What Is the Right Key to Enter Setup?
As you already gathered, it depends on your hardware. More specifically, it depends on the motherboard the BIOS is located on.
Common keys to enter the BIOS are F1, F2, F10, Delete, Esc, as well as key combinations like Ctrl + Alt + Esc or Ctrl + Alt +Delete, although those are more common on older machines. Also note that a key like F10 might actually launch something else, like the boot menu. The exact key or key combination depends on your computer manufacturer and model.
You can proceed with trial and error until you find the right key, press multiple different keys at once and get lucky or consult the list below.
Acer BIOS Keys
The most common keys to enter Setup on Acer hardware are F2 and Delete.
On older computers, try F1 or the key combination Ctrl + Alt + Esc.
If your computer features an ACER BIOS, you can restore the BIOS to bootable settings by pressing and holding the F10 key. Once you hear two beeps, settings have been restored.
Asus BIOS Keys
As with Acer, the most common key is F2.
Depending on your model, it might also be the Delete or Insert key, and less commonly F10.
Dell BIOS Keys
On a newer Dell computer, try the F2 key while you see the Dell logo.
Alternatively, try F1, Delete, F12, or even F3.
Older models might use Ctrl + Alt + Enter or Delete or Fn + Esc or Fn + F1.
HP BIOS Keys
Keys most commonly used on HP machines to enter setup include F10 and Esc.
On some HP computers F1, F2, F6, or F11 will open the gates to the BIOS.
On HP Tablet PCs F10 or F12 will get you into the BIOS.
HP has compiled information on its BIOS here.
Lenovo BIOS Keys
The F1 or F2 key should get you into the BIOS.
Older hardware might require the key combination Ctrl + Alt + F3 or Ctrl + Alt + Insert key or Fn + F1.
If you have a ThinkPad, consult this Lenovo resource: how to access the BIOS on a ThinkPad.
MSI BIOS Keys
If you know that your computer is using an MSI motherboard, then the key to trigger the BIOS most likely is the Delete key. You might even notice a message saying “Press Del to enter SETUP”.
On some MSI motherboard models, the key to access the BIOS will be F2.
Sony BIOS Keys
On a Sony VAIO, F2 or F3 will get you into the BIOS, but you can also try F1.
If your VAIO has an ASSIST key, try to press and hold it while you power on the laptop. This also works if your Sony VAIO came with Windows 8.
Toshiba BIOS Keys
Your best bet is the F2 key.
Other candidates include F1 and Esc.
On the Toshiba Equium, F12 will enter the BIOS.
Toshiba also has more detailed instructions on how to access the BIOS.
Gigabyte Bios keys
Press Del during POST, right after the computer is turned on.
Others
Unfortunately, there is very little consistency. Neither do computer manufacturers always use the same motherboard manufacturer nor do motherboard manufacturers consistently define the same key for entering the BIOS. If you want a definite answer on which keys to press to enter Setup, you have to search for the exact model of your computer’s motherboard.
Did You Manage to Enter Your BIOS?
If none of the keys mentioned above work, the issue might be your keyboard or rather the lack of keyboard drivers before the computer boots up. Try another keyboard and/or port. For example, if you’ve been using a USB keyboard, but your PC also has a PS/2 port, try a PS/2 keyboard instead.
Once you have access to the BIOS, you might want to reset your BIOS to default settings.
