El BIOS access on any motherboard is a fundamental step for a customized configuration of the device and its components. Users with an interest in the world of technology often know or quickly learn the configuration to access the BIOS on their specific PC model.
But actually, Unlock BIOS Access on a PC It is not a very complex procedure. Unless there is a password or additional security measures, the procedure is relatively simple. In this article, we explore how the BIOS works, the ways to access it, and what can be configured from this screen. It will help you to significantly customize your own device and get the most out of it.
What is BIOS and how to unlock access on any PC
At some point, sooner or later, any user may need to access the BIOS. Unlocking access to this computer component called BIOS is relatively simple, except in very specific cases. That is why it is advisable to know what it is for, what we will find and what we can do from its control interface.
BIOS is the first program that the processor executes of our computer when it starts up. It is stored in a ROM on the motherboard and cannot be touched. Modifying some of its parameters, if not done correctly, can cause serious performance failures. That is why it is necessary to understand its operation and scope, and how to configure each parameter.
What is the purpose of entering BIOS?
La bios setup It allows you to get the most out of your computer's hardware components. For example, you can modify the frequency of the RAM memory modules, select the boot order or even the energy saving modes. It is important to be careful when configuring the BIOS, because if you make any changes without knowing the consequences, you could cause damage to your computer in the short, medium or long term.
Access to the BIOS, while not difficult, is not automatic. This way, users without knowledge have less chance of generating incompatibilities or configuration errors. There are some settings that are disabled by default, so users with more knowledge tend to play with the bios to further optimize the performance of your own computer. Depending on the model, there are different ways to access the BIOS and unlock its settings. You will find the most common ways and the options you can configure to take full advantage of your device's potential.
Unlock BIOS access at PC boot
The most well-known and widespread method for Unlock BIOS on a PC This is done when the computer starts up. It may vary depending on the brand of your motherboard, but generally speaking it involves pressing a key when turning on the computer. It is important to note that each motherboard has a time window for pressing the button. If it is not pressed within that period, the computer will continue to boot with the traditional operating system. The following list has the access button for the BIOS on the main manufacturers of laptops and motherboards.
- ACER – DEL or F2 button.
- ASUS – DEL on A-Series. F2 or ESC on other models.
- COMPAQ – F10.
- DELL – F2.
- Lenovo – F2, F2 + Fn, F1.
- Hewlett-Packard – ESC, F1, F10 or F11 depending on the model.
- Samsung – F2 on PCs, F10 on ultrabook models.
- SONY – F1, F2 or F3. On VAIO the Assistance key.
- TOSHIBA – F1, F12 or ESC key.
In the desktop computers, not all motherboard manufacturers use the same method of accessing the BIOS. The manufacturer is easy to identify, either by the box or by the name printed on the motherboard itself. The main manufacturers and the key to start the BIOS are the following:
- Gigabyte Motherboard – DEL key.
- MSI motherboard – SUPR, F2, F10, F12.
- ASUS ROG – F2.
- ASRock – F2.
What if I can't identify my motherboard?
In case you are unable to detect your motherboard manufacturer, there is a tool in Windows operating system to detect it via software. Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tools application using the dxdiag command. You can do this from the search box or by using the Win + R combination.
In the new window that appears, look for the System tab and among the information you will find System Manufacturer. This is the label of the motherboard you have equipped. If the plate manufacturer It is not listed above, keep in mind that DEL is the most common key and if not, one of the F keys. It is a matter of testing during the first few seconds of starting the computer until it works.
Unlock BIOS on your PC from Windows
If you haven't found the key, or you want to access the BIOS once the computer is already running, Windows also offers an option. In the start menu you have to access the settings section (gear icon) and follow these instructions:
- Open the Updates & security section.
- Select the Recovery tab.
- Press the advanced boot option.
El computer will restart with a special mode. There you have to choose the option Troubleshooting – Advanced Options and UEFI Firmware Settings. Only then will we activate access to the BIOS. It is a slightly longer procedure, but the purpose and configuration alternatives are the same.
Finally, there is a third, faster option to access the BIOS from Windows. Simply go to the Power Options and hold down the Shift key while clicking on the Restart option. This takes you directly to the Advanced Startup Settings option.
You can also choose to use a boot disk, but it is the one used in emergency situations. You can try it if the operating system does not load. Remember to select the BIOS as the first option for the boot order, and then follow the steps inside the disk to perform a general system recovery.