The fastest way to enter BIOS on startup
To start your PC in BIOS, restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly as it boots — before Windows or your operating system loads. The key varies by motherboard manufacturer: Delete or F2 are most common on desktop PCs, while laptops often use F2, F10, or Esc. You need to press it within the first few seconds, usually while you see the manufacturer's logo on screen.
If you miss the window, let the computer finish booting into Windows, then restart and try again. There is no penalty for missing it — you straightforward boot normally and try the next restart. The timing is tight but not difficult once you know which key to press.
Key Takeaways
- The key to press depends on your motherboard or laptop model — check the startup screen or your manual for the correct one, usually Delete, F2, F10, or Esc.
- You must press the key repeatedly during the first few seconds of startup, while the manufacturer logo is visible, before the operating system begins loading.
- If you enter BIOS by accident, press Escape or select Exit Without Saving to return to normal startup without changing anything.
- Some newer PCs with Windows 11 require you to restart from within Windows using Advanced Startup Options instead of pressing a key during boot.
Finding the correct BIOS key for your machine
The startup screen — the first image you see when you power on — usually displays the correct key in small text at the bottom. Look for text like "Press Delete to enter Setup" or "Press F2 for BIOS Settings." Write down the key before you restart, so you know what to press.
If the text is too small or unclear, check your motherboard manual or your laptop's support page. Motherboard manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock each have their own defaults, but the manual for your specific model will confirm it. For laptops, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others vary — a quick search for your model number plus "enter BIOS" will show the key.
Common defaults by brand are Delete or F2 for most desktops, F2 or F10 for many laptops, and Esc for some Dell and HP models. If you are unsure, start with Delete or F2 on your next restart.
The timing and technique for pressing the key
Power on your PC or restart it. As soon as you see the first screen — usually a logo or manufacturer name — begin pressing your BIOS key repeatedly, about once per second. Do not hold it down; tap it several times in quick succession. Continue tapping until the BIOS menu appears, which usually takes two to five seconds.
If the computer boots into Windows instead, you waited too long or pressed the wrong key. Restart and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt this. Some PCs have a narrow window of only two or three seconds, so you may need to restart a few times to get the timing right.
On very fast modern PCs with solid-state drives, the window can be extremely short. If you consistently miss it, try restarting from within Windows and using the Advanced Startup menu instead (see the section below for Windows 11 and 10).
Entering BIOS on Windows 10 and Windows 11 without pressing a key
Newer PCs, especially those with Windows 11, sometimes skip the traditional startup key window entirely. If pressing Delete or F2 does not work, restart your computer from within Windows using the Advanced Startup Options menu instead.
On Windows 11: Open Settings, go to System, then Recovery. Under "Advanced startup," click Restart Now. Your PC will restart and show a menu with options including "Troubleshoot." Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then UEFI Firmware Settings. Click Restart, and your PC will reboot directly into BIOS.
On Windows 10: Open Settings, go to Update & Security, then Recovery. Under "Advanced startup," click Restart Now and follow the same path through Troubleshoot and Advanced Options to reach UEFI Firmware Settings.
What to do if you enter BIOS by accident
If you see the BIOS menu and did not mean to, do not panic. You have not changed anything yet. Look for an option that says Exit Without Saving, Exit Setup, or straightforward Escape. Press that key or select that option, and your PC will restart normally and boot into Windows as usual.
BIOS changes only take effect if you explicitly save them before exiting. If you have not intentionally changed any settings, exiting without saving will undo anything you may have accidentally touched. The default is always to exit without saving, so you are safe unless you actively select Save and Exit.
Common BIOS keys by manufacturer
| Manufacturer | Common BIOS Keys | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS (desktop) | Delete, F2 | Delete is most common; check your motherboard manual |
| MSI (desktop) | Delete | Occasionally F2 on older models |
| Gigabyte (desktop) | Delete, F2 | Varies by board; manual will confirm |
| ASRock (desktop) | Delete, F2 | Check manual for your specific model |
| Dell (laptop) | F2, Esc, Delete | Esc is common on newer models; check support page |
| HP (laptop) | F2, Esc, F10 | Varies widely; model number determines the key |
| Lenovo (laptop) | F2, Enter | Some models use Fn + F2; check manual |
| Apple (Mac) | Command + R (firmware) | Macs use firmware recovery, not traditional BIOS |
Troubleshooting if you cannot enter BIOS
If you have tried the correct key multiple times and still cannot enter BIOS, the issue is usually timing. The window on modern PCs is very short. Try restarting and pressing the key as soon as you see any image on screen, even before the logo fully appears. Tap the key five or six times in quick succession rather than holding it.
If you are on Windows 11 or 10, use the Advanced Startup method described above instead. This bypasses the timing issue entirely and takes you directly to BIOS without needing to press a key during boot.
If neither method works, your PC may have a BIOS password set, or there may be a hardware issue. Check your motherboard manual or contact the manufacturer's support. For laptops, contact the manufacturer's support line with your model number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?
UEFI is the modern version of BIOS and works the same way from the user's perspective — you enter it the same way and see a similar menu. Older PCs use traditional BIOS; newer ones use UEFI. The entry process is identical, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
Will entering BIOS change my computer settings?
No, entering BIOS and looking around does not change anything. Changes only happen if you intentionally modify a setting and then select Save and Exit. If you exit without saving, your PC returns to normal with no changes made.
Can I enter BIOS if my keyboard is not working?
You need a working keyboard to press the BIOS key. If your keyboard does not work during startup, try a different USB port or a different keyboard if you have one. If no keyboard works at startup, there may be a hardware issue — contact your PC manufacturer's support.
Why would I need to enter BIOS?
Common reasons include changing boot order (to boot from a USB drive), adjusting fan speeds, checking hardware temperatures, enabling or disabling hardware features, or updating the BIOS itself. Most users never need to enter BIOS, but it is useful when troubleshooting or making specific hardware changes.
Is it safe to change BIOS settings?
Some settings are safe to change; others can cause problems if set incorrectly. If you do not know what a setting does, do not change it. Always write down the original values before making changes, so you can restore them if something goes wrong. When in doubt, leave BIOS alone or consult your motherboard manual.