One of the most important components of a PC is the motherboard, which is responsible for the coordinated operation of many of the components of the device. It also has its own software, which it uses to operate the BIOS or Basic Input Output System.
This software has a rather extensive functionality to control the device. For example, to initialise the virtualisation function, it is necessary to enable this feature in the processor's config just through BIOS. A more functional and modern analogue of this firmware is UEFI.
In this article we will consider how you can get into the BIOS on different systems!
Open BIOS
On different models of motherboards, the manufacturer has laid different functionality to open this software, let's consider the most popular of them and step-by-step steps to work with them. Restart the device and wait for the logo of your OS, for example, they may look like this:
Or they could look like this, it all depends on which board manufacturer you have:
Note that already at the bottom at startup there should be prompts, how exactly in your case you can open the BIOS. Choose BIOS Setup or To enter setup. After that you should get to the management menu, for your board you can find the command below:
To work with the BIOS you will be presented with a menu that has items to control the device:
Each manufacturer, again, has their own menu and tabs, however, they are often repetitive. To change the boot device, you can change the Boot Priority setting or go to the menu entirely. The functionality is almost unlimited and is a huge list of options and features. If you don't have sufficient resources than you can perform actions on powerful cloud servers. Serverspace provides isolated VPS / VDS servers for common and virtualize usage.
Conclusion
Entering the BIOS or UEFI is a fundamental step for managing low-level settings of your computer, from enabling virtualization to adjusting boot priorities. While the access method may vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer, following the correct key prompts during startup ensures you can safely and efficiently configure your system. Familiarity with BIOS/UEFI menus empowers you to optimize performance, troubleshoot issues, and manage hardware at a deeper level.
FAQ
- Q1: What is BIOS and why do I need to access it?
A1: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware on your motherboard that initializes hardware during startup and provides low-level control over system settings. Accessing it allows you to configure hardware options, enable virtualization, adjust boot order, and more. - Q2: How do I know which key to press to enter BIOS?
A2: Most motherboards display a prompt during startup, such as “Press F2 to enter Setup” or “Del for BIOS.” Common keys include F2, Del, F10, Esc, or F12, depending on the manufacturer. - Q3: Can I access BIOS on both Windows and Linux computers?
A3: Yes, BIOS/UEFI is independent of the operating system. Restart your computer and use the appropriate key to enter BIOS before the OS loads. - Q4: What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?
A4: UEFI is a modern replacement for BIOS, offering a graphical interface, faster boot times, support for larger drives, and advanced security features. Functionally, UEFI performs the same basic tasks as BIOS but with improved usability and capabilities. - Q5: Can entering BIOS harm my computer?
A5: Simply entering BIOS is safe. However, changing settings without understanding their purpose can affect system stability. Always document changes or consult your motherboard manual before modifying options. - Q6: What should I do if my computer skips the BIOS screen too quickly?
A6: Press the BIOS access key repeatedly immediately after powering on. If needed, enable “Fast Boot” or “POST delay” options from the motherboard manual to give yourself more time to access BIOS.