The three ways to enter BIOS from Windows 10

You can reach your BIOS from Windows 10 in three ways: through the Settings menu (the easiest route), by restarting and pressing a key during startup, or by forcing a restart into BIOS directly. Which one works depends on your hardware and what you're trying to do. The Settings menu method works on most modern machines. The key-press method is the traditional approach and works on nearly everything. The forced restart method is useful when you need to get into BIOS but Windows won't start normally.

Your BIOS is stored on a chip on your motherboard, separate from Windows itself. Windows 10 can hand you off to BIOS without restarting on newer machines, but older ones require a restart. All three methods get you to the same place — you just choose based on what's easiest for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings menu method (Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now) is the fastest way on most Windows 10 machines and doesn't require you to time a key press.
  • The traditional method — restart your computer and press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 during the startup screen — works on almost all machines but requires you to catch the right moment.
  • If Windows won't start, hold Shift while clicking Restart from the login screen to force a restart into BIOS options.
  • Different manufacturers use different key combinations, so if one doesn't work, try another — you'll see a hint on the startup screen.
  • Once you're in BIOS, you can change boot order, enable or disable hardware, adjust security settings, and check your system information.

Using Settings to enter BIOS (Windows 10 only)

On most machines made after 2015, you can reach BIOS directly from Windows without restarting and timing a key press. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to System > Recovery. Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now." Your computer will restart and show you a menu with several options.

When the menu appears, click "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "UEFI Firmware Settings." Your computer will restart again and take you straight into BIOS. This method works on machines with UEFI firmware (the modern standard) and is the least error-prone because you don't have to time anything.

If you don't see "UEFI Firmware Settings" in the Advanced options menu, your machine either uses older BIOS (not UEFI) or the manufacturer disabled this feature. Move to the key-press method instead.

Restarting and pressing a key during startup

This is the traditional method and works on nearly all computers. Restart your computer normally. As soon as it starts up — before the Windows logo appears — watch the screen for a message that says something like "Press Delete to enter Setup" or "Press F2 for BIOS." The exact key varies by manufacturer: Dell and Lenovo often use F2, HP and Compaq use F10, ASUS uses Delete, and some older machines use F12.

Press the key the moment you see the message. If you miss the window, you'll boot into Windows normally and have to restart and try again. The startup screen usually stays visible for only a few seconds, so you need to be ready. If you're not sure which key to press, restart and watch carefully — the message will tell you.

If you press the key and nothing happens, try a different one. If none of the common keys work, restart and look more carefully at the startup screen for the exact instruction. Some machines display it very briefly or in small text.

Forcing a restart into BIOS when Windows won't start

If Windows won't boot normally, you can still reach BIOS. At the Windows login screen, hold Shift and click the power button in the bottom right, then click "Restart." Keep holding Shift the entire time. Your computer will restart into the Advanced Startup menu instead of trying to boot Windows.

From there, click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "UEFI Firmware Settings" (or "BIOS Settings" on older machines). If that option doesn't appear, restart normally and use the key-press method instead — press the BIOS key as the computer starts up.

What you can do once you're in BIOS

BIOS controls hardware-level settings that Windows cannot touch. You can change the order in which your computer tries to boot (useful if you're installing a new operating system or running recovery tools), enable or disable specific hardware like USB ports or the built-in camera, adjust security settings like Secure Boot, and view information about your processor, RAM, and storage drives.

Most BIOS menus use arrow keys and Enter to navigate. Look for a Help or Information section within BIOS itself if you're unsure what a setting does. Changing the wrong setting can prevent your computer from starting, so only change something if you know what it does. If you make a mistake, most BIOS menus have a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" option that will undo your changes.

Why you might need to access BIOS

Common reasons include changing the boot order to install Windows or another operating system, disabling hardware you don't use, updating BIOS itself (though this is usually done from within Windows now), checking your system's hardware details, or adjusting security features like Secure Boot or TPM. You might also need BIOS access to troubleshoot hardware problems or to reset a forgotten administrator password on some machines.

If someone told you to go into BIOS to fix a specific problem, they should have told you exactly which setting to change. If they didn't, ask them for the specific steps before you make any changes.

Common problems and what to do

If you press the BIOS key and Windows starts normally instead, you missed the timing window. Restart and try again, but be faster — the window is usually only a few seconds. If you're having trouble catching it, use the Settings method instead, which doesn't require timing.

If you're in BIOS and can't find a setting you're looking for, check whether it's hidden under a different menu name. Different manufacturers organize BIOS differently — Dell might call something "Integrated Peripherals" while ASUS calls it "Onboard Devices." Look for a Help or Information option within BIOS, or search the manufacturer's support site for your specific model number.

If you changed a setting and now your computer won't start, restart and go back into BIOS, then look for "Load Defaults," "Reset to Defaults," or "Restore Defaults." This will undo your changes and usually get the computer working again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will entering BIOS delete my files or damage Windows?

No. Simply entering BIOS and looking around cannot harm anything. Changing settings in BIOS can cause problems, but just accessing it is safe. If you're nervous, go in, look at what you need to see, and exit without changing anything.

What's the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI is the modern version of BIOS. They do the same job — they control your hardware before Windows starts — but UEFI is newer and has more features. Most Windows 10 machines use UEFI. The process for entering either one is the same from Windows 10's perspective.

Can I access BIOS if I forgot my Windows password?

Yes. BIOS is separate from Windows, so you can enter it even if you can't log into Windows. Use the key-press method or the forced restart method. However, BIOS itself may be password-protected on some machines, which would block you from changing settings.

Why does the Settings method not work on my computer?

Your machine either uses older BIOS instead of UEFI, or the manufacturer disabled this feature. Use the key-press method instead — restart and watch for the message telling you which key to press.

Is it safe to update BIOS from Windows 10?

Many manufacturers now let you update BIOS directly from Windows through a utility or Windows Update, which is safer than updating from within BIOS itself. Check your computer manufacturer's support site for your model number to see if a BIOS update is available and how to install it.