The fastest way to open BIOS depends on your computer's manufacturer
To open BIOS, restart your computer and press a specific key during startup — before Windows loads. The key varies by manufacturer: Dell uses F2, HP and Lenovo use F10, Asus uses Delete, and MSI uses Delete. You have only a few seconds to press it, so you may need to restart and try again if you miss the window.
If you don't know your computer's manufacturer, look at the logo that appears when you first power on. That same manufacturer name is usually printed on the case or bottom of the laptop. Once you know the brand, use the key listed for that manufacturer in the table below.
If the key method doesn't work, Windows 10 and 11 offer an alternative route through Settings that works on any computer — this method is slower but more reliable if you're not comfortable with the restart timing.
Key Takeaways
- The key you press to enter BIOS is different for each manufacturer — Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and MSI each use their own key.
- You must press the key during startup, in the few seconds before Windows begins to load, or you'll boot into Windows instead.
- If restarting and pressing a key feels risky, Windows 10 and 11 let you enter BIOS through Settings without timing pressure.
- Once inside BIOS, do not change settings unless you know what they do — incorrect changes can prevent your computer from starting.
Opening BIOS by pressing a key during startup
Restart your computer completely. As soon as the screen goes black and you see the manufacturer's logo appear, begin pressing your manufacturer's BIOS key repeatedly — press it once per second until the BIOS screen appears. Pressing too slowly or too late will result in Windows loading instead, and you'll have to restart and try again.
The timing is tight because manufacturers give you only a few seconds. If you miss it, shut down the computer completely (don't just restart), wait five seconds, then power it back on and try again. Some people find it easier to power off, wait, then power on fresh rather than using the restart button.
Once the BIOS screen appears, you're in. The screen will show your computer's hardware information and settings. You can navigate using arrow keys and Enter. To leave BIOS without saving changes, look for an Exit option (usually at the bottom of the menu) and select "Exit Without Saving."
BIOS keys by manufacturer
| Manufacturer | BIOS Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | F2 | Works on most Dell desktops and laptops |
| HP | F10 | Some older HP models use Esc or F1 instead |
| Lenovo | F10 or Fn + F10 | Laptops may require holding Fn while pressing F10 |
| Asus | Delete | Press Delete repeatedly during startup |
| MSI | Delete | Press Delete repeatedly during startup |
| Acer | Delete or F2 | Varies by model; try Delete first |
| Gateway | F2 | Less common; check your manual if F2 doesn't work |
Opening BIOS through Windows 10 or 11 Settings
If you have Windows 10 or 11, you can enter BIOS without the restart timing pressure. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Click "System" on the left, then scroll down and click "Recovery." Under "Recovery options," click "Restart now" next to "Advanced startup."
Your computer will restart and show a blue menu with several options. Click "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "UEFI Firmware Settings." Click "Restart" and your computer will reboot directly into BIOS. This method is more reliable if you struggle with the key-press timing during normal startup.
This Settings route works on almost all modern Windows PCs regardless of manufacturer, making it a good backup if the key method fails. The downside is that it takes longer — you're going through multiple menu screens instead of pressing one key.
What to do once you're inside BIOS
BIOS screens vary by manufacturer, but they all show your hardware information at the top — CPU, RAM, storage drives, and other components. Below that are settings organized into tabs or menus. Use arrow keys to move between options and Enter to select them.
Do not change settings unless you have a specific reason and know what each setting does. Common reasons to enter BIOS include checking your hard drive is recognized, changing the boot order (which drive starts first), or enabling virtualization for certain software. If you're unsure what a setting does, leave it alone.
To save changes and exit, look for a "Save and Exit" or "Exit and Save Changes" option, usually at the bottom of the menu or in a dedicated menu tab. If you made changes by accident, select "Exit Without Saving" instead and your computer will restart with no changes applied.
Troubleshooting when BIOS won't open
If you press the key repeatedly and BIOS doesn't appear, you may be pressing the wrong key for your manufacturer. Check the startup screen again — look for text that says "Press [key] to enter Setup" or "Press [key] for BIOS." That text tells you the correct key for your specific computer.
Some computers require you to hold the key down rather than press it repeatedly. Try holding the key down for three to five seconds instead of tapping it. If that doesn't work, try the Windows Settings method instead — it bypasses the timing issue entirely.
If you're on a laptop, check whether you need to hold the Fn key at the same time. Lenovo laptops in particular often require Fn + F10 rather than F10 alone. Your laptop's manual or manufacturer website will confirm the correct key combination for your specific model.
Common reasons people need to open BIOS
The most common reason is to check whether your computer recognizes a new hard drive or SSD you've installed. BIOS shows all connected storage devices, so if your new drive doesn't appear there, Windows won't see it either. This tells you whether the hardware is connected properly or needs troubleshooting.
Another frequent reason is to change the boot order — which drive your computer starts from. If you're installing Windows or another operating system from a USB drive, you may need to tell BIOS to boot from USB first instead of your main hard drive. This is temporary; once installation is done, BIOS reverts to booting from your main drive.
Some software requires virtualization to be turned on in BIOS. Virtual machines, certain security tools, and some development software need this setting enabled. Your software's documentation will tell you if you need to enable it, and BIOS is where you do that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I damage my computer by opening BIOS?
Opening BIOS and looking around causes no damage. Changing settings can cause problems if you don't know what they do, but exiting without saving leaves your computer unchanged. Only save changes if you intentionally modified a setting.
What if I can't find my computer's manufacturer?
Look at the power-on screen — the logo that appears first tells you the manufacturer. On laptops, check the lid or bottom. On desktops, look at the case. If you still can't find it, try F2 or Delete, as these work on many brands. The Windows Settings method works on any computer.
Is BIOS the same as UEFI?
UEFI is the modern version of BIOS. Newer computers use UEFI, older ones use BIOS, but they work the same way from a user perspective. The keys and menus are slightly different, but the process of entering and exiting is identical.
Will opening BIOS void my warranty?
Opening BIOS and viewing settings does not void your warranty. Changing settings could potentially cause issues, but most manufacturers don't consider BIOS access itself a warranty violation. Changing hardware (like adding RAM) is separate from BIOS access.
What if I accidentally changed a BIOS setting?
Exit BIOS without saving and your computer will restart with no changes applied. If you already saved changes and your computer won't start, restart and enter BIOS again, then look for a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" option to restore original settings.