In this post, we will learn how to boot into UEFI/BIOS. But before that, let’s understand the concept of these.
BIOS or Basic Input/Output System is a firmware that initiates all the connected hardware, and peripherals, and strat-up the boot sequence. UEFI on the other hand is a modern firmware designed to replace the old legacy BIOS.
UEFI and BIOS, both are doing the same thing in the first place but UEFI has many advantages over BIOS. It has improved security, faster boot times, large-capacity storage support, modern hardware support, and many more. If you want to know more, check out this post – UEFI vs BIOS | What Are The Key Differences?
How To Access UEFI/BIOS?
If you use BIOS or CSM (Compatibility Support Module) in UEFI, it is fairly easy to access the UEFI/BIOS. You need to press the appropriate key at POST and enter into UEFI/BIOS mode. But UEFI works differently.
You may not see any key combinations during POST because of UEFI’s faster boot process. So entering into the UEFI settings page is a bit trickier. Sometimes you may see UEFI/BIOS access key at POST even if you are in UEFI but most of the time it boots straight up the OS. For example, Windows 10 and Pop OS.
If you are using Windows 10 in UEFI mode, then it is possible that you cannot access the UEFI settings at boot. But Windows 10 has multiple ways to enter into UEFI/BIOS.
- Access the UEFI/BIOS using the settings app.
- Using the boot key during POST.
Access The UEFI/BIOS Using The Settings App
To enter into UEFI firmware from Windows 10, follow the steps below.
- Open up the Settings app.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery from the menu.
- Click on Restart now under Advanced startup.
- Click on Troubleshoot option.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Now click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Finally, click on Restart to change UEFI firmware settings.
You can also access the Advanced startup option by holding the Shift Key and clicking on the Restart option from the Start Menu.
After clicking the Restart button, your device will restart and boot into the UEFI firmware settings panel. Here you can change the XMP Profile of your RAM, CPU configuration, Fan configuration, virtualization, secure boot, boot order, and many other hardware configurations depending on the motherboard support.
Access The UEFI/BIOS Using The Boot Key During The POST
If you are unable to access Windows 10 desktop or you are using legacy BIOS, then you can still access the firmware during boot. Every motherboard manufacturer has some common keys to enter into UEFI/BIOS firmware settings. Common keys are Esc, Delete, F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12. On tablets, common buttons are Volume up or Volume down. (Find more key binding lists.)
Now, follow the steps to access the UEFI/BIOS firmware settings.
- Power-on the PC
- Identify the key from the Splash Screen.
- Press the key rapidly to enter the firmware.
After that, your device will access the UEFI/BIOS firmware. If you do not see any Splash Screen or Key bindings, then you can try the common keys several times during boot. If the common keys do not work, check out the motherboard manufacturer’s website to find the access key.
If you are still unable to enter into UEFI/BIOS, try to hold the access key immediately after pressing the power button.
In case you can not enter the firmware during boot, it is recommended to use the Setting App from within Windows 10.
Conclusion
I hope you can now enter into UEFI/BIOS after installing Windows 10. If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to comment below. Or if you are facing difficulties finding the proper key binding to access the firmware, comment below your motherboard model no. or device model no. I will try to help you.
If you like this quick tutorial, then share this with your friends and family who want to access the firmware. Until then, have a great day.
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