Getting into BIOS on your computer

To enter BIOS, you restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly while it boots up — before Windows or your operating system loads. The key you press depends on your computer's manufacturer: Dell and Lenovo machines usually respond to F2, HP and Compaq to F10, Asus to Delete, and some older systems to F12. You have only a few seconds to catch the window, so you need to start pressing the key as soon as you see the manufacturer's logo appear on the screen.

If you miss the window, your computer will boot normally into Windows. You can simply restart and try again. There is no penalty for missing it — you are not changing anything yet, just entering a menu where settings are stored.

Key Takeaways

  • The key to press during startup varies by manufacturer: F2 for Dell and Lenovo, F10 for HP, Delete for Asus, and F12 for some older systems.
  • You must press the key repeatedly while the manufacturer's logo is visible, before the operating system begins to load.
  • If you miss the startup window, restart your computer and try again — there is no harm in multiple attempts.
  • Once inside BIOS, you can view hardware information, change boot order, or adjust power settings without saving changes.
  • Always exit without saving unless you intentionally changed a setting, since accidental changes can prevent your computer from starting.

Finding the correct key for your computer

The startup key is usually printed on the screen during boot, often in small text at the bottom. Look for a line that says "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Delete for BIOS Settings." If you cannot read it in time, check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching for your exact model number.

If you built your computer yourself, the key depends on your motherboard manufacturer, not your case brand. Common motherboard makers are Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock. You can find your motherboard model by opening Device Manager in Windows (right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, then expand "System devices") or by using a free tool like CPU-Z.

Timing your key press correctly

The window to press the key opens when your computer first powers on and closes when your operating system starts loading. On most modern computers, this window lasts only 2 to 5 seconds. Start pressing the key as soon as you see any logo or text on the screen, and continue pressing it every half-second or so until the BIOS menu appears.

Holding the key down continuously works just as well as tapping it repeatedly. Either approach will register your input. If your computer boots into Windows instead, you simply did not press the key in time — restart and try again, this time starting your key presses earlier.

What you will see once you are inside BIOS

BIOS menus look different depending on your manufacturer, but they all show similar information: your processor type and speed, the amount of RAM installed, your hard drive or SSD, and the boot order (which device your computer tries to start from first). The menu uses arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select options. Some systems use a mouse, but keyboard navigation always works.

Do not change anything unless you have a specific reason to. Simply being in BIOS and looking around causes no harm. If you accidentally change a setting, you can usually press Escape to exit without saving, and your computer will start normally with the old settings intact.

Exiting BIOS without making changes

To leave BIOS without saving, look for an option labeled "Exit Without Saving," "Discard Changes and Exit," or "Exit Setup." This is usually found by pressing Escape or by navigating to an Exit menu. Your computer will then boot normally into Windows with no changes made.

If you made a change intentionally and want to keep it, look for "Save and Exit" or "Save Changes and Exit." BIOS will ask you to confirm before saving. After you confirm, your computer restarts and your new settings take effect.

Troubleshooting when you cannot enter BIOS

If pressing the key does not work, your computer may be booting too quickly. Some newer computers with very fast solid-state drives start Windows in under 2 seconds. Try restarting and pressing the key more aggressively, or hold it down continuously from the moment you press the power button.

If that still does not work, check whether your computer has a physical BIOS reset button or jumper on the motherboard. This is more common on desktop computers than laptops. Consult your computer's manual or search online for "[your exact model] BIOS key" to find the correct approach for your specific hardware.

Common reasons to enter BIOS

Most people enter BIOS to check hardware information, change the boot order so the computer starts from a USB drive or external device, disable unused hardware to save power, or update the BIOS itself. You might also enter BIOS to check your processor temperature or adjust fan speed, though not all systems expose these options to users.

If you are entering BIOS to make a specific change, write down what you plan to do before you start. BIOS menus can be confusing the first time, and having a clear goal helps you navigate faster and avoid accidentally changing something you did not intend to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I damage my computer by entering BIOS?

Simply entering BIOS and looking around causes no damage. Your computer is not running your operating system at that point, so nothing can be installed or deleted. Only actual changes to settings can cause problems, and you can always exit without saving to undo them.

What if I change a setting and my computer will not start?

Restart your computer and enter BIOS again. Change the setting back to what it was before, save, and exit. If you cannot remember what you changed, look for a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Factory Settings" option in the BIOS menu — this restores all settings to their original state and usually fixes startup problems caused by accidental changes.

Is BIOS the same as UEFI?

UEFI is the modern version of BIOS. Most computers made after 2010 use UEFI, but the terms are often used interchangeably. You enter UEFI the same way you enter older BIOS — by pressing a key during startup. The menus look slightly different, but the basic navigation is the same.

Do I need to enter BIOS to update Windows?

No. Windows updates happen automatically or through Windows Update in your Settings menu. You only enter BIOS when you need to change hardware settings or update the BIOS firmware itself, which is rare and usually only necessary if your computer manufacturer releases a specific update for your model.

Can I enter BIOS from inside Windows?

On some newer Windows computers, you can restart into BIOS from the Settings menu. Open Settings, go to System, then Recovery, and look for an option to "Restart now" under "Advanced startup." This will give you a menu with a "Troubleshoot" option that includes access to BIOS. However, restarting and pressing the key during boot always works on any computer.