How to Get Into BIOS Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 14, 2025

Ever wanted to change your boot drive, enable virtualization for gaming or virtual machines, or fix a startup issue? That’s where BIOS comes in.

BIOS (or UEFI in modern systems) is like your PC’s “control center” — it manages how your hardware and Windows talk to each other. Whether you want to boot from a USB drive, install a new OS, or tweak performance settings, you’ll need to know how to get into BIOS on Windows 10.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you every way to access BIOS, even if your computer boots too fast or you can’t log into Windows.

1. What Is BIOS (and UEFI)?

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware built into your motherboard that initializes hardware components (CPU, RAM, drives) before Windows starts.

Modern PCs often use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) — a more advanced version with faster boot times, larger drive support, and a graphical interface.

2. BIOS vs. UEFI — What’s the Difference?

Feature BIOS UEFI
Interface Text-based Graphical (mouse-supported)
Boot Speed Slower Faster
Drive Support Up to 2 TB Up to 9.4 ZB (massive)
Boot Mode Legacy Secure Boot
Configuration Keyboard only Mouse + keyboard

💡 Tip: Even if your system uses UEFI, Windows 10 still refers to it as “BIOS” in menus — so both terms often mean the same thing in this guide.

3. When Should You Enter BIOS in Windows 10?

You might need to access BIOS to:

  • Change the boot order (for installing Windows or booting from USB)

  • Enable virtualization for VirtualBox, VMware, or Hyper-V

  • Enable/disable Secure Boot or TPM (for installing other OS versions)

  • Overclock CPU or memory (advanced users only)

  • Check hardware health or fan speeds

  • Reset to default settings after a crash

4. Before You Begin — Important Precautions

  • Save all open files before restarting.

  • Do not change unknown settings — incorrect BIOS configurations can cause boot failures.

  • If using a laptop, plug in your charger to prevent shutdown mid-change.

  • Note your current settings before altering anything.

5. Method 1: Access BIOS from Windows 10 Settings

This is the easiest and most reliable method for modern PCs.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Update & Security → Recovery.

  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  4. Your PC will restart and show the Choose an option screen.

  5. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings.

  6. Click Restart.

Your computer will reboot directly into BIOS/UEFI.

✅ Best for: users who can log into Windows and want a clean, software-based way to enter BIOS.

6. Method 2: Enter BIOS Using Shift + Restart

If you’re on the sign-in screen or desktop, use this quick shortcut.

Steps:

  1. Hold down the Shift key.

  2. While holding, click Start → Power → Restart.

  3. After your PC reboots, select:

    • Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart

Your system will open BIOS automatically.

✅ Best for: users who can’t access Settings but can reach the login screen.

7. Method 3: Use Function Keys (F2, F10, Del, Esc) During Startup

This traditional method works on almost every computer — if you’re fast enough!

Steps:

  1. Shut down your computer completely.

  2. Turn it on, and as soon as it starts, repeatedly press the BIOS key for your brand:

Brand BIOS Key
Acer F2 or Del
ASUS F2 or Del
Dell F2
HP Esc or F10
Lenovo F1 or F2
MSI Del
Toshiba F2
Samsung F2
Sony F1, F2, or F3

  1. Keep pressing the key until the BIOS/UEFI menu appears.

✅ Best for: when Windows won’t start, or you want direct hardware access.

⏱️ Tip: If your PC boots too quickly, hold Shift while clicking Restart, then try again to slow down the process.

8. Method 4: Enter BIOS Automatically After a Failed Boot

If Windows fails to start multiple times, it can trigger Automatic Repair mode.

  1. Turn on your PC.

  2. When the Windows logo appears, force shut down by holding the power button.

  3. Repeat this 2–3 times until you see Preparing Automatic Repair.

  4. Select Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.

✅ Best for: PCs stuck in a boot loop or blue screen error.

9. Method 5: Access BIOS Using Command Prompt

You can trigger UEFI settings using a command.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Type this command and hit Enter:

    shutdown /r /fw /t 0

  3. Your PC will restart directly into BIOS.

✅ Best for: advanced users or automation via scripts.

10. How to Change Boot Order in BIOS

Changing boot order is useful for installing Windows or running a recovery tool.

Steps:

  1. Enter BIOS using one of the methods above.

  2. Navigate to Boot or Boot Order tab.

  3. Use arrow keys (or drag and drop in UEFI) to move USB Drive or DVD to the top.

  4. Press F10 to save and exit.

💡 Tip: Keep the primary hard drive at the top when you’re done installing.

11. How to Enable Virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) in BIOS

Virtualization allows virtual machines to run efficiently.

Steps:

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI.

  2. Go to Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Processor tab.

  3. Find Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) or AMD-V.

  4. Set it to Enabled.

  5. Save changes and exit (usually F10).

✅ Best for: running VirtualBox, VMware, or Android emulators smoothly.

12. How to Reset BIOS to Default Settings

If you’ve made changes and something goes wrong, resetting helps.

Steps:

  1. Enter BIOS.

  2. Look for Exit or Save & Exit menu.

  3. Select Load Setup Defaults, Optimized Defaults, or Reset to Default.

  4. Confirm and restart.

✅ Tip: You can also reset by removing the CMOS battery on the motherboard for 5–10 minutes (advanced users only).

13. Troubleshooting — Can’t Access BIOS?

If BIOS won’t open, try these fixes:

  • Fast Boot is enabled: Disable Fast Startup in Windows (Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Turn off fast startup).

  • USB keyboard not detected early: Use a PS/2 keyboard or plug your keyboard into a USB 2.0 port.

  • Windows boots too quickly: Restart from Settings → Recovery → Advanced Startup → Restart now.

  • Laptop-specific shortcut: Check your manufacturer’s support site for unique keys (some require Fn + F2).

14. BIOS Safety Tips — What to Avoid Changing

  • ❌ Don’t change CPU voltage or overclock unless you know what you’re doing.

  • ❌ Avoid disabling essential hardware controllers (SATA, USB).

  • ❌ Don’t turn off Secure Boot unless needed for another OS.

  • ✅ Always save a copy of default settings or note them before making changes.

15. Conclusion — Quick Recap

Entering BIOS in Windows 10 is easier than ever. Whether you use the Settings app, Shift + Restart, or a function key during boot, you can access your system’s firmware safely.

Once inside, you can:

  • Change the boot order

  • Enable virtualization

  • Reset BIOS defaults

  • Check hardware info

Always proceed carefully and document any changes. BIOS is powerful — treat it like the control room of your PC!

16. FAQs

Q1: What key opens BIOS on Windows 10?
A: It depends on your manufacturer — usually F2, Del, F10, or Esc.

Q2: Can I access BIOS without restarting my PC?
A: No. BIOS runs before Windows loads, so you must restart.

Q3: How do I know if my PC uses BIOS or UEFI?
A: Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and check BIOS Mode. It will show either Legacy (BIOS) or UEFI.

Q4: Is it safe to change BIOS settings?
A: Yes, if you know what you’re changing. Avoid altering advanced CPU or voltage settings unless experienced.

Q5: Can I reset BIOS if my PC doesn’t boot?
A: Yes. Unplug your PC, remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes, or use the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

✅ Final Tip

Bookmark this guide or print a copy — it’s handy whenever you need to tweak your system or troubleshoot startup issues.

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