Get to the BIOS Screen

It is very easy to get into the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) of your computer. The BIOS stores information about the hardware on your computer for use when booting.

Steps

  1. Turn on the computer.
  2. Look at what the screen says in the 1st few seconds (before Windows/Linux starts loading). The computer runs some basic tests before it loads windows etc. During this process, at the bottom of the screen there should be a row of text saying to press a particular button to "run Setup" or "enter BIOS", normally the Delete button, but often F1, F2 or a combination of buttons. Press the required button(s).
  3. If you're too late, windows will already be starting. Don't worry, just wait for it to load, then tell it to restart. Fast computers can give you as little as 2 seconds to press the required button(s), so be ready next time.
  4. If you press in time, the BIOS screen opens (normally on a blue background). This is also called the CMOS setup program, as it saves all settings to a piece of memory known as the CMOS.
  5. Don't change anything unless you know what it does. Incorrect settings can stop your computer booting properly. Read the article on clearing CMOS, so that if anything goes wrong you can recover.
  6. Use the arrow keys. Use the arrow keys to highlight an option and Enter to select.
  7. To change a setting, you normally use the 'page up' and 'page down' keys, but some systems require '-' and '+' or to press enter and select from a list. Often the screen has some notes saying what buttons to press, so read thoroughly.
  8. Usually the ESC key returns to the previous menu, but again, check what the screen tells you 1st.
  9. Once you have finished with the BIOS, press F10 to save the settings (or select "save and exit") and reboot your computer.



Tips

  • If the keys don't work, near the bottom of the top level menu or the right hand side of any second level menu is a list of keys that will work, as well as their functions.

Warnings

  • Messing with the BIOS can render your computer unusable. Never change a setting if you don't understand what it will do.

Sources and Citations

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