Accessing the BIOS settings on Windows 10 can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is the firmware interface between your computer’s hardware and its operating system. It’s where you can change important settings like your computer’s boot order or enable virtualization features. In this article, we’ll show you how to access the BIOS settings on Windows 10 in just a few steps.
Step by Step Tutorial: Accessing BIOS Settings on Windows 10
Before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand what we’re trying to accomplish. We want to access the BIOS settings on a Windows 10 computer, which may require a restart and pressing a specific key during the boot-up process.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Open the Windows 10 settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
The Settings app is where you can find all sorts of options to customize your Windows experience, but in this case, we’re looking for the Update & Security section.
Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security
Click on “Update & Security” in the Settings app.
Once you’re in the Update & Security section, you’ll see a variety of options related to Windows updates, security, and recovery.
Step 3: Go to Recovery
Select the “Recovery” option on the left-hand side of the screen.
The Recovery page is where you can reset your PC or go back to a previous version of Windows, but we’re interested in the “Advanced startup” section.
Step 4: Click on Restart Now
Click the “Restart now” button under the “Advanced startup” section.
This will restart your computer and bring you to a blue screen with several options – one of which is to access the BIOS settings.
Step 5: Access the BIOS
During the restart process, press the designated key to enter the BIOS settings.
The key you need to press varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer, but it’s often F2, F10, Delete, or Esc. You’ll usually see a message during the boot-up process that says something like “Press [key] to enter setup.”
After you complete these steps, your computer will restart, and you’ll be in the BIOS settings. From here, you can make any necessary changes to your computer’s firmware.
Tips for Accessing BIOS Settings on Windows 10
- Pay close attention to the boot-up screen for the key prompt to enter the BIOS.
- If you miss the prompt, don’t worry – just restart your computer and try again.
- Be careful when making changes in the BIOS, as incorrect settings can cause issues with your computer.
- If you’re not sure what a setting does, it’s best to leave it as is or do some research before changing it.
- Always save your changes before exiting the BIOS settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BIOS?
The BIOS is the firmware interface between your computer’s hardware and its operating system.
Why would I need to access the BIOS settings?
You may need to access the BIOS settings to change your computer’s boot order, enable virtualization features, or for troubleshooting hardware issues.
Can I access the BIOS settings without restarting my computer?
No, you need to restart your computer and press the designated key during the boot-up process to access the BIOS settings.
What if I can’t find the key to press to enter the BIOS settings?
Try looking up the key for your specific computer’s manufacturer, or watch the boot-up screen closely for the key prompt.
What should I do if I make a mistake in the BIOS settings?
If you make a mistake, look for an option to reset the BIOS settings to their default values, or consult your computer’s manual for guidance.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Update & Security.
- Go to Recovery.
- Click on Restart Now.
- Access the BIOS by pressing the designated key during the restart process.
Conclusion
Accessing the BIOS settings on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Whether you’re looking to change your computer’s boot order or enable advanced features, the BIOS is where you’ll need to go. Just remember to be cautious when making changes, and always save your changes before exiting. With this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of how to access your BIOS settings and make the necessary adjustments to your computer’s firmware. Happy tweaking!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.