Windows — boot keys by brand

To enter BIOS/UEFI, Boot Menu or Safe Mode, press the right key right after power-on (before the Windows logo). The laptop/PC brand decides the key.

1. Typical keys by brand

• Dell: F2 = BIOS/UEFI · F12 = Boot Menu · F8 / Shift+Restart = Safe Mode (Windows 10/11).
• HP: Esc (menu) then F10 = BIOS · F9 = Boot Menu · F2 on some models.
• Lenovo (ThinkPad): Enter then F1 = BIOS · F12 = Boot Menu · Novo Button on many IdeaPad.
• ASUS: F2 / Del = BIOS · Esc = Boot Menu (sometimes F8).
• Acer: F2 = BIOS · F12 = Boot Menu (sometimes enable “F12 Boot Menu” in BIOS first).
• Samsung: F2 = BIOS · Esc / F10 = Boot Menu (varies).
• MSI: Del = BIOS · F11 = Boot Menu.
• Toshiba / Dynabook: F2 = BIOS · F12 = Boot Menu.
• Microsoft Surface: hold volume-up + power for UEFI.
• Generic desktop (ASUS/Gigabyte/MSI board): Del or F2 = BIOS · F8/F11/F12 = Boot Menu.

2. Safe Mode on Windows 10 / 11

• If Windows boots: Start → Power → hold Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings → Restart → 4 or 5 (Safe Mode).
• From the login screen: hold Shift + Restart (same path).
• If Windows won’t boot: 2–3 forced power-offs can open Automatic Repair → Advanced options.
• Classic F8 (Windows 7 / old BIOS) rarely works on modern UEFI.

3. Practical tips

• Tap the key repeatedly right after power-on — don’t wait for the Windows logo.
• On USB-C / fast boot: you may need to disable Fast Boot or hold the key longer.
• Boot Menu ≠ BIOS: Boot Menu only picks the disk/USB; BIOS changes settings.
• Forgotten BIOS password / brick after BIOS update — often needs service (CMOS jumper, EC, programmer).

When to book diagnostics

No power, logo loop, disk errors or after a BIOS update — we diagnose hardware and software.