Getting into BIOS on your computer

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

The reason BIOS opens during startup rather than from within your operating system is that BIOS runs before your operating system loads. It is the layer between your hardware and everything else. Once Windows or Mac starts, you cannot access BIOS from the desktop — you have to restart and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • You enter BIOS by restarting your computer and pressing a specific key (usually F2, F10, Delete, or F12) while the manufacturer's logo appears on screen.
  • The correct key varies by manufacturer — Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus each use different keys, and your computer may display the key on the startup screen.
  • You have only a few seconds after the logo appears to press the key before Windows or your operating system loads.
  • If you miss the window, restart the computer and try again — there is no penalty for multiple attempts.
  • Once inside BIOS, use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select options; the menu will tell you which key saves and exits.

Finding the correct key for your computer

The startup screen often displays the key you need to press. Watch for text like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Delete for BIOS Settings" as your computer boots. If you see this message, that is your answer — press that key repeatedly until the BIOS menu appears.

If your startup screen does not show the key, check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's support website. Search for your exact model number (usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of your laptop, or on the case of a desktop) plus the words "enter BIOS" or "BIOS key". You will usually find the answer within the first search result.

Common keys by manufacturer: Dell computers typically use F2, HP and Lenovo use F10, Asus uses Delete, and some older computers use F12. If you own a Mac, BIOS is called firmware and opens differently — hold Command + Option + P + R while restarting, or restart and hold Option to see firmware options.

Timing your key press correctly

The window to press the BIOS key opens the moment you see your manufacturer's logo (the Dell logo, HP logo, Lenovo logo, etc.) and closes once your operating system begins loading. On most computers, this window lasts only 3 to 5 seconds. Start pressing the key as soon as you see the logo, and keep pressing it repeatedly — do not press it once and wait.

If you are using a laptop, you may need to press the key and the Fn key together. Some laptops require Fn + F2 instead of just F2. Check your manual if the standard key does not work.

If you miss the window and Windows or Mac loads fully, restart your computer and try again. There is no harm in multiple attempts. Some computers also allow you to restart into BIOS from the shutdown menu — on Windows 10 and 11, hold Shift while clicking Restart, then look for an option like "Troubleshoot" or "Advanced Options" that may include a BIOS or firmware restart.

What to do once you are inside BIOS

Once the BIOS menu opens, you will see a dark screen with white or blue text showing various settings and options. Use your arrow keys to move up and down through the menu. Press Enter to select an option or open a submenu. The bottom of the screen usually shows which key to press to save and exit (often F10) and which key to press to exit without saving (often Escape).

Do not change any settings unless you know what they do. BIOS controls fundamental hardware settings, and changing the wrong thing can prevent your computer from starting. If you opened BIOS to check something specific — like boot order, storage settings, or security features — locate that section, note what you see, and exit without saving if you are just looking.

If you need to change a setting, write down the original value before you change it. That way, if something goes wrong, you can restart, go back into BIOS, and change it back to what it was.

Restarting your computer to try again

If the BIOS menu does not appear after you press the key, or if you are not sure whether you pressed it in time, restart your computer and try once more. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard, select "Restart" or "Shut Down", wait for the computer to fully power off, and then watch for the manufacturer's logo on the next startup.

Some computers restart faster than others, so the window may be shorter on newer machines. If you have a very fast computer, you may need to press the key immediately when you press the power button, before the logo even appears. If you are still having trouble, try pressing the key continuously from the moment you press the power button until the BIOS menu appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I press the wrong key?

Nothing happens — your computer will simply continue booting normally. Restart and try the correct key. There is no damage from pressing the wrong key during startup.

Can I access BIOS from Windows without restarting?

On Windows 10 and 11, you can restart into BIOS from the Settings menu. Hold Shift and click Restart from the power menu, then look for "Troubleshoot" or "Advanced Options" that may include a firmware or BIOS restart option. This is faster than the traditional method of restarting and pressing a key.

What if my computer boots too fast to press the key?

Modern computers with solid-state drives boot very quickly. Try pressing the key continuously from the moment you press the power button, or use the Windows restart method described above. Some manufacturers also allow you to hold the key down rather than tap it repeatedly.

Will changing BIOS settings break my computer?

Changing the wrong setting can cause problems, but you can usually fix it by restarting, going back into BIOS, and changing the setting back. Write down the original value before you change anything. If your computer will not start after a BIOS change, restart and try to enter BIOS again to undo the change.

Is BIOS the same as UEFI?

UEFI is the modern version of BIOS and works the same way from a user's perspective — you still restart and press a key to enter it. The menu looks slightly different and has more features, but the process of opening it is identical. Your computer uses one or the other depending on when it was made.