The fastest way to enter BIOS on Windows 10

On most Windows 10 machines, you reach the BIOS by restarting your computer and pressing a specific key repeatedly as it boots — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12, depending on your manufacturer. The key appears on your startup screen for only a few seconds, so you need to be ready. If you miss it, the computer finishes booting into Windows and you have to restart and try again.

A faster method exists if your computer is already running: use Windows itself to restart directly into the BIOS without watching the boot screen. This works on most newer Windows 10 machines and removes the timing pressure entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • The easiest path on Windows 10 is to restart through Settings and choose "Restart to UEFI Firmware Settings" — no key-pressing required.
  • If that option does not appear, restart your computer and press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 repeatedly during the boot screen, depending on your manufacturer.
  • Your motherboard manufacturer determines which key works, and the correct key usually displays briefly on the startup screen.
  • Once inside the BIOS, look for tabs or menus labeled "Boot", "Security", "Advanced", or "System" depending on what you need to change.

Using Windows Settings to enter BIOS directly

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then navigate to System > Recovery. Under "Advanced startup", click Restart now. Your computer will restart and show a blue menu with several options.

Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then UEFI Firmware Settings. Click Restart. Your machine will reboot directly into the BIOS without requiring you to press any keys during startup. This method works on most Windows 10 machines built after 2015, though some older or budget models may not have this option available.

Entering BIOS by pressing keys during startup

If the Windows Settings method does not work, restart your computer normally. As soon as the screen shows your manufacturer's logo or a startup message, begin pressing your BIOS key repeatedly — do not wait for a prompt. The correct key depends on who made your motherboard: Dell and Lenovo often use F2, HP and Asus use Delete or F2, Acer uses Delete or F2, and some older machines use F10 or F12.

You have only a few seconds before Windows starts loading. If the Windows login screen appears, you waited too long. Restart and try again, pressing the key faster this time. Some machines display "Press [key] to enter Setup" on the boot screen, which confirms you are pressing the right one.

What to do if you do not know which key to press

Check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's support website — search "[your computer model] enter BIOS" to find the correct key. You can also look at your startup screen carefully: many machines display the key name for a second or two before the logo appears. If you see text like "Press F2 for Setup" or "Press Delete to enter BIOS", that is your answer.

If you cannot find the information and the Windows Settings method does not work, try the most common keys in order: F2, then Delete, then F10, then F12. Restart between each attempt. One of these will work on the vast majority of Windows 10 machines.

Navigating the BIOS menu once you are inside

The BIOS screen looks different depending on your manufacturer, but the layout is usually similar. You will see tabs or menu items across the top or left side. Use your arrow keys to move between them — the mouse does not work in BIOS. Common sections include Main (shows your hardware), Boot (controls startup order), Security (password and encryption settings), and Advanced (processor and memory settings).

Do not change anything unless you know what you are doing. BIOS settings control fundamental hardware behavior, and incorrect changes can prevent your computer from starting. If you made a change and want to undo it, look for an option called "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" — this restores the original settings without erasing your files.

Exiting the BIOS without saving changes

If you entered the BIOS by accident or want to leave without making changes, look for an Exit option, usually at the bottom of the menu or in a separate tab. Select it and choose Exit Without Saving or Discard Changes. Your computer will restart into Windows with no changes made.

If you made changes and want to keep them, select Save and Exit instead. The BIOS will write your changes to the motherboard and restart your computer. This process takes a few seconds longer than a normal startup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Windows Settings method not show UEFI Firmware Settings?

Your computer may have an older BIOS instead of UEFI firmware, or the manufacturer disabled this feature. Try the key-press method instead. You can also check your motherboard manual or manufacturer support page to confirm which method your specific model supports.

Can I enter BIOS if I forgot my Windows password?

Yes. The BIOS is separate from Windows, so you can reach it without logging in. Restart your computer and use either the Windows Settings method (you can access Settings from the login screen) or press your BIOS key during startup. You will not need your Windows password.

What if my keyboard does not work during startup?

Try a different USB port, or connect a different keyboard if you have one. Some machines do not recognize keyboards plugged into certain ports during the boot process. If you have a wireless keyboard, plug in a wired one instead — wireless keyboards sometimes do not respond fast enough during startup.

Is it safe to change BIOS settings?

Changing some settings is safe, but others can prevent your computer from starting. Only change settings you understand. If you make a mistake, use the "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" option to restore the original configuration. Your files will not be affected.

Do I need to restart my computer to save BIOS changes?

Yes. The BIOS always requires you to save and exit before changes take effect. Select "Save and Exit" or "Save Changes and Reset" — do not just close the BIOS window. Your computer will restart automatically and apply the new settings.