The fastest way to open BIOS on ASUS machines

To open BIOS on an ASUS computer, restart your machine and press Delete or F2 repeatedly as soon as you see the ASUS logo on your screen. You have only a few seconds — the moment the logo appears, start pressing. If you miss the window, let the computer finish booting and try again.

Which key works depends on your ASUS model. Most desktop and laptop models use Delete, but some use F2, and a few older machines use F10 or F12. If one key doesn't work, restart and try the next one. You'll know you've hit the right key when the BIOS menu appears instead of Windows or your operating system loading.

On some newer ASUS laptops, you may need to hold the key down rather than tap it repeatedly. If the computer boots into Windows instead, you didn't press the key in time — restart and try again, pressing faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Delete or F2 repeatedly the moment you see the ASUS logo during startup to enter BIOS before Windows loads.
  • You have only a few seconds after the logo appears, so restart and try again if you miss the window.
  • Different ASUS models use different keys — Delete, F2, F10, and F12 are all common, so try each one if the first doesn't work.
  • On newer ASUS laptops, you may need to hold the key down continuously rather than tap it repeatedly.
  • Some ASUS machines let you enter BIOS from Windows using the Settings menu instead of restarting.

Entering BIOS from Windows on newer ASUS machines

Newer ASUS computers running Windows 10 or 11 often let you reach BIOS without restarting. Open Settings, go to System, then select Recovery. Look for an option called "Restart now" under "Advanced startup" — click it and your computer will restart into a menu where you can choose to enter BIOS or UEFI.

This method is slower than pressing a key during startup, but it's more reliable if you're not comfortable with the timing. The computer will guide you through the steps, and you won't miss the window because you're already in the restart process.

Not all ASUS models support this method. If you don't see the Advanced startup option in Settings, use the Delete or F2 key method instead.

What to do if you can't get into BIOS

If you've tried Delete, F2, F10, and F12 and none of them work, your ASUS model may use a different key. Check your computer's manual or the ASUS support website for your specific model number — you can find the model on a sticker on the back or bottom of your machine.

If you're pressing the key but nothing happens, you may be pressing too late. The BIOS window opens and closes in just a few seconds. Restart your computer and begin pressing the key as soon as you see any logo or text on the screen, not after the ASUS logo fully appears.

On some ASUS laptops, you may need to press Fn and the BIOS key at the same time — for example, Fn + F2. Try this combination if the key alone doesn't work.

BIOS vs. UEFI on ASUS computers

Newer ASUS machines use UEFI instead of the older BIOS system, but the process to enter it is the same. You'll still press Delete or F2 during startup. The menu you see will look different — UEFI has a graphical interface with a mouse pointer, while older BIOS is text-based — but you're accessing the same firmware settings.

ASUS labels both systems as "BIOS" in their documentation, so don't worry about the difference. The important thing is that you're in the firmware menu where you can change boot order, enable or disable hardware, or update your system firmware.

Common reasons to enter BIOS on ASUS machines

People enter BIOS to change the boot order — for example, to boot from a USB drive instead of your hard drive, which you need to do when installing Windows or running a repair tool. You might also enter BIOS to enable or disable hardware like USB ports, the camera, or the touchpad, or to check your system's temperature and power settings.

On some ASUS gaming laptops, BIOS also controls performance settings and fan speed. If your machine is running hot or loud, adjusting these settings in BIOS can help, though you should be careful not to change settings you don't understand.

You may also need to enter BIOS to update your system firmware, which ASUS releases periodically to fix bugs or improve performance. The BIOS menu itself will have an option to update firmware if a new version is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Delete and F2 on ASUS computers?

There is no functional difference — ASUS simply uses different keys on different models. Delete is more common on desktops, F2 on laptops, but this isn't a hard rule. If one doesn't work, try the other. Your computer's manual will tell you which one is correct for your specific model.

Can I enter BIOS if I've forgotten my password?

If you've set a BIOS password on your ASUS machine, you'll need to enter it to access BIOS settings. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to reset the CMOS battery inside your computer, which clears all BIOS settings including the password. This requires opening your machine and is best done by an ASUS service center or a technician if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

Will entering BIOS damage my computer?

Simply entering BIOS and looking around won't damage anything. However, changing settings you don't understand can cause problems — for example, disabling a hardware device your system needs, or setting voltages too high. If you're not sure what a setting does, don't change it. Write down the original settings before you make changes so you can revert them if something goes wrong.

How do I know if I'm in BIOS or UEFI?

BIOS is text-based with a blue or black background and no mouse pointer. UEFI has a graphical interface with colors, icons, and a mouse pointer you can move around. Both are firmware menus where you change system settings. ASUS calls both "BIOS" in their documentation, so the name doesn't tell you which one you're in.

Can I enter BIOS on an ASUS laptop while it's plugged in?

Yes, you can enter BIOS whether your laptop is plugged in or running on battery. However, it's a good idea to plug in your laptop before restarting, since the BIOS process uses a small amount of power and you want to make sure your battery doesn't die in the middle of it.