How to Enter Your ASUS BIOS and Change Settings

The quickest way to enter ASUS BIOS

To enter ASUS BIOS, restart your computer and press Delete or F2 repeatedly as soon as you see the ASUS logo — before Windows loads. Which key works depends on your motherboard model and when you press it. If you miss the window, let Windows finish loading, then restart and try again.

The timing matters. You have only a few seconds after the ASUS splash screen appears. Press the key every half-second or so rather than holding it down, because holding it can cause the computer to skip the BIOS entry entirely. If neither Delete nor F2 works, your motherboard may use a different key — check the on-screen prompt during startup, which usually shows the correct key in small text at the bottom of the screen.

Some newer ASUS systems with fast boot enabled may not show the splash screen at all. If that happens, restart into Windows, hold Shift while clicking the restart button, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. This takes you directly to BIOS without the timing pressure.

Key Takeaways

Press Delete or F2 repeatedly during the ASUS logo screen to enter BIOS before Windows loads.
If fast boot is enabled, use Windows Troubleshoot menu to access BIOS through UEFI Firmware Settings instead.
Different ASUS motherboard models may use different keys — check the on-screen text during startup to confirm.
Once inside BIOS, use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select; look for an on-screen guide or press F1 for help.
Save your changes before exiting, or press Escape to discard them without saving.

What to do if you cannot reach the BIOS screen

If you have tried Delete and F2 without success, check your motherboard manual or the ASUS support website for your specific model number. Some older ASUS boards use F12, F10, or even Ctrl+Enter. Your model number is usually printed on the motherboard itself or visible in Windows under Device Manager — right-click the motherboard entry and select Properties to see the exact model.

Fast boot settings in Windows can prevent the BIOS entry window from appearing long enough to press a key. If you suspect this is the problem, restart into Windows and disable fast boot: go to Settings > System > Power & sleep > Additional power settings > Choose what the power button does > Change settings that are currently unavailable, then uncheck Turn on fast startup. After this change, the BIOS entry window will stay visible longer on your next restart.

If your computer is password-protected at the BIOS level, you will be asked for a password before entering. If you do not know this password, you may need to reset the CMOS battery on the motherboard itself — a small coin-cell battery that holds BIOS settings. Consult your motherboard manual for the exact location and procedure, as this varies by model.

Navigating the BIOS menu once you are inside

ASUS BIOS uses arrow keys to move between options and Enter to select them. The layout varies by motherboard, but most modern ASUS boards show a menu bar at the top with tabs like Main, Advanced, Boot, and Security. Use the left and right arrow keys to switch between tabs, and up and down arrows to move within a tab.

Common settings you might adjust include boot order (which device starts first), RAM speed, CPU voltage, and storage drive settings. If you are unsure what a setting does, many ASUS BIOS screens show a brief description on the right side of the screen. Pressing F1 usually opens a help menu with more detail about the current option.

Some ASUS boards offer a simplified view called EZ Mode alongside the full Advanced Mode. EZ Mode shows only the most common settings and is safer for beginners. You can usually switch between modes using a button or menu option within BIOS itself.

Saving your changes and exiting BIOS

After you make changes, look for a Save & Exit option, usually found by pressing the right arrow key to reach the far-right menu tab. Select this option and confirm when prompted. Your computer will restart with the new settings in place.

If you change something and then decide you do not want to keep it, press Escape or look for a Discard Changes option. This exits BIOS without saving, and your computer restarts with the old settings still in place. Be careful not to confuse these two options.

Some changes take effect immediately after restart, while others require a full shutdown and power-on cycle. If a setting does not seem to have taken effect, try a complete power-off (not just restart) and wait a few seconds before turning the computer back on.

Common ASUS BIOS settings and what they control

Boot Order determines which device your computer checks first when starting up — usually your hard drive, but you might change this to USB if you are installing Windows or running a recovery tool. This setting is in the Boot tab.

Secure Boot is a security feature that prevents unsigned software from loading during startup. It is usually enabled by default and should stay that way unless you have a specific reason to turn it off, such as installing an older operating system. Find this in the Boot or Security tab.

XMP or DOCP (depending on your CPU brand) automatically sets your RAM to its rated speed instead of a conservative default. If your RAM is rated for higher speeds than it is currently running at, enabling this can improve performance. Look for it in the Advanced or Overclocking tab.

CPU Fan Speed and System Fan Speed control how fast your cooling fans run. Most boards default to automatic, which adjusts fan speed based on temperature. Manual control is rarely necessary unless you are overclocking or dealing with unusual heat issues.

Resetting BIOS to factory defaults

If you have made changes that cause problems — such as a computer that will not start or runs unstably — you can reset BIOS to its original settings. Look for an option called Load Defaults, Load Setup Defaults, or Reset to Default, usually in the Exit tab or a separate menu. Select this, confirm the prompt, and your BIOS will return to factory settings.

This does not erase your hard drive or affect Windows — it only resets BIOS settings. After a reset, your computer may run more slowly if you had enabled performance features like XMP, but it will be stable and you can re-enable those features one at a time if you wish.

If your computer will not start at all and you cannot reach BIOS to reset it, you can physically reset the CMOS by removing the battery from the motherboard for 10 to 15 seconds, then reinstalling it. Consult your motherboard manual for the battery location, as this varies by model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI is the modern version of BIOS and works the same way from a user perspective — you enter it the same way and change settings the same way. UEFI supports larger hard drives and faster boot times. Most ASUS boards made in the last ten years use UEFI, though the terms are often used interchangeably.

Can I damage my computer by changing BIOS settings?

Most BIOS settings are safe to change, and the worst outcome is usually an unstable computer that you can fix by resetting to defaults. Overclocking settings (CPU speed, voltage) carry more risk if set too aggressively, but conservative changes are unlikely to cause permanent damage. Always save your current settings before experimenting.

Why does my computer keep asking me to enter BIOS?

This usually means a boot device is missing or disconnected — for example, a USB drive you removed or a hard drive that is no longer detected. Enter BIOS, check the Boot Order tab, and remove any devices that no longer exist. If your main hard drive is missing from the list, it may be disconnected and needs to be reseated or checked for failure.

Do I need to enter BIOS to install Windows?

You may need to change the boot order so your computer starts from a USB drive instead of the hard drive. Insert the Windows installation USB, restart, enter BIOS, go to the Boot tab, and move the USB device to the top of the boot order. Save and exit, and your computer will boot from the USB.

What should I do if I forgot my BIOS password?

The only way to regain access is to reset the CMOS battery. Shut down your computer, open the case, locate the small coin-cell battery on the motherboard (consult your manual for its location), remove it for 10 to 15 seconds, and reinstall it. This clears all BIOS settings including the password. You will need to reconfigure any custom settings you had made.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.