Getting into BIOS on Windows 10 is a simple yet crucial task that allows you to manage your computer’s hardware settings. By following a few straightforward steps, you can access BIOS and tweak settings to optimize your computer’s performance or troubleshoot hardware issues.
How to Get Into BIOS Windows 10
Accessing the BIOS on a Windows 10 computer will let you change various settings, such as boot order and hardware configurations. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click the “Start” button on your desktop or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
This will bring up the Start Menu, where you can access various system settings and options.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Select “Settings” from the Start Menu.
The Settings app is where you can adjust system configurations and find the option to restart into BIOS.
Step 3: Click on Update & Security
In the Settings window, choose “Update & Security.”
This section contains recovery and advanced startup options crucial for accessing BIOS.
Step 4: Choose Recovery
Within Update & Security, click on “Recovery” from the left-hand menu.
The Recovery page offers several options for troubleshooting and advanced startup.
Step 5: Click Restart Now
Under the Advanced startup section, click “Restart now.”
Your computer will restart and present you with a blue screen containing various startup options.
Step 6: Select Troubleshoot
On the blue screen, click “Troubleshoot.”
This will take you to another set of options where you can access advanced system settings.
Step 7: Choose Advanced Options
Click “Advanced options” within the Troubleshoot menu.
These advanced options allow you to access BIOS and other critical system settings.
Step 8: Select UEFI Firmware Settings
Click “UEFI Firmware Settings,” then click “Restart.”
Your computer will restart again, this time entering the BIOS setup utility.
After completing these steps, your computer will boot into the BIOS setup utility. Here, you can adjust various hardware configurations, including boot order, system clock, and more. Make sure to save your changes before exiting.
Tips for Getting Into BIOS Windows 10
- Know Your BIOS Key: Sometimes, pressing the BIOS key (like F2, F12, DEL) during startup can also get you into BIOS.
- Update BIOS: Ensure your BIOS is up-to-date to avoid any compatibility issues.
- Be Cautious: Only change settings if you know what they do; incorrect settings can cause system instability.
- Backup Settings: Before making changes, note down original settings in case you need to revert.
- Consult Manuals: If unsure, consult your motherboard or system manual for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIOS?
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System, which initializes and tests hardware components during the booting process.
Why can’t I access BIOS?
Your computer might be using a fast boot sequence that skips the keypress needed to enter BIOS. Try the steps above to access it through Windows.
Can I reset BIOS to default?
Yes, within the BIOS utility, there is usually an option to reset settings to default.
Is BIOS the same as UEFI?
They serve the same purpose but UEFI is more modern and has more features compared to traditional BIOS.
Will updating BIOS delete my data?
No, updating BIOS doesn’t affect your stored data but it’s always good to back up important files just in case.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Choose Recovery.
- Click Restart Now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Choose Advanced Options.
- Select UEFI Firmware Settings.
Conclusion
Getting into BIOS on Windows 10 is a vital skill for anyone looking to manage their computer’s hardware settings. Whether you need to change your boot order, update your BIOS, or troubleshoot hardware issues, knowing how to access BIOS is essential. We’ve walked through the steps you need to enter BIOS from within Windows 10, ensuring you can make the necessary adjustments with ease.
Remember, making changes in BIOS can drastically affect your system, so proceed with caution. If you’re not sure about a setting, look it up or consult your device’s manual. For those looking to dig deeper, there are plenty of resources available online for further reading.
In summary, the steps we covered will help you navigate to BIOS without any hiccups. So go ahead, give it a try, and take control of your system’s hardware settings!
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.