The fastest way depends on your computer brand

To open BIOS setup, restart your computer and press a specific key repeatedly as it boots — before Windows or macOS loads. The key varies by manufacturer: Dell and Lenovo machines usually need F2, HP and Compaq need F10, ASUS and MSI need Delete, and some older machines need F1 or F12. You have only a few seconds during the boot screen, so you may need to restart and try again if you miss the window.

If you do not know your computer's brand or the key does not work, look at the boot screen text itself — it usually displays the correct key in small print, often saying something like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Del for BIOS Configuration." If the text is too small to read or disappears too fast, you can also check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's support website by searching "[Your Brand] BIOS key."

On newer computers with fast startup times, you may not see a boot screen at all. In that case, you can restart into BIOS from within Windows: go to Settings, then System, then Recovery, and select "Restart now" under "Advanced startup." Your computer will restart and show a menu where you can choose "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "UEFI Firmware Settings." This method works on most Windows 10 and 11 machines.

Key Takeaways

  • The key to press during startup depends on your computer brand: F2 for Dell and Lenovo, F10 for HP, Delete for ASUS, and you should check your boot screen or manual if unsure.
  • You have only a few seconds to press the key after the computer starts, so you may need to restart multiple times to catch the window.
  • On Windows 10 and 11, you can restart into BIOS through Settings without needing to time a key press during startup.
  • Once you are in BIOS, use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select — the mouse does not work in most BIOS menus.

Timing the key press on older computers

The boot screen appears for only two to five seconds on most machines, which is why the timing feels tight. Start pressing the key as soon as you see any text or logo appear on the screen, and keep pressing it repeatedly until the BIOS menu opens. Holding the key down continuously works better than single presses, since you do not have to time each one perfectly.

If you press the key too late, you will see the Windows or macOS login screen instead. When that happens, restart the computer and try again. Some people find it easier to restart, then press the key when ready after hearing the startup sound or seeing the first flicker of the screen, rather than waiting for the full boot logo to appear.

Using Windows startup settings to reach BIOS

On Windows 10 and 11, you can avoid the timing problem entirely by restarting through the Settings menu. Click the Start button, then Settings, then System, then Recovery. Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now." Your computer will restart and show a blue menu with options.

From that menu, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," then "UEFI Firmware Settings." Click "Restart" and your computer will boot directly into BIOS without you needing to press anything. This method is slower overall — it takes a minute or two longer than the key-press method — but it removes the guesswork about timing.

Navigating once you are inside BIOS

Once BIOS opens, you will see a menu with text options and a dark background. The mouse does not work in BIOS, so use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move between options and press Enter to select one. Some BIOS menus use Tab to move between sections or F1 to open help.

The exact layout and options vary widely by manufacturer, but common sections include "Main" (showing your hardware), "Boot" (controlling startup order), "Security" (password and encryption settings), and "Power" (sleep and shutdown behavior). If you are looking for a specific setting, check the section headings or use Ctrl+F if your BIOS supports search.

To leave BIOS without making changes, look for an "Exit" option, usually at the bottom of the menu or accessible by pressing Escape. If you made changes and want to save them, select "Save and Exit" or "Save Changes and Reset." Your computer will restart and load Windows or macOS normally.

What to do if you cannot find the right key

If you have tried the common keys and nothing works, check the manufacturer's support website. Search "[Your Brand] [Your Model] BIOS key" — for example, "Dell XPS 13 BIOS key." Most manufacturers list the correct key on their support pages, and many also provide video tutorials showing the exact timing.

If you cannot identify your computer model, look for a sticker on the bottom or back of the machine, or check Device Manager in Windows by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Device Manager." The computer name usually appears at the top of the window.

On very new computers, especially those with solid-state drives, the boot process may be so fast that you cannot see the boot screen at all. In that case, the Windows Settings method described above is your best option.

Common reasons BIOS will not open

If you are pressing the correct key at the right time but BIOS still does not open, your computer may have a startup password set. If you set a password yourself and remember it, enter it when prompted. If you do not remember the password, you will need to reset it — the process varies by manufacturer and usually requires opening the computer case or contacting the manufacturer's support line.

Some corporate or school computers have BIOS access locked by an administrator, which prevents anyone from opening it without a password. If this is your situation, contact your IT department or system administrator.

On rare occasions, a corrupted BIOS or a hardware problem can prevent the BIOS menu from appearing even when you press the correct key. If you have tried multiple times with the correct key and nothing happens, the computer may need professional service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the mouse in BIOS?

No, the mouse does not work in most BIOS menus. Use the arrow keys to navigate, Enter to select, Tab to move between sections, and Escape to go back. Some newer BIOS interfaces (called UEFI) support the mouse, but keyboard navigation is always available.

What happens if I restart my computer while in BIOS?

If you press a restart button or turn off the computer while in BIOS, any changes you made will not be saved. Your computer will restart normally and load Windows or macOS as usual. Always select "Save and Exit" if you want your changes to take effect.

Is it dangerous to change settings in BIOS?

Changing the wrong setting can prevent your computer from starting up. If you are not sure what a setting does, do not change it. If you accidentally change something and cannot start your computer, most BIOS menus have a "Load Defaults" or "Reset to Factory Settings" option that will undo your changes.

Why does my computer boot so fast I cannot see the boot screen?

Computers with solid-state drives boot very quickly, sometimes in under two seconds. If you cannot see the boot screen, use the Windows Settings method instead: go to Settings, System, Recovery, and select "Restart now" under Advanced startup, then choose UEFI Firmware Settings.