How to Boot Into BIOS Windows 10: The Complete Expert Guide

Updated on November 28, 2025, by Xcitium

If you’re trying to figure out how to boot into BIOS Windows 10, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re troubleshooting hardware, enabling virtualization, improving endpoint security, or configuring boot priority, accessing the BIOS (or UEFI firmware) is a key skill for IT managers, cybersecurity teams, and business leaders.

Yet, many Windows 10 systems boot too quickly for traditional key presses to register. Others use UEFI instead of the older legacy BIOS. Because of these differences, accessing BIOS on modern Windows systems can feel confusing — especially during urgent diagnostic or security scenarios.

This guide breaks it down into simple, actionable steps suitable for both technical and non-technical users. Let’s get started.

What Is BIOS and Why Does It Matter?

Before learning how to boot into BIOS Windows 10, it’s important to understand what BIOS actually controls.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

An older firmware system used to initialize hardware before the OS loads.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

The modern replacement for BIOS, offering:

Faster boot speeds
Better security controls
Support for large drives
Advanced configuration options

Most Windows 10 systems now use UEFI, though some legacy options remain.

Why IT & Security Professionals Access BIOS/UEFI

Enable virtualization (Hyper-V, VMware, VirtualBox)
Configure secure boot
Change boot order (USB, SSD, Network PXE boot)
Troubleshoot hardware issues
Enable/disable onboard devices
Tighten endpoint security policies

How to Boot Into BIOS on Windows 10 (All Methods)

Below are five reliable ways to enter BIOS/UEFI on any Windows 10 machine — laptops, desktops, enterprise workstations, or secured business devices.

Method 1: Use Windows 10 Advanced Startup (Most Reliable)

This is the most consistent way, regardless of brand or hardware speed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Click Start
Open Settings
Select Update & Security
Click Recovery
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now
After reboot → select
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings
Click Restart

Your system will now boot directly into BIOS/UEFI.

Why IT Teams Prefer This

Works even on ultrafast NVMe SSD systems
No need to spam keys during startup
Compatible with BitLocker-enabled systems

Method 2: Use BIOS Access Keys (Brand-Specific)

If you need a quick shortcut, this method works as long as you press the correct key immediately at startup.

Common BIOS/UEFI Keys

Brand	BIOS Key	Alternate Keys
HP	Esc or F10	F1, F2, F6
Dell	F2	F12
Lenovo	F1 or F2	Novo Button
ASUS	F2	Delete
Acer	F2	Delete
Samsung	F2	F10
MSI	Delete	F2
Toshiba	F2	Esc

Tips for Success

Press the key repeatedly as soon as you power on
If you see the Windows logo, restart and try again
For secured devices, BIOS may require an admin password

Method 3: Boot Into BIOS Using the Shift + Restart Shortcut

This is a faster version of the Advanced Startup method.

How to Do It

Hold the Shift key
Click Restart from
- Start Menu
- Login screen
- Power icon inside Windows
Your PC will reboot to Advanced Startup Options
Follow:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings

Method 4: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

This method is perfect for IT administrators, remote troubleshooting, and scripted operations.

Command to Trigger Firmware Boot

Open Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) and run:

This immediately reboots the system into BIOS/UEFI.

Benefits

Ideal for remote management
Works even without GUI access
No key presses required

Method 5: Use the OEM Boot Menu Key

Some systems provide a dedicated boot menu key separate from the BIOS key.

Boot Menu Keys

Dell → F12
Lenovo → F12
HP → Esc
ASUS → Esc
Acer → F12

From there, you can select BIOS Setup.

Common Reasons BIOS Won’t Open — And How to Fix It

Sometimes, entering BIOS fails even when using the correct method. Here’s why:

1. Fast Startup Is Enabled

Windows 10’s “Fast Startup” may skip keypress detection.

Fix

Disable it under:
Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Turn off fast startup

2. USB Keyboards Not Detected During Boot

Some older motherboards don’t initialize USB controllers early enough.

Fix

Use a wired keyboard
Plug into a USB 2.0 port
Avoid USB hubs

3. BitLocker Blocking Firmware Changes

Enterprise devices may require a recovery key.

Fix

Suspend BitLocker:
Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption → Suspend

4. BIOS Locked by Administrator

Corporate devices often block unauthorized firmware access.

Fix

Contact IT or security admin for credentials.

How BIOS Settings Affect Cybersecurity

For a business audience, understanding BIOS’s security impact is crucial.

1. Secure Boot

Blocks unsigned or malicious OS loaders, reducing rootkit attacks.

2. TPM 2.0 Control

Supports:

Encryption
Zero-trust identity
Credential protection

3. Virtualization Controls (VT-x / AMD-V)

Required for:

Hyper-V
Endpoint sandboxing
Virtual security containers

4. Boot Order Restrictions

Prevents attackers from:

Booting from USB
Running unauthorized OS
Injecting low-level malware

5. BIOS Password

Protects firmware integrity from insider threats.

How to Reset BIOS on Windows 10 (If Needed)

Sometimes, after changes, a system may not start correctly.

Three Ways to Reset BIOS

Inside BIOS → “Restore Defaults” or “Load Optimized Defaults”
Clear CMOS Button (on modern motherboards)
Remove CMOS Battery (legacy systems)

This restores firmware to factory settings.

Symptoms That You Need to Enter BIOS

If you’re unsure whether BIOS access is necessary, look for:

Boot device not detected
Virtualization features disabled
System not recognizing RAM or SSD upgrades
Secure Boot conflicts
Persistent restart loops
Hardware diagnostics required

In such cases, knowing how to boot into BIOS Windows 10 becomes essential for quick resolution.

Advanced BIOS Access Tips for IT Administrators

1. Use Remote KVM or IPMI (Servers)

Out-of-band management allows BIOS access—even when the OS is broken.

2. Deploy BIOS Policies via MDM

Using tools like:

Xcitium MDM
Intune
VMware Workspace ONE
HP/Lenovo/Samsung enterprise tools

3. Log BIOS Events

Critical for auditing and digital forensics.

4. Update BIOS Securely

Helps protect against:

Firmware exploits
Microcode vulnerabilities
Boot-level malware

FAQs: How to Boot Into BIOS Windows 10

1. What is the easiest way to enter BIOS on Windows 10?

Using Advanced Startup (Settings > Recovery > Restart Now) is the most reliable method.

2. Why does my BIOS key not work?

Fast startup, USB detection issues, or system-specific boot timing may prevent keypress recognition.

3. Does Windows 10 use BIOS or UEFI?

Most modern systems use UEFI, though legacy BIOS may still exist on older hardware.

4. Can I enter BIOS without a keyboard?

Yes — using Advanced Startup or the command:

5. How do I know if I should change BIOS settings?

If you’re enabling virtualization, configuring security, or adding new hardware, BIOS access is necessary.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to boot into BIOS Windows 10 is essential for both personal and enterprise users. BIOS/UEFI is the foundation of hardware configuration, security settings, system diagnostics, and boot-level management. Whether you’re enabling virtualization, setting Secure Boot, troubleshooting devices, or securing endpoints, BIOS access is a fundamental skill.

For organizations, firmware-level control is critical to protecting systems from advanced attacks. And that begins with having the right endpoint visibility and security tooling.

🚀 Secure Your Endpoints With Enterprise-Grade Protection

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