" (showing your hardware), "Advanced" (CPU and memory settings), "Boot" (boot order and startup options), "Security" (passwords and find boot), and "Save & Exit" (where you leave BIOS).

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move between tabs and menu items. Press Enter to select or open a submenu. The Escape key usually takes you back one level. Your mouse will not work in most BIOS interfaces, so rely on the keyboard entirely. At the bottom of the screen, you will usually see a legend showing which keys do what.

Take your time reading what is on the screen. BIOS settings are organized logically, and the names are usually descriptive enough to understand what they control. If you see a setting you do not recognize, do not change it — leave it at its default value and move on.

Common reasons to open BIOS and what to change

The most common reason to enter BIOS is to change the boot order — the sequence in which your computer checks drives for an operating system. This is useful if you want to boot from a USB drive to install Windows, run a repair tool, or test hardware. Go to the "Boot" tab, find "Boot Option Priorities" or similar, and move your USB drive to the top of the list.

Another frequent task is adjusting fan speeds to reduce noise or manage heat. This is usually under "Advanced" or "Monitor" and may be labeled "Fan Speed Control" or "Smart Fan." You can set fans to run at a fixed percentage or create a curve that speeds them up as temperature rises. Start conservatively — if your computer gets too hot, it will throttle performance or shut down.

You might also need to enable or disable hardware features like virtualization (for running virtual machines), XMP or DOCP (for running RAM at its rated speed), or find Boot (a security feature that can interfere with some Linux installations). These are typically in the "Advanced" section. Change only what you have a specific reason to change.

Saving your changes and exiting BIOS

When you are done making changes, navigate to the "Save & Exit" tab. You will see an option like "Save Changes and Exit" or "Exit and Save Changes." Select it and press Enter. BIOS will ask you to confirm — press Enter again or select "Yes." Your computer will restart with the new settings in place.

If you made a change and want to abandon it without saving, look for "Exit Without Saving" or "Discard Changes and Exit" in the same menu. This is useful if you changed something and realized it was a mistake before restarting.

If your computer will not start after a BIOS change, you can reset BIOS to factory defaults by clearing the CMOS as described earlier. This will undo all your changes and return the board to its original state.

Updating your MSI BIOS safely

MSI boards occasionally receive BIOS updates that fix bugs, improve stability, or add features. You can check for updates on the MSI website by searching for your motherboard model. read the update file to a USB drive formatted as FAT32.

Enter BIOS, go to the "Settings" or "Advanced" tab, and look for "M-Flash" or "BIOS Update." Select it and point it to the USB drive where you saved the update file. The board will flash the new BIOS automatically — do not turn off your computer during this process, as an interrupted update can make your board unbootable.

BIOS updates are optional unless you are experiencing a specific problem the update addresses. If your computer is running stably, there is no urgent reason to update. Only update if you have a reason to do so, such as fixing a known issue or enabling a feature you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I change a BIOS setting I do not understand?

You may cause your computer to become unstable, fail to boot, or overheat. If this happens, restart your computer, enter BIOS again, and either change the setting back or reset BIOS to factory defaults by clearing the CMOS. Always change only one setting at a time so you know which change caused a problem.

Can I use a mouse in BIOS?

Most MSI BIOS interfaces do not support the mouse, though some newer graphical versions may. Assume the keyboard is your only input method. Use arrow keys to navigate, Enter to select, and Escape to go back.

Is it safe to update BIOS?

BIOS updates are generally safe if you follow the procedure and do not interrupt the update. However, there is always a small risk. Only update if you have a reason to do so — such as fixing a bug or enabling a feature you need — rather than updating just because a new version exists.

Why does my keyboard not work during boot?

USB hubs and wireless keyboards often do not work during the boot process. Plug a wired keyboard directly into a USB port on the back of your case, not into a hub. If you are using a very old keyboard, try a different one.

Can I access BIOS from within Windows?

Some newer MSI boards allow you to restart into BIOS from Windows settings, but the traditional method is to press the key during startup. If you want to try the Windows method, go to Settings > System > Recovery and look for an option to restart into firmware or BIOS setup.