Do you need to change the order of your computer's boot devices or reset the system clock? The BIOS or UEFI (the modern and updated version of the BIOS) is the tool you need. The BIOS or UEFI controls all low-level functions of a PC, and if you want to change its configuration, you will need to have access to its user interface. The procedure to follow to access the BIOS varies from computer to computer, but the principle behind it is always the same. This article explains how to access the BIOS or UEFI of any PC.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Windows 10
Step 1. Launch the Windows Settings app by clicking on the icon
It is located in the "Start" menu. If you are able to access the computer desktop, you should be able to enter the BIOS / UEFI without any problem and without the need to press a specific key when starting the computer.
In order to have access to the BIOS, you need to restart your computer. For this reason, save all your work and close any currently open programs before continuing
Step 2. Click the Update and Security icon
It is characterized by two curved arrows.
Step 3. Click on the Restore tab
It is listed in the left pane of the page.
Step 4. Click the Restart Now button visible in the "Advanced Startup" section
It is located inside the right pane of the page. You may need to scroll down the list to be able to locate and use it.
Step 5. Click on the Troubleshoot option from the menu that will appear
After the computer restarts, an advanced menu will appear.
Step 6. Click on UEFI Firmware Settings option
It features an integrated circuit icon with a small gear visible at the bottom right. A confirmation screen will appear.
If the indicated option is not visible, it means that to enter the BIOS you will have to follow the instructions of this method
Step 7. Click the Restart button
The computer will restart again and you will have access to the BIOS / UEFI user interface.
When in the BIOS / UEFI, use the directional arrows on your keyboard (or the mouse if it works) to move through the menus and select the various options
Method 2 of 3: Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
Step 1. Open the charms bar
Move the mouse cursor to the lower right corner of the desktop.
In order to have access to the BIOS, you need to restart your computer. For this reason, save all your work and close any currently open programs before continuing
Step 2. Click on the Settings option
It features a gear icon and is visible within the Windows charms bar.
Step 3. Click the Change PC Settings link
It is visible at the bottom of the appeared menu.
Step 4. Click on Update and Repair option
It is located at the bottom of the left pane of the page.
If you are using Windows 8 without upgrading to Windows 8.1, you will need to select the entry General from the left panel of the page.
Step 5. Click on the Recovery tab (only for Windows 8.1)
It is located in the left pane of the menu.
Step 6. Click the Restart Now button
It is located within the "Advanced Startup" section of the right pane of the page.
Step 7. Click on the Troubleshooting menu item that will appear
It is the second option on the list.
Step 8. Click on the Advanced Options item
It is the last option on the menu.
Step 9. Click on UEFI Firmware Settings option
It features an integrated circuit icon with a small gear visible at the bottom right. A confirmation screen will appear.
If the indicated option is not visible, it means that to enter the BIOS you will have to follow the instructions of this method
Step 10. Click the Restart button
The computer will restart again and you will have access to the BIOS / UEFI user interface.
When in the BIOS / UEFI, use the mouse to navigate the menus and select the various options
Method 3 of 3: Traditional Method
Step 1. Restart your computer
If you are using an older version of Windows or if the methods related to Windows 10 or Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 did not work, you can access the BIOS by pressing a specific key during the initial phase of the computer boot procedure.
In order to have access to the BIOS, the computer must be restarted. For this reason, save all your work and close any currently open programs before continuing
Step 2. Press the BIOS access key repeatedly
As soon as you see the computer manufacturer's logo appear on the screen, press the key indicated on the screen to access the BIOS. The key to use varies depending on the make and model of the device and the BIOS. Remember to press it repeatedly until you see the BIOS interface appear on the screen.
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Below is a list of some of the commonly used keys to enter the BIOS, by computer manufacturer:
- Acer: F2 or Canc;
- ASUS: F2 or Canc;
- Dell: F2 or F12;
- HP: ESC or F10;
- Lenovo: F2 or Fn + F2;
- Lenovo Desktop: F1;
- Lenovo ThinkPads: Enter + F1;
- MSI: Canc for motherboards and PCs;
- Microsoft Surface Tablet: Press and hold the "Volume Up" key;
- Computer Origin: F2;
- Samsung: F2;
- Sony: F1, F2 or F3;
- Toshiba: F2.
- If you do not press the indicated key with the correct timing, the operating system will start loading normally, so you will simply have to restart your computer and try again.
Step 3. Use the BIOS interface
If you pressed the indicated key with the correct timing, you will see the BIOS / UEFI interface appear on the screen. To navigate the menus and select the available options, you will need to use the keyboard because the mouse will most likely not work.
