What is BIOS? Reset BIOS settings. Is it possible to enter BIOS without restarting Windows

BIOS- This is a program built into the computer. Using this program, we can perform basic computer settings, for example, control the speed of fans, set a password on the computer, monitor the temperature of components, and so on.

If you need go to BIOS on your laptop or computer, then doing it yourself is very simple. To do this, you need to turn on the computer and immediately press the DELETE key on the keyboard several times. Press this key several times until until you see the BIOS on your screen.

The different types of BIOS look something like this:

I should immediately warn you that on some computers the key to enter the BIOS may be different. For example, to enter the BIOS on a laptop I use keyF2 , and on the computer it is buttonDEL. In your case, this could be the F1, F8, F10 or even Esc key. It all depends on the motherboard. But most often, to enter the BIOS you need to use the key DELETEorF2 , so try them first.

Set to boot from disk or flash drive

If you decide to open the BIOS, then of course it’s for a reason :) Most likely you decided to reinstall Windows, and for this you need to set the BIOS to boot from a flash drive or disk. Depending on your computer or laptop, the BIOS may differ slightly! I’ll show you with my own example, and you’ll be looking for similar buttons.

Once in the BIOS, we immediately get down to business. Using the arrows on the keyboard, move to the right until we find ourselves on the Boot tab. There we need to open the Boot Device Priority menu.

In the window that opens, put your drive in first place. Use the arrows to point to the first item and click Enter. In the drop-down window, all you have to do is select the drive and press Enter again. In the end it will be in first place floppy drive, or USB flash drive.

On my laptop, you can enter the BIOS using the F2 key. There is also a Boot tab, by opening which you need to put the flash drive or disk drive in first place. This is done in a similar way. You need to move the mouse cursor to the device that you want to put in first place, and press the F5 or F6 key several times until the drive or flash drive is in first place.

Modern BIOSes are simpler and have a Russian interface. In such BIOSes you can work with the mouse. This is what happened with my new computer, where it is very easy to boot from a flash drive or disk. Just open the SETTINGS section, then the tab.

In the window that opens we will see Download priorities And Device 1,2,3,4,5 and so on. In the first place you need to put a USB flash drive or disk, depending on what you are using install Windows. After that, all that remains is to save.

Great! These are the things related to entering the BIOS.

Why go into BIOS?

If you had to enter BIOS on your laptop or computer, then of course you understand why this was done. But I think that I need to mention for other users the most common reasons why they open this program.

I described above that the first thing you do is log into the BIOS. And this happens very often, that is, the user enters the BIOS in most cases only in order to change the computer boot from the hard drive to a regular disk or flash drive.

2. Setting a password

Sometimes, to protect a computer or laptop from prying hands, through the BIOS. A password set in this way prevents the system from booting until it is entered correctly.

3. Setting up the touchpad

Some users really don't like it when, by pure accident, you touch the touchpad on a laptop while typing. So, it can be completely disabled through the same BIOS.

4. Temperature check and Fan control

IN BIOS You can monitor some components, as well as control the speed of coolers (fans).

Thank you for your attention, I hope I answered all your questions and you were able to enter the BIOS on your computer or laptop.

Personal computer, tablet, laptop - many gadgets are used daily by people for work, watching TV series, surfing the Internet and other purposes. From time to time the need arises to reinstall the system, change the PC settings, and the question of how to enter the BIOS in order to make the necessary manipulations becomes relevant. Often there is a hint on the main login page, but such a simple task sometimes causes difficulties, since for different types of bios, brands of laptops and systems on the computer, you need to press different keys or combinations thereof.

Why you might need to enter BIOS

For many, entering the BIOS is associated with solving one problem - reinstalling, changing the operating system. In fact, with its help it is possible to solve several important issues to improve the functioning of a computer or laptop, and find out some data about its operation. Using bios you can perform the following manipulations:

  • Check the functionality of the computer. It is possible to obtain data about the state of the PC, for example, processor temperature.
  • Set the system time and date. Performing this action is necessary every time after resetting the BIOS settings, since the date/time configurations change along with them.
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  • Connect or disable individual PC functions.
  • Change the disk from which the OS will boot. After opening the BIOS, the user can independently select and designate the location from which the operating system will boot. These can be hard drives, CDs, DVDs or flash drives. You can specify several drive options from which the OS can be started. For example, if for some reason the download does not occur from the first media, it will be carried out from the second.
  • Connect or disconnect components integrated into the PC. For example, the sound card or video card can be disabled.
  • Overclock your computer. To improve the operation of the device, increase its performance or speed, or speed up the processor, non-standard frequency and voltage parameters can be set.

  • Reinstall the operating system, identify and fix problems with its operation.
  • Check the PC configuration and normal functioning, initialize all its components.
  • Fix the problem if the Android-based tablet freezes or the gadget does not see connected devices.

BIOS and its main types

Many people have heard about bios more than once, they even roughly understand why it is needed, but what it is, how you can enter the BIOS, what types there are, remains not entirely clear. Before considering questions about logging into the system and the intricacies of working with it, you need to understand the meaning of this word. BIOS is a basic input/output system that is responsible for loading the OS, the operation of individual PC components, and interaction with hardware.

Essentially, BIOS is a large number of microprograms that are recorded on the board. There are types of systems in which the main differences are the interface and login method:

  • Award (Phoenix-Award). This BIOS has a working area - a blue window.

  • AMI (American Megatrends).
  • Phoenix.
  • DTK (Dalatech Enterprises CO).
  • UEFI.
  • ALR (Advanced Logic Research).

How to enter the BIOS of a laptop or computer

To enter the BIOS, you must press a specific button on the keyboard or a combination of them. Which key will help launch bios depends on the type of system and brand of laptop. Often when the PC boots, information about the computer appears on the screen and a hint appears on what to click. As a rule, such a message is located in the middle of the screen or at the bottom and looks like this: “Press Del to enter Setup”; instead of delete, another key or combination may appear. You should press the button immediately after turning on the device.

How to enter the BIOS correctly:

  • For Award, use the Del (Delete) or Ctr+Alt+Esc key.
  • For AMI – F2, Delete.
  • ALR – F2 or Ctr+Alt+Esc.
  • Phoenix - Ctr+Alt+Esc, Ctr+Alt+S, Ctr+Alt+Ins.
  • AMD - F1.
  • DTK – Escape (Esc).

Other button combinations can be used:

  • Ctrl+Del+Alt
  • Ins+Ctrl
  • Ctrl+Alt
  • Ctrl+Alt+Enter

Login features on laptops of different brands

Depending on the laptop model and brand, the methods for entering the BIOS may vary. Often, a hint is displayed on the splash screen every time the device boots, but sometimes, in order to find the required button or combination, it is worth spending time on “trial and error” or searching for information on the manufacturer’s official website or programmer forums. In addition to the device model, the type of system and its version play an important role.

How to correctly enter the BIOS on different laptops:

  • Lenovo (Lenovo) - to enter the BIOS, press and hold the “ThikVantage” button until the menu or F12 appears.
  • Toshiba (Toshiba) Portege, Satellite, Tecra – press Escape, Tecra with Phoenix BIOS – F1.
  • Acer – F2, F1, Ctr+Alt+Esc.
  • Acer Aspire – F2, Del.
  • Asus (Asus) – to enter Setup, press the F2 button.
  • Sony – F2, F3, F1 for Vaio – F2.
  • Dell – F3 or F1.
  • Hewlett-Parkard (HP Pavilion, Tablet) – F1.
  • Samsung (Samsung) - F2, F12, F8, Del, Esc.
  • eMachine - Delete.
  • MSI – F1, F2, F12, Delete.
  • Compaq - F10.

If the computer requires a password when entering the BIOS

Often a password is placed on the BIOS; it can be set in order to save settings or protect a laptop or all-in-one PC from changes to the system by other users. But memory is a tricky thing, and it often happens that the secret code is forgotten, and logging into the system is simply necessary. After several unsuccessful attempts, the screen goes blank and the user begins to panic. But everything is not so scary, there are several options for how to enter the BIOS system without a password:

  • Find a “Clear CMOS” jumper on the motherboard of your laptop or computer, which will clear the memory, including the password. To find the location of the key, you should first read the instructions and the motherboard diagram.
  • Remove the CMOS battery for at least twelve hours, preferably a day. Then reconnect it and start the system. The disadvantage of this option is the long waiting time.
  • Entering an engineering password for the motherboard instead of the bios code. The disadvantage of this method is that it cannot be used for older BIOS versions.

To avoid such problems in the future:

  • Set a password to enter the BIOS in exceptional cases.
  • Write down the password in places where it will be securely stored and, if necessary, can be quickly found.

What to do if you can’t enter the BIOS

Often there are problems when you can't log into the system. This can be caused by several reasons:

  • The wrong key or combination of keys was selected for entry. Check again that your laptop model and version match. It is necessary to try other options and combinations.
  • The OS boot started before the required key was pressed. It's worth pressing it faster.
  • To solve some problems, you need to clear the memory, reset it to factory settings using the “Clear CMOS” switch.

Video on how to enter bios on windows 8

Entering the BIOS on a computer with Windows 8 may cause some difficulties. To work, you will need knowledge of the interface and the main features of how the device works with this software. How to enter the BIOS on a G8:

  1. Open the “Settings” section, which is located below in the right side menu.
  2. At the bottom we find the “Change computer settings” button.
  3. In the “PC Settings” menu that appears, select general settings and click the “Special boot options” button. After this, the PC or laptop will restart.
  4. Select items in the menu: Diagnostics – Additional parameters – Firmware parameters. After the transitions, a button will appear on the screen to restart the PC. Click on it to enter the BIOS.
  5. After the reboot, the bios opens, then you need to go through the menu items. To see the procedure for entering the BIOS and the steps to reinstall the operating system, watch the video with a detailed explanation and screenshot:

“How to enter BIOS?” - this is a question that any PC user asks himself sooner or later. For a person uninitiated in the wisdom of electronics, even the very name CMOS Setup or Basic Input/Output System seems mysterious. But without access to this set of firmware, it is sometimes impossible to configure the hardware installed on the computer or reinstall the operating system.

There are several ways to enter the BIOS: traditional and alternative. For older versions of Windows up to and including XP, there were utilities with the ability to edit CMOS Setup from the operating system, but unfortunately these interesting projects have died out long ago and there is no point in considering them.

Please note: Methods 2-4 do not work on all computers with Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 installed, since not all equipment fully supports UEFI technology.

Method 1: Login using the keyboard

The main method to get to the motherboard firmware menu is to press a key or key combination on the keyboard when booting the computer after passing the Power-On Self Test (PC self-test program test). You can find them out from the hint at the bottom of the monitor screen, from the documentation for the motherboard, or on the website of the hardware manufacturer. The most common options are Del, Esc, service license plates F. Below is a table with possible keys depending on the origin of the equipment.

Method 2: Boot Options

In versions of Windows after Windows 7, an alternative method is possible using the computer restart options. But as mentioned above, point "UEFI Firmware Settings" does not appear in the reboot menu on every PC.


Method 3: Command Line

You can use the command line capabilities to enter CMOS Setup. This method also works only on the latest versions of Windows, starting with Windows 8.

Method 4: Entering BIOS without a keyboard

This method is similar to Methods 2 and 3, but it allows you to get into the BIOS without using the keyboard at all and can be useful if it malfunctions. This algorithm is also only relevant for Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For detailed information, follow the link below.

So, we have established that on modern PCs with UEFI BIOS and the latest versions of the operating system, several options for entering CMOS Setup are possible, but on older computers there is virtually no alternative to the traditional keystroke. Yes, by the way, on very “ancient” motherboards there were buttons for entering the BIOS on the back of the PC case, but now such equipment can no longer be found.

Any more or less advanced computer user should know what a BIOS is, why it is needed and how to configure it correctly. In fact, BIOS is a very interesting thing; it can be used to configure almost all components of the system unit. Well, now let's talk about everything in order.

What is BIOS and what is it for?

BIOS is a collection of firmware that allows you to configure individual components of the system unit, as well as the operating system loader and other settings of important parameters. Literally, BIOS can be called the basic input/output system.

Many new users ask where the BIOS is located? The BIOS is located on the motherboard and this is not without reason, since it is the motherboard that is responsible for the interaction and operation of all computer components.

In the photo above you can see what the BIOS looks like. Many will agree with us that the appearance of the BIOS is somewhat old, and to be completely honest, it is “wooden”. However, the latest models of Asus motherboards have a rather beautiful and modern design, moreover, it is Russified. In this article, we will configure the BIOS using the old version as an example, since it is more complicated, and the main thing is that you understand the essence of the BIOS. If you understand the essence of how to work in the BIOS with the old design, then it will not be difficult for you to understand the new one.

BIOS Features

As mentioned earlier, the main function of the BIOS is to configure the hardware of the computer. With BIOS you can:

  • Set the system time;

  • Set download priority;

  • Set the power parameters of some devices;

  • Enable or disable some devices, etc.

We will look at the most basic functions of the BIOS in more detail below, but first we will talk about the operation of the BIOS itself.

Working with BIOS

How to get into BIOS
In order to get into the BIOS, when rebooting or starting the computer, you need to hold down the “Delete” or “F1” key on the keyboard, depending on the motherboard, after which you get into the BIOS.

You can control the BIOS using 5 buttons:


  • Arrows – help you navigate through sections and select the desired parameters in the settings;

  • Enter – opens the selected section or setting;

  • ESC – exit.

In addition, you can set the BIOS to factory settings by pressing the “F9” key, and by pressing the “F10” key you will save the settings and exit the menu.

As for managing the BIOS in the new design of Asus motherboards, it is done using the mouse. In principle, there is nothing complicated in managing both the old and the new BIOS.

How to reset BIOS?
Sometimes advanced users reset BIOS settings. This is done in order to return the BIOS settings to factory settings if the changes they made led to problems with the operation of the entire computer or individual devices. Find contacts on the motherboard that are labeled as: CCMOS, Clear CMOS or Clear RTC. Each manufacturer, and maybe even each different motherboard model, may have its own options for resetting BIOS settings. It is important to note that any work to reset the BIOS settings must be carried out with the computer turned off, as well as with the system unit and other devices connected to it turned off from the power supply.


  • The first option to reset the BIOS is using a jumper. If you find a jumper, it will close the first and second contacts. To reset the BIOS, pull out the jumper and close the second and third contacts with it for 15 seconds, then move the jumper to its original position.

  • The second option is to close the contacts. There are motherboard models in which to reset the BIOS you need to close 2 contacts with a metal object. Such an object could be a small screwdriver. That is, when the computer is turned off, short-circuit both contacts for 15 seconds, then remove the shorting object and start the computer, the BIOS settings will be reset.

  • The third option is using a battery. To do this, you need to find the battery that powers the motherboard. Again, with the power completely off, pry the battery latch and remove it for 15 minutes. Then reinsert the battery and start the computer.

  • The fourth option is to click on the reset BIOS settings button. In some motherboard models, resetting BIOS settings is very simple; to do this, you need to press the corresponding button on the motherboard.

After you have reset the BIOS, we recommend checking the time settings and boot priority.

Flashing the BIOS
BIOS firmware. Oddly enough, the BIOS has its own firmware that can be updated. Updating the firmware will eliminate some problems with the operation of the BIOS, as well as with its settings. There is no particular need to update the firmware, but if you have problems with the BIOS or you have sufficient knowledge to carry out this procedure, you can update the BIOS firmware. Read about how to update the BIOS in the manuals, which describe this process specifically for your motherboard.

You can download the latest version of BIOS firmware for your motherboard from the official website of its manufacturer. As a rule, flashing the BIOS is done through a special utility, which is located on the disk with drivers and settings. This disk comes with the motherboard.

Learn more about updating the BIOS -.

How to properly configure the BIOS
So, now let's look at how to properly configure the BIOS. While in the BIOS main menu, use the arrows to move the cursor to the clock and set the correct time using the “PageUp” and “PageDown” keys. Then go to the date settings and use the same buttons to set today's date, month and year. This is very important, since both the operating system itself and most programs operate on the basis of this date and time. It is worth noting that the BIOS is set to the American date format, so the month, day and year come first. To go to the next settings section, click the right arrow.

You don’t need to configure anything special in the Advanced tab, since it is responsible for the operation of devices, so let’s move on to the next tab.

The Security tab allows you to configure security. We will not touch on it either, since this is not necessary for a home computer, as, for example, for an office one. Let's move on to the next section.

In the Boot section you can configure the operating system boot priority. The website site masters strongly recommend setting up the download in order to reduce the loading time of the operating system. If a CD-ROM is installed as the primary device for loading the OS, then before loading the system from the hard drive, the bootloader will check the CD-ROM, and after a few seconds, having found nothing, it will start loading the operating system from the hard drive. Depending on the motherboard model, the boot priority settings will have different labels. The primary boot source may be called: “1st Boot Device” or “First Boot Device”. Place the cursor next to this parameter and press “Enter”. In the menu that appears, use the arrows to select “Hard Disk” and press “Enter” again. Then go to the "2nd Boot Device" or "Second Boot Device" option and set it to "CDROM". We recommend setting the “3rd Boot Device” or “Third Boot Device” parameter to “Disabled”.

In order to save the settings made, go to the “Exit” section and select the “Exit Saving Changes” item and press “Enter”. If you only want to save the settings without leaving the BIOS, then select the “Save Changes” item. In addition, you can load default settings from the BIOS menu by selecting “Load Setup Defaults” or exit the BIOS without saving by selecting “Exit Discarding Changes”.

At this point, the necessary settings were made to the BIOS.

BIOS is a faithful assistant when Windows crashes, connects and configures new peripherals, and optimizes the temperature of a PC and laptop. The user's goal in this case is to enter the BIOS in order to move the PC or gadget from a “dead point” when further work on the computer suddenly became impossible.

Why do you need a BIOS program?

BIOS is a firmware, firmware of a PC/laptop motherboard or tablet monoboard, independent of the operating system installed on the computer. It allows you to use the following features:

  • starting a PC from external media (flash drives, memory cards, external storage and CD/DVD/BD-RW drives);
  • “overclocking” the processor, adjusting the temperature and PC cooling systems;
  • enable/disable and configure hardware interfaces of a computer system or gadget.

The first option is used most often. You may never access the rest of the BIOS functions (there is no need), but you will have to reinstall Windows dozens of times while your PC, laptop or tablet is alive.

Entering the BIOS on computers and laptops with a keyboard before Windows boots

Before looking in the settings of different versions of Windows for options to enter the BIOS, it is worth mentioning about entering the BIOS before loading the operating system. This is the oldest, but at the same time proven method, which was used by the previous generation of users.

The most common single keys for entering the BIOS are Del, Esc and F2. They should be tried first if the instructions from the PC or laptop are not available, but you still need to enter the BIOS urgently.

Table: keys for entering different BIOS versions

On most laptops from the 2000s. release, AMI BIOS is installed, and on most system units - Phoenix/Award BIOS. Other BIOS versions are less common.

Different laptop manufacturers also dictate their own rule - the BIOS entry keys can differ significantly.

Table: keys to enter BIOS on different laptops

Laptop manufacturers Keys or key combinations to enter BIOS
F1IBM (most computers)
F2Dell Inspiron, Dell Presicion, IBM E-Pro Laptop
F10Compaq
DelCompUSA, eMachine, Intel Tangent, Roverbook, Tiget
EscCybermax
F1, F2Gateway, H.P.
F1, F3Dell 400
F1, EscToshiba
F2, F3Sony VAIO
F2, DelDell Dimension, Dell Optiplex
F2, Fn+F1Dell Latitude
F1, F2, DelMicron, Packard Bell
F1, F2, Ctrl+Alt+EscAcer
Ctrl+Alt+Esc, Ctrl+Alt+DelAST
Ctrl+Alt+Del, Ctrl+Alt+InsIBM with PS/2 keyboard

Video: BIOS entry keys for all PCs and BIOS versions

How to enter BIOS after Windows starts

One could, perhaps, stop at “hot” keys if it were not for ultra-high-speed flash drives (SSD drives), which are installed even in very budget laptop models (as of 2017 - 7-10 thousand rubles). They already run Windows 8.1/10. The fact is that the transition to launching from an SSD drive in Windows 8.1 or 10 occurs so quickly that you are unlikely to have time to press the coveted key.

The latest models are gone - and smartbooks with Windows 10 are no longer equipped with BIOS, but with its continuation - UEFI.

With Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7

Unlike the much newer Windows 8.1/10, previous versions of Windows do not have an extensive boot menu, offering almost a dozen options for fixing problems when starting the OS. So do it the old way. There are no special boot options here - use the hotkeys from the list above, since outdated versions of Windows are recommended mainly for older PCs and laptops that are not equipped with UEFI and other launch “improvers”.

With Windows 8/8.1/10

Starting with Windows 8, you can get into the BIOS by selecting a special restart option in Windows settings, or from the command line.

Restarting Windows 8/8.1/10 to enter BIOS

You cannot go directly from Windows to the BIOS - the OS must shut down in the current session.

  1. Give the command “Start - Settings - System - Update and Recovery - Recovery”. Go to Windows 10 recovery
  2. Select specific Windows 10 boot options and click the Restart Now button.
  3. After restarting, wait until the Windows 10 boot menu appears.
    Select the desired action
  4. In the boot menu, give the command “Diagnostics - Advanced Settings - UEFI Firmware Settings”.
    Go to EFI settings in boot menu
  5. Confirm BIOS startup.
    Confirm startup in BIOS/UEFI mode

The PC or laptop will start in UEFI where you can select the advanced BIOS mode.

Calling the Windows 10 emergency boot menu without logging in

This method is suitable if the system cannot start a new session, for example, due to incompatibility of any drivers or applications with Windows 10.

Do the following.

Video: Common methods of entering BIOS under Windows 10

Entering BIOS/UEFI mode using the Windows 10 command line

Do the following.

The system launcher "shutdown.exe" is a tool that allows you to close your current Windows session and shut down the OS. By running the ShutDown.exe program from the C:\Windows\ folder, you will also allow the system to shut down correctly without losing data - even when, for example, if the system is infected with a virus that has blocked the Windows Start button and taskbar, you still need to restart normally PC.

Other options for entering BIOS

There are also older ways to get into the BIOS - connect a keyboard with an outdated PS/2 interface, or switch the jumper on the motherboard of a PC or laptop.

Reset BIOS using jumper

If entering the BIOS is not available due to the manufacturer’s settings, you need to switch the jumper on the motherboard back and forth, turning on the PC each time, so that the BIOS firmware works a little.


Move the CMOS jumper to a different position or remove it

Connecting a PS/2 keyboard to work with a PC

First of all, this problem faces owners of PCs and laptops that already have a version of Windows 10 and UEFI firmware instead of BIOS, but have a PS/2 keyboard lying around, purchased 10–15 years ago.

By default, the BIOS/UEFI is already configured to work with USB devices - by connecting your adapter to any of the USB ports, you get a working PS/2 keyboard and/or mouse.

Today there are practically no computers left that are not equipped with USB ports. Overly outdated “system units” and laptops from the distant 90s don’t count - people threw them away, and there is no point in remembering such computers. Judge for yourself: who needs computers with Windows 95/98, a Pentium 1/2/3 processor with a 300 MHz frequency, 16–64 MB of RAM and a 10 GB hard drive? And there are not very many programs for Windows 9x.

Based on the above, connecting keyboards and mice with an outdated PS/2 plug is easier to do using a special PS/2-USB adapter.


Combined USB-PS/2 adapters allow you to connect a mouse and keyboard to one port

There are also reverse adapters that selectively connect mice and keyboards to PC “system units” that have the PS/2 interface itself. Both a wired mouse and a nano-receiver (or Bluetooth module) from a wireless mouse or keyboard are connected to the USB port on the cord. If you connect a mouse or keyboard to the wrong socket through such a converter, the mouse and keyboard themselves will not work; do not confuse the devices.


Unlike universal adapters, these converters are selective to the type of device

Adapters for connecting wireless mice and keyboards to the PS/2 socket on the PC system unit allow you to get rid of the age-old problem of wires and cables - chafing of the “cores” at bends, leading to the device not working.

You can order such adapters on the Internet, for example, in the Ozon or AliExpress store - the latter, by the way, carries many goods from China, including various small items, to Russia for free, final delivery is carried out to the Russian Post office closest to to the user. In Russian hypermarket chains, for example, Yulmart or DNS, there is also a lot of this stuff. Don't create unnecessary problems for yourself.

The blue-violet adapter, like the PS/2 connector itself, means that you are working with a keyboard. The green adapter and connector are the PS/2 interface for the mouse.

Today, USB keyboards and mice are actively replacing their outdated PS/2 counterparts. On a more or less modern PC or laptop, you no longer need to do anything.

You should not connect other devices via a “reverse” adapter (for example, a flash drive) - the PS/2 bus was not designed for high-speed data streams of tens and hundreds of megabits. The performance of the PS/2 interface is enough to control the mouse pointer and enter text from the keyboard - it was originally “tailored” for input devices. At worst, you can try connecting a joystick, but its correct operation is not guaranteed.

Is it possible to enter BIOS without restarting Windows

To enter the BIOS, any version of Windows must end the current session and enter a mode in which the power of the PC or laptop can be forcibly turned off (if required). Give the command “Start - Shut down - Restart” or turn off your PC or laptop by pressing and quickly releasing the power button (if the power button action is configured to shut down Windows 10).

In the MS-DOS operating system, the way to go directly to the BIOS was extremely simple - the user pressed the Reset button on the system unit, and when restarting the PC, in turn, a hot key (most often Del) was used. Before this, it was necessary to complete all read/write operations on the disks.

What to do if you can’t enter the BIOS

PC motherboards, laptop mainboards and tablet monoboards are quite reliable, and you should not have any difficulties entering the BIOS. However, entering the BIOS, or rather, not starting a PC or gadget with Windows 10, is mainly due to the following reasons.

  1. Failure of the ROM chip(s) in which the BIOS firmware is written. On system systems, the ROM chip is often not soldered into the motherboard, but has a special socket block that allows it to be removed and replaced. If you are technically savvy and have at least a little experience in servicing and replacing components, you can take the risk of changing the ROM yourself by ordering it on the manufacturer’s website or in popular Chinese stores, or by purchasing a BIOS chip directly from the service center in your city. On laptops and tablets, replacement mainly helps by re-soldering it on a special soldering station, available in every computer service center that provides a full range of PC repair services, including replacing capacitors on boards.
  2. Accidental flashing (updating) of the BIOS to an incompatible version. If you dare to update the BIOS version yourself, or even change the BIOS to UEFI in the hope that previously inaccessible functions will open and the mouse will work, such an action is often rejected recklessly, because the ROM parameters may not be so perfect as to “pull” the graphics UEFI firmware interface. Restoring (reprogramming) the ROM is also carried out by the service center.
  3. You press the wrong key or key combination to enter the BIOS. Check the assignment of the key(s) to enter the BIOS specifically for your BIOS version and/or laptop or tablet manufacturer.
  4. The manufacturer of the PC, laptop or tablet motherboard has closed (classified) the ability to enter the BIOS using a special key combination that is not mentioned in the instructions. This is a very rare case when service centers, in pursuit of profit, can agree with PC and gadget manufacturers not to indicate either in the instructions for the device itself or on the display with the corresponding inscription before starting the OS, how the user can get into the BIOS.
  5. The PC keyboard (or external tablet keyboard) does not have time to “come to life” when the transition to launching Windows 8.1/10 is too fast. The methods listed above will help here.
  6. The manufacturer/seller has entered a password that prevents you from entering the BIOS. This is done for commercial reasons - so that in case of any actions, including reinstalling Windows, the user will pay for such an action. Resetting the settings using the CMOS jumper on the PC motherboard will help here.
  7. The keyboard is simply faulty. Repair or replace it. Perhaps a certain group of keys does not work, including, say, the Del, F2 or similar key. Old “system systems” did not work at all without a keyboard.
  8. You pressed the required key (or combination of keys) too late - the OS has already loaded (Windows, MS-DOS, Linux, Android x86, LiveCD/DVD/USB loader or its equivalent, installation/update program for the corresponding OS, etc.) . Wait for the OS (or a tool that emulates its operation) to load and normally end the session that just started. Wait until the PC resets - this is indicated by the logo of the manufacturer and/or distributor of computers of your series/batch appearing on the screen.
  9. The fast boot function interferes. It needs to be disabled.

Video: problems entering the BIOS - the built-in keyboard does not work well

How to disable fast boot in Windows 10

Do the following.


Restart your PC or tablet. Most likely, before starting Windows 10, you will still have the opportunity to enter the BIOS/EFI from the key, according to the instructions for your computer or gadget.

Errors when entering BIOS

BIOS, like any program (or software package, operating system), including your Windows 10, contains many errors. It won’t hurt to know them if entering the BIOS and/or starting a PC/laptop is accompanied by the BIOS refusing to control a particular device, or the PC refusing to start Windows.

MessageDescription of the problem
8042 Gate A20 ErrorKeyboard controller problem (you need to replace the controller or motherboard)
Address Line ShortProblem with motherboard expansion cards (possible short circuit; if after checking it fails to boot, you need to change the motherboard)
BIOS ROM Checksum Error - System HaltChecksum error of the permanent memory chip (it is necessary to reflash the chip or replace it)
BIOS Update For Installed CPU FailedBIOS version mismatch with specific processor model
Bad PnP Serial ID ChecksumPlug and Play device checksum error (remove the devices, carefully inspect and install again; if this does not help, you need to change the faulty devices)
Boot Error - Press F1 To Retry Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk And Press EnterThe boot disk is not detected (this often happens if the BIOS Setup has a floppy drive or floppy drive as the first boot sector, and when the computer is turned on, this drive contains a non-system disk or floppy disk - this often happens when, for example, they are watching a movie with disc or listen to music, and then forget to remove the disc. You need to remove the disc and restart the computer, or better yet, make it boot from the computer’s hard drive in the settings)
Bus Time Out NMI At Slot XXXHappens if EISA bus is installed (try rebooting)
CH2 Timer ErrorSecond timer initialization problem (check peripherals)
CMOS Battery FailedThe CMOS battery is dead (replace the battery)
CMOS Battery Has FailedLikewise
CMOS Battery State LowLikewise
CMOS Checksum Bad (Error, Failure)CMOS chip checksum error (check the battery, if that doesn’t help, reprogram the BIOS chip)
CMOS Date/Time Not SetErrors when setting the system time and date (fix the error in the BIOS, check the functionality of the battery)
CMOS Display TypeThe system monitor characteristics are incorrectly specified in the BIOS
CMOS Memory Size Mismatch
CMOS System Options Not SetThe contents of the CMOS memory are damaged (check the battery, it may require flashing)
Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable CacheCache error (replace chip)
Checking NVRAMInformation that the system is updating the computer configuration (if it appears frequently, check the motherboard battery)
DMA#1(2) ErrorError initializing the DMA channel (possibly a problem due to the connected peripheral device; the motherboard may need to be replaced)
DMA Bus TimeOutThe system does not receive a response to the DMA controller request (check peripherals and replace faulty ones)
DMA ErrorDMA controller error (you may have to change the motherboard)
Display Type Has Changed Since Last Boot
Drive X: ErrorProblems with the hard drive (check the BIOS settings, cable; if the drive is damaged, format it, or better yet, buy a new one)
Drive X: FailureThe hard drive cannot be initialized (check the BIOS settings, cable; if the drive is damaged, format it)
ECC ErrorProblems with RAM (memory needs to be replaced)
EISA CMOS InoperationalEISA board CMOS memory chip error (check battery or replace chip)
EISA Configuration Checksum ErrorEISA board CMOS memory checksum error (check BIOS settings and battery)
EISA Configuration Is Not CompleteEISA board CMOS memory chip error (check BIOS settings)
Error Encountered Initializing Hard DriveProblems with initializing the IDE hard drive (check the BIOS settings, the correct jumper settings; if this does not help, replace the device)
Error Initializing Hard Drive ControllerProblems with initializing the IDE controller (check jumpers, BIOS settings)
Expansion Board Not Ready At Slot XXXProblems with initializing the board in slot XXX (check the connection, the board or the slot itself may be faulty)
Extended RAM Failed At Offset: XXXError initializing extended memory (check connections, or replace memory)
FDD Controller FailureFloppy drive controller initialization error (check connections or replace controller)
Floppy Disk Controller Resource ConflictThere is a conflict between the floppy drive controller and another device (you need to disconnect the device, work, and then connect it again)
HDD Controller FailureIDE controller initialization error (check jumpers, BIOS settings)
Hard Disk Install FailureProblems with initializing the IDE hard drive (check the BIOS settings, jumpers, cables, if that doesn’t help, change the faulty device)
Hard Disk Diagnosis FailureProblems with hard drive initialization (check BIOS settings, jumpers, cables, if that doesn’t help, change the faulty device)
Hard Disk Fail (20) Hard Disk Fail (40)Likewise
I/O Card Parity Error at XXXExpansion board parity error (check board installation)
INTR #1 ErrorProblems with initializing the first channel of the interrupt controller (IRQ0-IRQ7)
INTR #2 ErrorProblems with initializing the second channel of the interrupt controller (IRQ8-IRQ15)
Incorrect Drive A/B - Run SetupFloppy drive initialization error (check cable, BIOS settings)
Disabled Drive SpecificationThe hard drive is damaged or, if it is new, is not partitioned (use the FDisk command)
Invalid Media In Drive X:Likewise
Invalid System Configuration DataError in Plug and Play device configurations (reset the data using the Reset Configuration Date option)
Invalid System Configuration Data - Run Configuration Utility Press F1 to Resume, F2 to SetupLikewise
K/B Interface ErrorKeyboard problem (check connection)
Keyboard ErrorLikewise
Keyboard Error Or No Keyboard PresentProblems with keyboard operation (see if any key is pressed)
Keyboard Failure, Press To ContinueLikewise
Keyboard Is Locked Out - Unlock The KeyKeyboard Is LockedSticky keys on the keyboard
Memory Address Error at XXX
Memory Parity Error at XXXLikewise
Memory Size DecreasedThe amount of RAM is incorrectly specified in the BIOS.
Memory Size Has Changed Since Last BootLikewise
Memory Size IncreasedLikewise
Memory Test FailProblems with RAM (check the power supply and the memory itself)
Memory Verify Error at XXXXLikewise
Missing Operation System
Monitor Type Does Not Match CMOS - Run SetupThe system monitor is incorrectly specified in the BIOS
NVRAM Checksum ErrorNVRAM memory error (check BIOS settings and battery)
NVRAM ClearedLikewise
NVRAM Data InvalidLikewise
No ROM BasicError when trying to boot the system from the hard drive (possibly caused by a virus, you will have to partition the disk again with the loss of all data)
Off Board Parity ErrorTrying to boot from a floppy disk when there is no system floppy disk in the drive (remove the floppy disk)
Offending Address Not FoundProblems with devices not integrated into the motherboard (processor, RAM...)
Offending SegmentUnknown device error (most likely problems with data transfer or a conflict when accessing ports - check the BIOS)
On Board Parity ErrorProblems with devices integrated into the motherboard (hard drive controller, PCI bus...)
Onboard PCI VGA Not Configured For Bus MasterProblem with integrated video card
Operating System Not FoundError when trying to load the operating system - it was not found (possibly caused by a virus, you will have to partition the disk again with the loss of all data)
Override Enabled - Default LoadedThe system cannot boot with the BIOS values ​​set, all parameters will be reset to factory values
PCI I/O Port ConflictPCI bus device conflict - trying to use the same I/O port (update hardware configuration)
PCI IRQ ConflictLikewise
PCI Memory ConflictPCI bus device conflict - trying to use the same memory area (update hardware configuration)
Parallel Port Source ConflictConflict between devices using parallel port (update hardware configuration or configure manually)
Parity ErrorRAM parity error
Press A Key To RebootProblems booting the system (if the message appears frequently, change the motherboard)
Press ESC To Skip Memory TestPressing the ESC key will check the RAM using an abbreviated program
Press F L To Disable NMI, F2 To RebootInterrupt controller problem - it is impossible to determine the device that submitted a request for a non-maskable NMI interrupt
Primary Boot Device Not FoundThe device configured in the BIOS as the primary boot disk was not found (there may be no system floppy disk or disk - insert the floppy disk or disk, or make the appropriate settings in the BIOS)
Primary Master Hard Disk FailureProblems with testing the Primary Master hard drive (check the BIOS settings, cables, jumpers, try connecting another drive; you may have to change the cable or hard drive)
Primary Slave Hard Disk FailureProblems with testing the Primary Slave hard drive (check the BIOS settings, cables, jumpers, try connecting another drive; you may have to change the cable or hard drive)
Primary/Secondary IDE Controller Resource ConflictDevice conflict - the IDE controller is accessing already occupied computer resources (update the hardware configuration or configure it manually)
RAM Parity Error - Checking For SegmentRAM parity error (maybe the memory stick is installed incorrectly, try setting the slowest memory settings in the BIOS)
Real Time Clock ErrorErrors in setting the system time and date (check the battery, BIOS settings, if that doesn’t help, change the motherboard)
Real Time Clock FailureLikewise
Secondary Master Hard Disk FailureProblems with testing the Secondary Master hard drive (check the BIOS settings, cables, jumpers, try connecting another drive; you may have to change the cable or hard drive)
Secondary Slave Hard Disk FailProblems with testing the Secondary Slave hard drive (check the BIOS settings, cables, jumpers, try connecting another drive; you may have to change the cable or hard drive)
Serial Port 1 Resource ConflictConflict of devices using serial port COM1 (update hardware configuration or configure manually)
Serial Port 2 Resource ConflictConflict of devices using serial port COM2 (update hardware configuration or configure manually)
Should Be Empty But EISA Board FoundEISA expansion card error (update hardware configuration or configure manually)
Should Have EISA Board But Not FoundEISA expansion card error - does not respond to system requests (update the hardware configuration or configure manually, if that does not help, replace the faulty hardware)
Slot Not EmptyAn unknown expansion card was detected on the ELSA bus (check your BIOS settings)
Software Port NMI InoperationalProblems with the NMI software interrupt port (check the BIOS settings, you may have to change the motherboard)
State Battery CMOS Low
Static Device Resource Conflict
System Battery Is DeadThe CMOS memory battery is low (replace the battery)
System Battery Is Dead - Replace And Run SetupLikewise
System CMOS Checksum BadCMOS memory checksum error (check the battery, replace if necessary, if that doesn’t help, change the motherboard)
System Device Resource ConflictDevice conflict (update hardware or configure manually)
System Halted, (CtrlAltDel) To RebootStopping the system (press Ctrl+Alt+Del to reboot the system)
System RAM Failed At Offset: XXXXError initializing RAM (maybe the memory stick is installed incorrectly, try setting the slowest memory settings in the BIOS)
Type Display CMOS MismatchThe system monitor type is incorrectly specified in the BIOS
Uncorrectable ECC DRAM ErrorProblems with RAM (you may need to replace the memory)
Unknown PCI ErrorUnknown PCI bus error (if all PCI cards are working normally, change the motherboard)
Update FailedFailed to update information about new Plug@Play devices (check battery or replace system board)
Update OK!Information about new devices was updated successfully
Wrong Board In SlotEISA expansion board error (check BIOS settings or replace faulty devices)

BIOS will help where Windows - or another OS - is already powerless. If there were no BIOS, it would be impossible to revive the PC in emergency situations. Great work to you - and less problems associated with its downtime!