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How to Open BIOS in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Use Windows 10’s Recovery menu to restart into UEFI firmware settings, or check your PC maker’s documentation for the model-specific startup key.
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To open BIOS or UEFI settings from Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, select Restart now under Advanced startup, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. Your PC should restart into its firmware settings if that option is available.

Open BIOS or UEFI from Windows 10

  1. Save open documents and other work.
  2. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
  4. When the recovery menu appears, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
  5. Select UEFI Firmware Settings, then select Restart.

The PC should restart into its firmware interface. The menu wording can vary slightly between Windows 10 versions and devices, but Microsoft documents this Recovery path for Windows 10. Microsoft’s Windows instructions describe accessing firmware settings through Recovery.

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If Windows is unavailable or the UEFI option is missing

Try the startup key for your exact PC

Some computers let you enter firmware settings by pressing a key during startup. Microsoft lists F1, F2, F12, or Esc as examples; no single key works for every model. Check the computer maker’s documentation for the correct key and when to press it. Microsoft’s guidance also notes that startup methods vary.

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When “UEFI Firmware Settings” is not listed

If the option is absent from Advanced options, generic Windows steps do not establish why it is missing on a particular PC. Consult the manufacturer’s support instructions for your model; firmware menus and available options differ by maker and device.

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What to know before changing settings

Opening the firmware screen and changing its settings are separate actions. Change only the setting required for your task: Microsoft warns that altering other firmware settings can prevent Windows from starting or being accessed. See Microsoft’s firmware-setting guidance.

If the device is encrypted, some Windows Recovery Environment startup operations may require the BitLocker recovery key. Have it available in case Windows asks for it. Microsoft explains how to find a BitLocker recovery key.

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Why Windows says “UEFI” instead of “BIOS”

BIOS is the familiar term many people use for the PC firmware interface; modern systems commonly use UEFI. Microsoft describes firmware as “Firmware—commonly referred to as UEFI (and sometimes called BIOS)—[which] is the software that runs before Windows when you turn on your PC.” Microsoft Support, “Windows 11 and Secure Boot”. The interface and its settings depend on the PC maker and model.

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Windows 10 support status

Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The PC continues to work, but ordinary Windows 10 support no longer includes free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes from Microsoft. This support change does not alter the firmware-entry steps above. Read Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support notice.

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