How to enter BIOS on a laptop: keys by brand

1. General steps

• Fully shut down (not Sleep).
• Power on and immediately tap the menu key repeatedly before the Windows logo.
• If it boots too fast: from Windows — Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → UEFI Firmware Settings.
• Boot-menu keys (USB) can differ from settings keys — see Windows boot keys by brand.

2. Typical keys by brand

• Dell — F2 (settings), F12 (boot menu).
• HP — F10 (settings), Esc / F9 (boot).
• Lenovo — F2 or Fn+F2; sometimes Enter then F1; ThinkPad: Enter → F1.
• ASUS — F2 or Del.
• Acer — F2 or Del.
• MSI — Del.
• Samsung — F2.
• Microsoft Surface — hold Volume Up + Power (recent models).

MacBook does not use classic “BIOS” — see MacBook keys / SMC. Apple silicon: Options at boot.

3. When the screen asks for a password

• A System password can stop startup and access to F2/F12; an Admin/Setup password commonly allows Windows to start but blocks firmware changes.
• On Dell, copy the complete code shown on the password screen, including the suffix after the dash.
• Do not publish device codes or try random passwords.
• If the computer is yours, follow the forgotten-password guide to identify the prompt and choose the correct recovery route.

If a Dell password prompt appears, continue with the Dell BIOS password guide. For a hardware fault in Bucharest, use the laptop repair page.

4. After you are in the menu

• Change boot order only when you know why (USB install, diagnostics).
• Do not turn off security options without a reinstall plan.
• Save with Save & Exit — Exit without Save discards changes.
• If the laptop still will not boot — power, board or display may need shop diagnostics.

Does your Dell show a different suffix?

How to recover a Dell BIOS password with 8FC8, CF1B, 3FE2, 1B58 or 9ABE.

Find a guide for your Dell model