How to enter the BIOS or CMOS setup

Updated: 12/30/2019 by Computer support 19

Because of the wide variety of computer and BIOS manufacturers over the evolution of computers, there are numerous ways to enter the BIOS or CMOS setup. Below is a listing of most of these methods, as well as other recommendations for entering the BIOS setup.

Note

Apple (Mac) computers don't have a BIOS and instead utilize an EFI, which does not need to modify based on the hardware in the computer, like a BIOS. The EFI provides better integration between hardware and software for Apple computers, virtually eliminating the need for a BIOS.

Note

This document does not help if you cannot enter the CMOS setup because it is password-protected.

New computers

Computers manufactured in the last few years allow you to enter the BIOS setup using one of the five keys shown below during the boot process.

• F1
• F2 *
• F10 **
• Del
• Esc

Note

F1, F2, and F10 are all function keys on the top of the keyboard.

* If pressing F2 opens a diagnostics tool, your setup key is likely F10

** F10 is also used for the boot menu. If F10 opens a boot menu, your setup key is likely F2.

Setup keys are to be pressed as the computer is booting up. Most users see a message similar to the example below upon startup. Some older computers may also display a flashing block to indicate when to press the F1 or F2 keys.

Press <F2> to enter BIOS setup

Tip

If you're unsure of what key to press, as the computer boots try pressing and holding one or more keys on the keyboard to cause a stuck key error. Once you get this error, you should have the option to continue or enter setup.