When your computer first bulge out up , it uses the BIOS ( or UEFI in more - mod personal computer ) to find out everything about itself , from the components its running , to the voltage they should receive . Although you rarely need to enter the BIOS , it can be utilitarian for changing the way your organisation work , or updating it when you install a unexampled constituent .

If you have n’t dig into a microcomputer BIOS before , or if you just want a refresher course , here ’s what a BIOS is , how to get at it , and how to make change to it .

What is the BIOS?

The BIOS , or basic - input - output - system , is the microcode that loads when a microcomputer first starts up . Although today it ’s technically have a go at it as the unified extensile microcode interface , or UEFI , BIOS is still the informally used language and is standardized in both this guide and in most conversation .

The UEFI is a more modern version of a BIOS , sum up mouse input and a nicer substance abuser interface , but they are largely the same . They provide the basic construction block of how a computer functions and an interface for you to interact with to make fundamental changes to how it works .

Both include alternative for changing what drives to bring up from , what security measures metre are in place , what speed the processor should run at , what voltage the memory needs , and what the system time and appointment are , among a orbit of other option . Most of these can be tweaked and set on more forward-looking motherboards , though more bespoke systems , like Microsoft ’s Surface scope of gimmick , for example , let in a more stripped - down BIOS that restricts the options you’re able to spay .

A BIOS can ( and arguably , should ) be update at least once a class to ensure it has the a la mode stability adaptation , hemipteron mess , and feature upgrades .

How to access the BIOS

you’re able to get to the BIOS in a twosome of different ways , but the most aboveboard is through its bespoke central instruction during startup .

whole step 1 : grow your PC on , and now start tapping its custom BIOS startup winder . This can differ depending on your PC or motherboard manufacturer , but is typically either the Delete key or one of the mathematical function keys . F2 is particularly common , but some Sony laptop use F3 , some Lenovo PCs utilize F1 , and Dell often uses F12 — but it can dissent from PC to PC .

If you do n’t sleep with your routine key , look into the screen during inauguration as it will often separate you . Alternatively , ascertain your motherboard or PC manual of arms or manufacturer ’s website for more details .

Whatever the key is , keep tapping it about once a second until you infix the BIOS . It should n’t take more than a few second , but depending on how fast your microcomputer start up up it could take upward of 10 seconds , so be patient . If you end up booting to Windows , either you ’re pressing the unseasonable key , did n’t press it tight enough , or your command is n’t being registered by the keyboard or PC .

Step 2 : An substitute method for get at the BIOS is to use the Windows startup menu .

practice the Windows search to look for " Recovery , " and selectRecovery optionsfrom the tilt . Then selectRestartand expect for your microcomputer to reboot to the forward-looking startup options menu .

Then selectTroubleshootfollowed byAdvanced options > UEFI Firmware options > Restart . You will then reboot into the BIOS with no key presses command .

How to overclock using the BIOS

Although there are a number of Windows - based overclocking tools you’re able to use , you’re able to also practice the BIOS to overclock your central processing unit and RAM . This can give you much more farinaceous control over the process , although it ’s a little more complicated and there is greater electric potential for you to make mistakes that cause a system collapse or make it unable to reboot ( do n’t worry if you do , you’re able to always just reset your BIOS ) .

Overclocking in the BIOS can get a bit complicated , though , so we ’ve got specific guides to help you out .

Here’show to overclock your processor , how to overclock your RAM , andwhat to do if something goes wrong .

How to change boot options in the BIOS

As you may see with this Asus UEFI menu , it ’s potential to change boot order and boot priority options . This can be useful if you want to make certain UEFI drivers or other specific components are prioritise . That can help you optimize flush speeds , bring up a new configuration from a storage gadget , and more .

Your BIOS options will likely be different , but use the available preferences to set boot precedency to the drive or external sensitive that you require to bring up first .

How to adjust fan settings in the BIOS

The CPU / Memory section of this Asus UEFI can invariably show the current central processor temperature for easy monitoring . If you ’d wish to take more unmediated control of the chill process , you’re able to also take F3 to open a shortcut menu and then go to Fan Controls .

Fan option permit you to control things like step up and abuse down limits to control how buff react to microcomputer natural process . In the cause of very effective cooling systems , you’re able to even correct these limit down to help foreshorten fan noise .

In some BIOS you could set detailed sports fan curves , but you may be restricted to simply setting a fan profile .

How to update the BIOS

Updating the BIOS is much leisurely than it used to be . normally a forward-looking UEFI will have menu somewhere inToolsorAdvancedoptions , where you could practice a " Flash " tool to update the firmware to the later version . You ’ll need to download the files first , though , and put them on some form of international media gimmick that the BIOS can interpret .

For more point , turn back out our guide onhow to upgrade your BIOS .