The quickest way to open BIOS

To open BIOS, restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly as it boots up — before Windows or your operating system loads. The key you press depends on your computer's manufacturer: Dell computers use F2, HP and Lenovo use F10, ASUS uses Delete, and Acer uses F2 or Delete. If you have a custom-built PC, the key depends on your motherboard manufacturer, which is usually printed on the motherboard itself or listed in your manual.

The timing matters. You need to press the key as soon as you see the manufacturer's logo appear on screen, and keep pressing it every half-second or so until the BIOS menu opens. If you miss the window and Windows starts loading, restart and try again. You have only a few seconds before the operating system takes over.

On newer computers with fast boot times, you may not see a startup screen at all. If that happens, you can restart from Windows itself: go to Settings, then System, then Recovery, and select Restart Now under Advanced Startup. When your computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then UEFI Firmware Settings. This method works on most Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Delete, F2, or F10 during startup — the exact key depends on whether your computer is Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, Acer, or a custom build.
  • You must press the key while the manufacturer's logo is visible, usually within the first few seconds of startup.
  • On Windows 10 and 11, you can also reach BIOS through Settings by choosing Recovery and then UEFI Firmware Settings.
  • If you do not know your computer's manufacturer or motherboard brand, check your manual or the sticker on the back of your machine.

Finding the right key for your computer

The startup key is almost always shown on your boot screen, usually in small text at the bottom. It might say "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Delete to enter BIOS." If you see this message, that is your key. Write it down before you restart so you do not have to remember it under pressure.

If you cannot see the message or your screen is blank, check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website. You can also look at the sticker on the back or bottom of your machine — it often lists the startup key. For laptops, the key is usually printed on the bottom or inside the battery compartment.

Some computers require you to hold the key down rather than tap it repeatedly. If tapping does not work, try holding the key down for a few seconds after you power on. A few gaming laptops and high-end machines use a different method entirely: they may require you to hold a physical button on the chassis or press a specific key combination like Ctrl + Alt + Delete during startup.

What to do if you cannot get into BIOS

If you press the key and nothing happens, your computer may have Fast Boot enabled, which skips the startup screen entirely. On Windows, turn off Fast Boot by going to Settings, System, Power & Sleep, Additional Power Settings, and then Choose What the Power Button Does. Look for Turn On Fast Startup and uncheck it. Restart your computer and try the BIOS key again.

Another common problem is pressing the key too late. The window to enter BIOS is usually only two to five seconds long. Try restarting and pressing the key as soon as you see any logo or text on screen, even before the manufacturer's name appears. Tap the key every half-second to make sure you catch the moment.

If your keyboard does not respond during startup, the keyboard may not be enabled yet. Try using a different USB port, or if you have a PS/2 keyboard (the older round connector), use that instead — PS/2 keyboards are more likely to work during early boot. Wireless keyboards almost never work during startup, so switch to a wired one.

Navigating BIOS once you are inside

Once BIOS opens, you will see a menu with options like Main, Advanced, Security, Boot, and Exit. Use your arrow keys to move between tabs and options — your mouse will not work in BIOS. Press Enter to select an option or change a setting. The exact layout and options vary by manufacturer, but the controls are always keyboard-only.

Do not change settings unless you know what they do. BIOS controls fundamental hardware settings, and changing the wrong thing can prevent your computer from starting. If you are in BIOS to check something or make one specific change, make that change and then exit without saving anything else.

To leave BIOS without saving changes, look for an Exit tab or press Escape. Choose Exit Without Saving. If you made changes you want to keep, choose Save and Exit or press F10, depending on your BIOS version. Your computer will restart and load Windows normally.

Common reasons people open BIOS

Most people open BIOS to change the boot order — which device the computer tries to start from first. This is necessary if you want to boot from a USB drive, external hard drive, or CD. Go to the Boot tab, find Boot Order or Boot Priority, and move your USB drive or external device to the top of the list.

Others open BIOS to check hardware information, like how much RAM is installed or what CPU your computer has. This information is usually on the Main tab and is safe to look at without making changes. You can also check temperatures and fan speeds on the Main or Advanced tab if you are worried your computer is overheating.

Some people need to enter BIOS to enable or disable hardware features like Secure Boot, virtualization, or integrated graphics. These changes require you to navigate to the Advanced or Security tab. If you are making a change for a specific reason — like installing Linux or running virtual machines — follow the instructions for that task, which will tell you exactly which setting to change.

BIOS on Mac computers

Mac computers do not have BIOS in the traditional sense. Older Macs used firmware called Open Firmware, which you could access by pressing Command-Option-O-F during startup. Newer Macs with Apple Silicon chips use a different system called Secure Enclave, which you cannot access the same way.

On newer Macs, you can restart into Recovery Mode by holding Command-R during startup, which gives you access to some low-level settings and repair tools. This is the closest equivalent to BIOS on a Mac. If you need to change hardware settings on a newer Mac, most options are in System Settings rather than in firmware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I press the BIOS key and my computer just starts Windows normally?

You probably pressed the key too late. Restart your computer and begin pressing the key as soon as you see any text or logo on screen, even if it is just the manufacturer's name. Keep tapping every half-second until BIOS opens. If Fast Boot is on, disable it first in Windows Settings.

Can I open BIOS from inside Windows without restarting?

On Windows 10 and 11, yes. Go to Settings, System, Recovery, and select Restart Now under Advanced Startup. When your computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, and UEFI Firmware Settings. This is slower than pressing the key during startup but works if you cannot time the key press correctly.

Will opening BIOS delete my files or damage my computer?

Opening BIOS and looking around will not harm anything. Changing settings can cause problems, but only if you change the wrong thing. If you only look at information without saving changes, your computer will restart normally with no damage. Always choose Exit Without Saving if you are unsure.

My keyboard does not work during startup. What should I do?

Try a different USB port, or switch to a PS/2 keyboard if you have one — PS/2 keyboards are more likely to work during early boot. Wireless keyboards almost never work during startup. If you still cannot get a keyboard to respond, your motherboard may have a hardware issue and you may need to contact the manufacturer.

Is it safe to change the boot order in BIOS?

Yes, changing the boot order is safe and is one of the most common BIOS changes. Go to the Boot tab, move your USB drive or external device to the top of the list, and save. Your computer will try to boot from that device first. You can always change it back the same way.