During startup, you can access the boot menu by pressing specific keys such as Esc, F2, F8, F10, or F12, depending on the brand or motherboard. This article lists common BIOS boot menu keys for both laptops and desktop computers.
Understanding Boot Menu Option Keys, BIOS, and Boot Options
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) – BIOS Is a group of instructions stored on a firmware chip located on the motherboard (mainboard) of the computer. BIOS check, controls and connects computer components. Using BIOS you can: select the preferred device when booting, set the machine to boot in UEFI or Legacy mode
Boot Options Means the option to start the computer. That is, here you can optionally start the computer from the hard drive, USB, DVD drive, or via LAN (PXE). Usually, we can choose the boot priority in the >BIOS. But using the Boot Options shortcut is much more flexible.
BIOS Boot Menu Keys and BIOS Settings
Note: For certain machines configured in the BIOS, you may need to press the Fn key in conjunction with the boot menu option keys below. On some older motherboards, the BIOS is typically accessed with the Delete key, and Boot Options can be accessed using F12 or ESC.
HP
- BIOS: F10
- Boot Options: F9
Dell
- BIOS: F2
- Boot Options: F12
Lenovo
- BIOS: F1 or F2
- Boot Options: F12, F8, F10
Asus
- BIOS: F2 or Delete
- Boot Options: ESC or F8.
Acer
- BIOS: Delete or F2
- Boot Options: F12 or ESC, F9
Sony
If the device has its own Assist button, power on using the power button and briefly press the Assist key to access the boot menu option keys, including BIOS (F2) and Boot Options (F11).
- BIOS: F1, F2, F3
- Boot Options: F11 or ESC or F10
Toshiba
- BIOS: F2, F1, ESC
- Boot Options: F12
Samsung
- BIOS: F2, Ativ Book series is F10
- Boot Options: Ativ Book series is F2
eMachines
- Boot Option: F12
- Bios: Tab, Del
Fujitsu
- Boot Option: F12
- Bios: F2
Note: Shortcuts for accessing the boot and BIOS options are often displayed briefly during startup. Pay close attention so you can press the correct key in time. You can press the Pause key when the boot logo appears to freeze the screen and easily identify the shortcut.
Shortcut keys to BIOS and Boot Options of Mainboard brands
Asrock
- BIOS: F2
- Boot Options (Boot Menu): F11
Asus
- Bios: popular is Del, also Print or F10, F9
- Boot Options: ESC or F8
Gigabyte
- BIOS: Del
- Boot Options: F12
Foxconn
- BIOS: Del
- Boot Options: ESC
Intel
- BIOS: F2
- Boot Options: F10
Another way to enter BIOS (UEFI Firmware Settings) of UEFI devices
Some UEFI-based systems provide access to UEFI Firmware Settings through the Advanced Startup Options menu in Windows. To enter the BIOS from within the operating system, hold down the Shift key and click Restart from the Start menu. When the Choose an option screen appears, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally UEFI Firmware Settings. This method is useful when you’re unable to access the BIOS using traditional startup keys.
Select UEFI Firmware Settings as shown above to enter BIOS.
This article compiles boot menu shortcut keys for both laptops and desktop PCs, with a particular focus on Dell systems. Keep in mind that on some devices, the function keys (F1–F12) may be set to perform multimedia actions by default. In such cases, you’ll need to hold down the Fn key while pressing the appropriate function key to access BIOS or boot options.
