How To Enter BIOS On A Laptop? | Quick Access Guide

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Use the brand’s startup key or Windows’ UEFI Firmware Settings to open a laptop’s BIOS and change hardware or boot options.

This guide shows two reliable paths that work on most notebooks: the startup keystroke and the Windows menu route. You’ll also see common keys by brand and timing tips.

What BIOS Or UEFI Means On Modern Laptops

Modern machines ship with UEFI, the successor to classic BIOS. The name on the screen may still say BIOS. The idea is the same: a low-level setup menu that controls boot order, storage modes, virtualization, Secure Boot, and more.

Use it to boot from USB, enable fTPM or virtualization, or switch storage modes. Change settings carefully; write down defaults first.

Fast Method: Tap The Startup Key

This is the quickest way when the computer is off. Press the power button and begin tapping the maker’s key every half second until the setup screen appears. If Windows starts, try again and press earlier. Many laptops also show a tiny note like “F2 = Setup” during the logo splash. If your display stays blank longer than expected, wait; some firmware delays the prompt for a second or two.

Typical Keys You’ll Try First

  • F2 — common on Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo consumer lines, Samsung, Toshiba.
  • Delete — seen on MSI gaming and some ASUS models.
  • Esc then menu key — frequent on HP; Esc opens Startup Menu, then press F10 for setup.
  • F12 — opens a one-time boot list on many brands; that list often includes an entry to enter setup.

Some keyboards map F1–F12 to media actions. If taps do nothing, hold Fn while pressing F2 or F10. Many Lenovo models include a small Novo button near the power jack.

Windows Route: Use UEFI Firmware Settings

This path helps when boot is too fast to catch a key, or you prefer clicks. In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Recovery, then next to Advanced startup choose Restart now. After the blue screen appears, pick Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, then Restart. The laptop reboots into firmware. It works on most brands.

You can reach the same place with a command. Open Run and use the line below. See Advanced startup in Windows for a step-through of the screens.

shutdown /r /o /f /t 0

No menu entry? The device might be in Legacy mode, have vendor blocks, or use BitLocker policies that hide the item. Use the brand key at power-on instead.

Entering Laptop BIOS Step-By-Step

1) Prepare For A Clean Attempt

  • Shut down fully, not sleep or hibernate.
  • Unplug USB hubs and docks that add delays or grab boot.
  • Know the likely key for your brand from the table below.

2) Time The Key Press

Press power, then tap the key in a steady rhythm. Aim to start tapping the moment the logo lights up. If the laptop plays a sound or backlight flashes, that’s your cue.

3) Try Alternate Combos

Still seeing Windows? Hold Fn and tap the same key. Try the boot menu key (often F12) and choose an entry named Setup. If you have a Lenovo with a pinhole button, press it with a paperclip while the machine is off.

4) Use Windows Recovery As A Backup

When timing fails, use the menu route described above. It avoids the race at startup and works even when Fast Startup shortens the boot window.

Brand-Specific Notes And Keys

Dell

Most models open setup with F2 at the logo. You can also use the Windows path from Settings.

HP

Press Esc at power-on to open Startup Menu, then press F10 for setup.

Lenovo

On IdeaPad and many Legion models, tap F2 (use Fn+F2 on some keyboards). Press F12 for the boot list, or use the small Novo button for a direct BIOS option.

ASUS

Hold F2 while you press power, then release when the screen appears. Gaming lines may also accept Delete.

Acer

Tap F2 at startup; some models need Fn+F2.

MSI

Many laptops use the Delete key during the logo splash. If boot is too fast, use Windows Recovery to trigger a firmware boot.

Toshiba / Dynabook

Press and hold F2 while powering on to reach the setup utility.

Surface Devices

On Microsoft Surface, hold volume-up while pressing power to open UEFI on newer models. A full reference lives on Microsoft’s Surface help pages. See Surface UEFI guide.

Safe Changes You Can Make

Two settings get used often and are safe on supported hardware: enabling virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) for desktop hypervisors, and adjusting boot order to start from USB for recovery or installs. Save and exit once done. If the laptop fails to boot after a change, return and restore the previous value.

UEFI-Specific Tweaks

  • Secure Boot: needed by some installers. Toggle only when an installer asks for it, then set back.
  • TPM/fTPM: required by Windows 11 and used by device encryption. On most laptops this is already enabled.

Many makers publish exact steps for these items. Use the vendor guide for your model whenever you adjust security features.

When The Screen Won’t Appear

If you never reach setup, the firmware might block hotkeys when the system resumes from hibernation, the keyboard might require Fn for function keys, or Fast Startup might shorten the window. Power off fully, then hold the key before pressing power and keep tapping. External keyboards on USB can be missed on some systems; try the built-in keyboard.

If Windows crashes or restarts too fast, use the Windows menu route or hold the power button to force a shutdown, then start clean. On BitLocker-protected systems, changing boot order or Secure Boot can trigger a recovery prompt; keep the recovery key ready.

Quick Reference Table

The chart below lists common keys for popular brands.

Brand Common Key(s) Notes
Dell F2 Windows route also available from Settings > System > Recovery.
HP Esc, then F10 Esc opens Startup Menu; F10 enters setup.
Lenovo F2, Fn+F2; Novo button F12 boot list can include a Setup entry.
ASUS F2, Delete Hold F2 during power-on on many models.
Acer F2 Use Fn+F2 on some keyboards.
MSI Delete Use Windows Recovery if timing is tough.
Toshiba/Dynabook F2 Hold F2 while powering on.

Helpful Links From Vendors

Official guides show the exact screens: Dell covers both paths; HP documents Esc and F10; Lenovo lists F2/Fn+F2 and the Novo button; ASUS explains the press-and-hold F2 method.

Extra Tips For A Smooth Session

  • If the machine ignores taps, connect AC power, then try again.
  • Keep a photo of each page before you change a value. That makes rolling back easy.
  • Save with the menu item that says Save & Exit or press the listed hotkey, often F10.
  • If an external keyboard misses the window, use the built-in keyboard for the first attempt.
  • Update BIOS from maker if offered.

Common Roadblocks And Fixes

Windows Opens Too Fast

Use the Windows path to firmware. It avoids the short POST window.

No UEFI Menu Item In Advanced Options

The device may use Legacy boot or hide the option. Use the brand’s hotkey. Update firmware if the system supports UEFI but hides the entry.

The Laptop Asks For A Recovery Key After Changes

That’s BitLocker reacting to a boot-level change. Enter the key from your Microsoft account and you’re back in.