How to Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup On Windows PC

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is an essential part of your computer. It is the first software that runs when you turn on/Restart your Computer. BIOS manages communication between your system’s hardware and operating system (Windows). Sometimes, you may need to access the BIOS to change certain settings like boot order, enable or disable hardware, or troubleshoot system issues. There are several methods to access the BIOS menu on a PC. If you need to adjust system settings or the boot menu, this article will guide you on how to enter BIOS.

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Understanding BIOS and UEFI

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly understand what Is BIOS . BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is a small program stored on a chip on your computer’s motherboard. Its primary function is to initialize hardware components like the CPU, memory (RAM), hard drives, and peripherals (keyboard, mouse) when you turn on your computer. After ensuring everything is working properly, it hands control over to the operating system.

While the BIOS has been replaced by UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) in modern computers, they both serve the same purpose. It provides faster boot times, better security, and supports larger hard drives compared to BIOS. Therefore, entering BIOS or UEFI settings on a Windows PC follows a similar process.

Why Would You Enter BIOS/UEFI

There are several reasons why you might need to enter the BIOS on your Windows PC. Some of the common reasons include:

Changing the Boot Order: If you want to boot from a USB drive, DVD, or external hard drive, you’ll need to change the boot order.
Enabling or Disabling Hardware: You may want to disable unused hardware components or enable specific features, such as virtualization, that are disabled by default.
Updating BIOS: Occasionally, updating your BIOS can fix compatibility issues or bugs, but this is a more advanced task.
Troubleshooting: If your PC isn’t starting correctly or showing errors, you might need to enter the BIOS to diagnose the issue.
Overclocking: If you’re interested in boosting your computer’s performance, BIOS provides settings to adjust CPU or memory speeds.

How to Enter In BIOS/UEFI on Windows PC

Entering the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) setup on a Windows PC is generally done through a specific key or key combination during the computer’s startup. Here’s the most popular method

Using the Settings Menu To Acess BIOS

You can access the BIOS/UEFI settings using the Settings menu in Windows. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require you to press specific keys during startup. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Click on the Start Menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
Go to Update & Security.
Select Recovery from the left sidebar.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
When your Cmputer System start/Restart, you will see the Choose an option screen. Select Troubleshoot.
Go to Advanced options and then click UEFI Firmware Settings.
Click Restart, and your PC will boot into the BIOS.

Using the Advanced Startup

Press and hold the Computer Keyboard Shift key while selecting Restart from the Start Menu.
After the restart, you’ll enter the Choose an option menu.
Follow the same steps as above: go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, then restart into the BIOS.

Use the Function Key To Access BIOS/UEFI

Accessing the BIOS or UEFI settings using the Function Key is one of the most common methods to enter the BIOS on Windows PCs. It requires pressing a specific key during the computer’s startup process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you enter the BIOS/UEFI using the function key.

Turn Off Your Computer And Press the power button to turn on the computer
Look the message on windows Start screen indicating to access the BIOS , Like “Press [key] to enter In BIOS” or a similar message.
Common keys to try To Enter In Bios Del, F2, F10, or Esc (Depend On System Brands)
This Key will bring you directly into the BIOS setup.

Acess BIOS Using Restart with Shift Key

Click on the Start button (Windows logo) at the bottom-left corner of your computer screen.
In the Start Menu, you’ll see a Power icon, Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
Your PC will restart to the Advanced Startup menu. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

Access BIOS/UEFI Using Command Prompt

You can enter the BIOS/UEFI settings using Command Prompt on a Windows computer. This method is helpful if you have trouble accessing the BIOS through traditional keys like F2 or Del during startup. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Start button.Type “cmd” in the search bar. Right-click on the Command Prompt result and choose Run as administrator.
Run the Shutdown Command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

Here’s what each part of the command means:

/r: This restarts your computer.
/o: This opens the Advanced Startup Options where you can access BIOS/UEFI.
/f: This forces running applications to close.
/t 00: This sets the time delay to zero, meaning the restart happens immediately

Access Advanced Startup Options: Your computer will restart and display the Advanced Startup Options menu. Here, you’ll see options like Continue, Use a device, Troubleshoot, and Turn off your PC.
Navigate to UEFI Firmware Settings: Click on Troubleshoot.Then select Advanced options.In the Advanced options screen, choose UEFI Firmware Settings.Finally, click Restart, and your computer will boot into the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Using a Dedicated Button (For Some PCs):

Some laptops or desktops have a dedicated BIOS or UEFI button, usually labeled as a small pinhole button on the back or side of the device. Simply press this button to boot directly into the BIOS.

Common Keys To Enter In BIOS/UEFI

Here are some common BIOS keys for popular computer manufacturers. These keys are used to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings when your computer starts up:

Dell: F2 or Del
HP: Esc or F10
Lenovo: F2 or Enter
Acer: F2 or Del
Asus: F2 or Del
MSI: Del
Samsung: F2
Toshiba: F2 or Esc
Sony: F2 or F3
Gigabyte: Del or F12

Understanding BIOS/UEFI Settings

Once you are in the BIOS or UEFI, you will be greeted with a screen showing various options and tabs. While the exact layout and settings can vary depending on your motherboard or manufacturer, most BIOS setups will include the following sections:

Main Tab: Displays basic system information such as the time, date, and installed hardware components.
Advanced Tab: Allows you to configure more detailed system settings such as CPU options, virtualization, and power management.
Boot Tab: This is where you can change the boot order or specify which device the computer should boot from first (e.g., a USB drive or hard drive).
Security Tab: Provides options for setting passwords and configuring secure boot features.
Exit Tab: Allows you to save changes and exit the BIOS setup.

Conclusion

The BIOS is a critical part of your computer, managing the system’s startup process and connecting hardware to the operating system. While many users might never need to enter the BIOS, it can be useful for troubleshooting, hardware configuration, and system optimization. Understanding how to access and navigate the BIOS in Windows can empower you to take control of your computer and make necessary adjustments as needed. By following these 7 simple steps, you can enter the BIOS and make changes to your system confidently. you can visit simiservice.com for latest tech news and gadget review

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