How to Enter BIOS on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide
Entering the BIOS on Windows 10 may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as changing specific settings, modifying boot priority, or detecting hardware issues. However, for many users, accessing the BIOS can be a daunting task. In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to enter the BIOS on Windows 10, as well as keyboard shortcuts, common BIOS keys, and troubleshooting tips for common entry issues.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before we get started, it is important to note that accessing the BIOS on Windows 10 can vary depending on the manufacturer of your computer. Therefore, it may take some trial and error to figure out the correct method for your machine. Here are the steps to take to access the BIOS on Windows 10:
- Start by clicking on the start menu and selecting the power icon
- Press and hold the ‘Shift’ key while clicking on ‘Restart’
- Click on ‘Troubleshoot’
- Select ‘Advanced Options’
- Select ‘UEFI Firmware Settings’
- Click ‘Restart’ to access the BIOS
It is important to note that some manufacturers may require different steps or different keywords. If the above steps do not work, you can try searching for your computer manufacturer’s name and “boot menu” or “bios key” to find specific instructions for your computer.
If the above steps do not work, it is possible that your computer is not UEFI compatible. In that case, try the traditional method of entering the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key combination during startup. The method for doing so will depend on the manufacturer of your computer.
Video Tutorial
If you’re a visual learner, a video tutorial can be a helpful resource. Here is a video that goes over the process of entering the BIOS on Windows 10 with helpful visuals and explanations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX-chsKYWvY
We encourage you to watch the video if you’re unsure about any of the steps mentioned in the guide.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can be a useful way to quickly enter the BIOS without having to go through the steps mentioned earlier. Here are some commonly used keyboard shortcuts for entering the BIOS:
- F1
- F2
- F10
- Del
- Esc
It is important to note that the actual shortcut required may vary based on the manufacturer of your computer.
Common BIOS Keys
Here are some commonly used BIOS keys for popular manufacturers:
- Acer: F2 or Del
- Asus: F2 or Del
- Dell: F2 or F12
- HP: F10 or Esc
- Lenovo: F1 or F2
Again, it is important to note that the actual key required may vary based on the manufacturer of your computer.
BIOS Boot Menu
In some cases, it may be necessary to boot into the BIOS from the boot menu. Here’s how to do so:
- Start your computer
- Press the appropriate key to access the boot menu (this can vary depending on manufacturer)
- Select the device that contains the Windows 10 installation
- Press the appropriate key to access the BIOS (this can vary depending on manufacturer)
If the aforementioned steps don’t work, you may need to reset your BIOS to its default settings. To do so, you’ll typically need to remove your computer’s main battery or find the bios reset jumper on your motherboard. If you’re not comfortable doing any of this, we advise you to seek professional help.
Troubleshooting Common BIOS Entry Problems
Here are some common issues related to entering the BIOS and how to solve them:
The BIOS is Locked with a Password
If you’re prompted for a password when attempting to enter the BIOS, it’s likely that the user who last accessed the BIOS set a password in the BIOS security options. If you can’t remember the password, we recommend contacting the manufacturer for assistance. Changing BIOS settings without unlocking your BIOS may cause damage to the hardware, software, and data.
The UEFI Firmware Settings are Unavailable
If the ‘UEFI Firmware Settings’ option is not available under ‘Advanced Options,’ it may be that your system lacks UEFI support or the option has been removed from your motherboard. In this case, you’ll need to enter the BIOS using the traditional method mentioned earlier in the article.
The Computer Doesn’t Boot into BIOS When You Press the BIOS Key
If you’ve tried pressing the BIOS key during startup, but your computer doesn’t load into the BIOS, it might mean that you’re not hitting the correct key. Check the documentation for your pc to find the correct key to press at startup.
Conclusion
Entering the BIOS on Windows 10 may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of patience and effort, it’s possible to access the BIOS with ease. The above guide provides various methods to enter the BIOS, keyboard shortcuts, common BIOS keys, and troubleshooting techniques for common entry issues. We encourage you to give one or more of the methods mentioned a try and take control of your computer’s advanced settings.
