The quickest way to enter BIOS during startup

To enter BIOS, restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly as it boots up—before Windows or your operating system loads. The key you press depends on your computer's manufacturer: Dell computers usually require F2, HP and Lenovo typically use F2 or F10, ASUS boards often use Delete or F2, and Acer machines commonly use Delete. If you have a custom-built PC, the key depends on your motherboard manufacturer, which you can find in your manual or by searching your motherboard model online.

The timing matters. You have only a few seconds after you press the power button to hit the key before your operating system takes over. If you miss the window, restart and try again. Most computers show a brief message on the startup screen telling you which key to press—watch for text like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Delete for BIOS."

Key Takeaways

  • The key to press varies by manufacturer: Dell uses F2, HP and Lenovo use F2 or F10, ASUS uses Delete or F2, and Acer uses Delete.
  • You must press the key during the first few seconds of startup, before your operating system begins loading.
  • If you miss the window, restart your computer and try again—there is no penalty for multiple attempts.
  • Your motherboard manual or a quick online search of your model number will confirm the correct key if the startup screen does not display it.
  • Some newer computers with fast boot times may require you to restart from Windows settings instead of using the power button.

Step-by-step: entering BIOS on a standard PC

Start by saving any open work and closing all programs. Then shut down your computer completely—do not use sleep or hibernation mode. Once the screen goes dark and the computer is fully off, wait a few seconds.

Press the power button to turn the computer on. when ready begin pressing your BIOS key repeatedly—about once per second. Do not hold it down; tap it instead. You should see the BIOS setup screen appear within 5 to 10 seconds. If your operating system starts loading instead, you waited too long. Shut down again and repeat, pressing the key faster this time.

Once you see the BIOS screen, you have successfully entered the setup utility. The screen will show your system information, boot options, and hardware settings. You can now navigate using your keyboard arrow keys and make any changes you need.

Entering BIOS on newer computers with fast startup

Some modern PCs boot so quickly that pressing a key during startup does not work reliably. If you cannot reach BIOS by restarting normally, use the Windows settings method instead. Open the Start menu, go to Settings, then System, then Recovery. Look for an option labeled "Restart now" under "Advanced startup" or similar wording.

Click that option and your computer will restart into a blue menu screen. From there, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "UEFI Firmware Settings" or "BIOS Settings." Your computer will restart again and take you directly into BIOS. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines.

What to do if you cannot find the right key

If the startup screen does not display which key to press, search online for your computer's model number plus "BIOS key" or "enter setup." You can usually find your model number on a sticker on the back or bottom of your computer, or in your purchase paperwork. Searching "Dell Inspiron 15 BIOS key" or "ASUS ROG Strix BIOS key" will quickly show you the correct key.

If you have a laptop, check the manufacturer's support website. Laptop BIOS keys are sometimes different from desktop models, and the support page for your exact model will list the correct one. You can also try common keys like F1, F10, or Escape if the usual key for your brand does not work.

Common mistakes that prevent BIOS entry

The most frequent mistake is waiting too long to start pressing the key. Begin tapping as soon as you press the power button, not after you see something on the screen. Another common error is holding the key down instead of tapping it—this can actually prevent BIOS from opening on some computers. Tap the key once per second instead.

Some people restart from within Windows instead of doing a full power-off. This can skip the BIOS entry window entirely. Always shut down completely, wait a moment, then press the power button fresh. If you have a laptop, also make sure you are not in a low-battery state—some laptops skip BIOS checks when the battery is critically low.

What happens after you enter BIOS

Once you are in BIOS, you can view your hardware information, change boot order, enable or disable devices, and adjust system settings. Most people enter BIOS to change which drive the computer boots from, to enable or disable a device like a USB port, or to check hardware temperatures and status. The exact options available depend on your motherboard.

Do not change settings unless you know what they do—incorrect BIOS settings can prevent your computer from starting. If you make a change and something goes wrong, restart and enter BIOS again to undo it. Most BIOS menus have a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" option that will restore safe settings if you get stuck.

Exiting BIOS without making changes

To leave BIOS without saving any changes, look for an "Exit" option in the menu, usually at the bottom of the screen. Press Enter on it and select "Exit Without Saving" or "Discard Changes." Your computer will restart and boot normally into Windows. If you made changes you want to keep, select "Save and Exit" instead.

Some BIOS menus use the Escape key to exit. Check the bottom of your BIOS screen for instructions—it will usually say something like "Press F10 to Save and Exit" or "Press Escape to Exit Menu." Follow those on-screen prompts and your computer will restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I press the BIOS key but nothing happens?

You may have pressed it too late or too slowly. Restart your computer and begin tapping the key when ready after pressing the power button, about once per second. If that does not work, try a different key—you may have the wrong one for your specific model. Search your computer model plus "BIOS key" online to confirm.

Can I enter BIOS from a powered-off state without restarting?

No. BIOS is only accessible during the startup sequence, which begins when you press the power button. You must restart your computer to reach it. If your computer is already on, shut it down completely first, then power it back on and when ready begin pressing the BIOS key.

Will entering BIOS delete my files or programs?

No. straightforward entering BIOS and looking around will not change anything on your computer. Your files and programs are safe. Only if you change settings and save those changes will anything be affected—and even then, only system-level settings, not your personal data.

Is it safe to change BIOS settings if I do not know what they do?

No. Incorrect BIOS changes can prevent your computer from starting or cause hardware to malfunction. Only change settings if you understand what they control. If you make a mistake, restart and enter BIOS again to undo it, or use the "Load Defaults" option to restore safe settings.

Why does my computer boot so fast that I cannot press the BIOS key in time?

Modern computers with fast storage can boot in just a few seconds, making the BIOS window very short. Use the Windows settings method instead: go to Settings > System > Recovery, select "Restart now" under Advanced startup, then choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "UEFI Firmware Settings." This takes you directly to BIOS without the timing pressure.