How to access your PC’s BIOS easily

👉 if the “Change UEFI firmware” option doesn’t appear

• Your machine may be using a legacy (Legacy) BIOS rather than UEFI. Check via the utility msinfo32 (Press Windows + R and type msinfo32, then confirm).
• Make sure your system is up to date (Windows Update).
• Some manufacturers disable this feature in restricted BIOS versions. Refer to your motherboard’s documentation.

 method 3: Access the BIOS at Computer Startup

You may need to access the BIOS without going through Windows, especially if Windows won’t start. 

Access key by brand (table of common keys)

When the computer starts, it’s possible to access the BIOS by pressing a specific key. 

It depends on the PC brand or the motherboard:

How quickly do you need to press the key?

Timing is critical: you must press the key as soon as you press the PC’s Power button. Press it several times (quickly) without pausing until the BIOS menu appears. If you wait too long, the operating system may start instead.

Tip: USB keyboard vs Bluetooth keyboard

Bluetooth wireless keyboards aren’t recognised before the operating system starts. Use a wired USB keyboard to access the BIOS. Some proprietary wireless dongles (Logitech Unifying, for example) also work, but this isn’t guaranteed.

 Specific cAS SPécifique 👉 Access the BIOS for Laptops

Laptops often have faster boot sequences and a limited interface. Some manufacturers hide information on the screen for a quicker boot, making it harder to access the BIOS. There may also be additional shortcut keys to enable, such as the Fn key.

HP, Dell, ASUS, Acer models: specific keys

• HP: F10 or Esc
• Dell: F2 (sometimes Fn+F2)
• ASUS : F2 (press from power-on)
• Acer : F2 or Fn+F2 (depending on the BIOS and model)

It’s sometimes necessary to disable Fast Startup in the Windows settings in order to have time to press the access key.

👉 What to do if Secure Boot blocks access?

The Secure Boot can prevent certain boot options or access to devices. 

To disable this option:

1. Access the BIOS/UEFI using the Windows method or at startup.
2. Look for the Secure Boot option in the Security or Boot tab.
3. Change the setting to Disabled.
4. Save the changes and exit (usually F10).

How can you tell whether your PC uses BIOS or UEFI?

Check via msinfo32

Here’s how to determine whether your system uses UEFI or a traditional BIOS:

1. Press Windows + R and type msinfo32, then confirm.
2. In the System Information window, look for the line BIOS Mode.
3. It will display “UEFI” or “Legacy (Inni)”.

Alternative method via command line

Open the Command Prompt (cmd) with administrator rights and type:

powershell -command "& {(Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS).BIOSVersion}"

The result will mention “UEFI” or provide clues depending on the firmware manufacturer.

What is the BIOS for?

The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is the first programme to start when you switch on your computer, even before Windows. It initialises the essential components and starts the priority application (generally the operating system).

Main functions of the BIOS/UEFI

1. Initialisation of components : The BIOS/UEFI initialises hardware components such as the processor, the RAM and connected devices.
2. Boot sequence (Boot) : It sets the order of devices to activate in order to start the operating system. You can choose the boot order for a dual boot, allowing you to have multiple operating systems on the same computer.
3. Overclocking : Many modern BIOS/UEFI versions include tools to overclock the processor and RAM.

What to do if you can’t access the BIOS?

Common symptoms

• The computer boots straight into Windows without displaying the message “Press F2 to enter Setup”.
• The BIOS flashes but shuts down immediately.
• Keyboard not detected at startup (especially USB or wireless).
• Error message such as “No Bootable Device” with no access to the BIOS.

Solutions: CMOS reset, key not recognised, keyboard not active

• Check the keyboard: prefer a wired USB keyboard. Avoid Bluetooth models that require Windows to be recognised.
• Restart while repeatedly pressing several keys: Del, F2, F10, Esc depending on the brand.
• Disconnect all external devices: USB stick, hard drive, SD card that could interfere with booting.
• Reset the CMOS: switch off the computer, open the case (on a desktop PC), remove the CMOS battery for 1 minute, then put it back in.
• Use the Windows advanced startup method (see the previous section) if your OS still boots.

FAQ about BIOS settings

• How do I access the BIOS if Windows won’t start? 

Restart the computer and press the dedicated key (usually F2, F10 or Del) as soon as it starts up.

• What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI is a more modern, user-friendly version of BIOS, offering more features and an improved user interface.

• Can I access the BIOS from Windows 10 without restarting the computer? 

No, you need to restart the computer to access the BIOS/UEFI.

• What are the risks of changing BIOS settings? 

Incorrect changes can make the system unstable or prevent it from booting. It’s important to know what you’re doing before you change BIOS settings.

• How do I reset the BIOS settings? 

You can usually reset the BIOS settings by selecting the option “Load Setup Defaults” or a similar option in the BIOS menu.

• What are the advantages of overclocking via the BIOS? 

Overclocking can improve your system’s performance by increasing the processor speed and RAM speed, but it can also increase heat and reduce the lifespan of components.