How to Enter BIOS on Windows 10 - All Methods Explained

Reading time: 7 min read
Aditya Rayaprolu
Written by
Aditya Rayaprolu

Updated · Aug 08, 2023

Aditya Rayaprolu
Technology Architect | McKinsey & Company | Joined February 2023 | LinkedIn
Aditya Rayaprolu

Aditya is an Azure DevOps and Infrastructure Virtualization Architect with experience in automation,... | See full bio

Florence Desiata
Edited by
Florence Desiata

Editor

Florence Desiata
Joined June 2023 | LinkedIn
Florence Desiata

Florence is a dedicated wordsmith on a mission to make technology-related topics easy-to-understand.... | See full bio

Techjury is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a microchip on your computer's motherboard that starts the computer.

This chip regulates the information flow between the operating system and peripherals such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, hard drive, and printers.

Every time you press the power button on your PC, the BIOS loads your operating system and all the custom settings that make it yours.

You must be able to access BIOS regardless of whether you need to update it or eliminate systemic flaws.

Learn more about how to enter BIOS on Windows 10  in these easy ways.

Key Takeaways

  • The BIOS is a piece of software from the motherboard responsible for booting up the computer.
  • There are many ways to access the BIOS, the most common of which is pressing a hotkey at a point in the boot-up process.
  • The successor of the legacy BIOS is the UEFI which comes with more advanced features and faster performance.
  • Hardware troubleshooting may be necessary if you can’t access the BIOS.

Understanding BIOS in Windows 10 

Data in the BIOS, which is stored in an EPROM chip, is preserved even if the computer's power is turned off.

Each time you turn on your PC, the BIOS executes the Power-On Self Test (POST) to ensure that all attached devices function correctly and in the correct location. 

Newer versions of the BIOS, such as UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), provide several improvements over Legacy BIOS.

UEFI's simplified user interface is a significant advantage. Unlike text-based and complicated BIOS displays, UEFI screens are often graphical and easy to use.

UEFI provides enhanced security features, including encrypting the troubleshooting process and requiring a password for BIOS configuration changes. UEFI offers the following:

  • Improved support for large hard drives
  • Extensive filenames
  • Launch faster than BIOS 
  • Superior driver-loading management

It is not surprising that users desire to transition from Legacy to UEFI BIOS mode, given the numerous advantages. The table below summarizes the difference between BIOS and EUFI.

BIOS

EUFI

Release Date

1975.

2002.

Operating Mode

16-bit.

32-bit/64-bit.

User Interface

Keyboard navigation of UI fundamentals.

Offers a graphic user interface with mouse support.

Physical Partition Support

4

128 

Partition Size Limit

2 TB.

18.8 million TB

Performance

Best on 16-bit systems.

Faster boot time

Storage location

Dedicated chip on the motherboard.

A .efi file on the hard drive.

Security Feature

Use password protection.

Use to secure Boot feature.

Although UEFI might seem better with its large storage capacity, many people continue to use BIOS because dual launching is much easier with BIOS.

Find out ways to enter your BIOS through these step-by-step guides.

Methods to Enter Bios in Windows 10

Windows 10 provides numerous configuration options directly within the operating system.

Still, specific settings can only be modified via the BIOS on every laptop and desktop. Since the BIOS is a pre-boot environment, Windows cannot directly access it. 

On some older computers, the BIOS can be accessed by pressing a function key such as F1 or F2 during startup. However, modern Windows 10 laptops typically start up with the press of a single key. 

You must follow these procedures to enter your BIOS on a Windows 10 computer.

Warning: Be careful when accessing your BIOS, because several BIOS settings can potentially damage your computer.

Accessing the BIOS from Windows Setting

It may be challenging to get into the BIOS on some current computers due to how quickly Windows 10 boots. Fortunately, Windows allows you to access the mode through the system's preferences. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Start button and select Settings. Alternatively, you can simultaneously press and hold the Windows button and I key.

2. Select Update & Security from the Settings options.

Update & Security option on Windows Settings

3. On the left-hand menu pane, click Recovery.

Recovery option on Windows Settings

4. Scroll down to the Advanced startup and click Restart now.

5. A blue screen will display boot options. Select Troubleshoot.Advanced options under Troubleshoot Windows

6. Click Advanced options.

7. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.

UEFI Firmware Settings Windows

8. To confirm, click Restart.

Accessing the BIOS from Command Prompt

You can also use Command Prompt to enter BIOS mode in Windows 10. This process is more straightforward than it sounds. Here are the steps involved:

1. Click the search button and type cmd. You’ll see Command Prompt displayed in the results. 

Run as administrator Command Prompt

2. Select Run as administrator in the expanded list of options.

3. A pop-up warning will appear. Select Yes to proceed.

4. Type in the following command: shutdown /r /fw

5. Press Enter.

Command Prompt shutdown command

6. Another pop-up will appear, informing you that your computer will shut down.

Creating a Shortcut to Access the BIOS

Creating a BIOS shortcut on your Windows 10 PC is simpler and more manageable if you are not technically savvy and have trouble navigating the Command Prompt.

1. Right-click an empty spot on your desktop. Select New > Shortcut.

Creating shortcut Windows 10

2. Type shortcut /r /fw and click Next.

Shortcut command input to shutdown

3. Give the shortcut a name. You can use the default one displayed. Click Finish to proceed.

4. Right-click the created shortcut and select Properties, then choose Advanced.dvanced options under Properties

5. Click the checkbox beside Run as administrator and click OK.

Run as administrator confirmation

6. Tap Apply on the Properties window and then select OK.

Now that you've figured out how to get into the BIOS in Windows 10, here are some more troubleshooting steps to do if you run into any problems.

Troubleshooting BIOS Access Issues

Numerous situations requires booting to the BIOS, such as upgrading the BIOS to install a newer CPU chip or changing the boot priority.

There are also  occasions when you can’t access the BIOS. Here are the common issues you might encounter and how to fix them.

1. RAM or hardware issues block BIOS access.

Checking your RAM speed is crucial in boosting performance. A RAM error can cause your computer to fail when booting to BIOS or OS.

You must ensure that all the RAM sticks are healthy and seated correctly. Here's how to solve this issue:

Warning: The advanced procedure necessitates opening your computers and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. 

1. Open your PC case.

2. Unplug your RAM sticks.

Unplugging a RAM stick

3. Use a pencil eraser to clean the connectors.

4. Plug your RAM back in.

5. Try turning the PC on again.

Pro-tip: Keep in mind that a damaged slot on the motherboard may necessitate the use of alternative slots.

2. Faulty Power Connector

If the motherboard or CPU's power connector is inserted incorrectly or faulty, BIOS will not load. 

Warning on attaching these connectors to PC incorrectly.

Follow the steps below to ensure the motherboard's 24-pin connector is securely inserted and the cables are undamaged.

  1. Locate the ATX 24-pin connector on your motherboard.
  2. Grab the ATX cable and press the latch to unlatch it.
  3. Unplug the cable, then wait for 10 seconds.
  4. Plug the cable back in.

This will reseat the power cable into your PC's motherboard. Once done, you can start your PC again, and the BIOS issue will be fixed.

3. CMOS Battery Issue

CMOS battery issues can cause launch problems. You must clear the CMOS by removing its battery. Remember that removing the battery alone may not reset your BIOS completely. Here’s how:

  1. Shut down and unplug your PC from the wall outlet.
  2. Open your PC case and locate the CMOS battery.
  3. Press the battery latch backward until the CMOS battery pops out.
  4. Once the battery is out, wait for 10 seconds.
  5. Pop the same or a new battery back in.

This will completely reset the BIOS. After restarting, you will see a message on your BIOS screen indicating that the BIOS has been reset.

📝 Note: If your PC’s boot-up process is skipping the BIOS setup, it might be because it is set to Fast Startup mode. This mode only applies when switching ON your PC, so you can still access the BIOS setup if you do a restart.

Wrap-up

You can have more control over your device by learning how to get into the BIOS setup on Windows. It also lets you dive into more settings you might not find in the Settings app.

Windows 10 settings provide a better way to enter BIOS on modern computers. However, hotkeys might be your best bet to get into BIOS if you use older devices.

Be careful what you do while in BIOS because whatever you tamper with might have a long-lasting effect on your computer.

👍 Helpful Article: Learn more about the Windows operating system by reading the following Techjury articles:

FAQs.


What happens if you don't install a BIOS?

A computer cannot be booted if there is no BIOS installed. The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a set of routines that must run before your computer may boot up.

How often should I update my BIOS?

An update is only recommended if your PC or motherboard manufacturer recommends it or if you have identified a problem that a BIOS update is known to resolve. Unlike Windows or graphics driver updates, BIOS updates do not have a routine.

Does BIOS update erase data?

No, updating BIOS has no relation with hard drive data. Also, updating BIOS will not wipe out files. BIOS is only responsible for rebooting your computer or adding new settings.

Can outdated BIOS cause bad performance?

Yes. If the BIOS is outdated, it may not communicate effectively with newer hardware or software, which can cause problems such as system instability, boot issues, or compatibility errors.

SHARE:

Facebook LinkedIn Twitter
Leave your comment

Your email address will not be published.