How to Access and Modify BIOS Settings on Your Computer

Accessing and modifying BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings can be crucial for troubleshooting hardware issues, configuring system settings, and optimizing your computer’s performance. This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through the process, from understanding what BIOS is to navigating and changing its settings safely.

Sooner or later you will have to go into your computers bios and change certain settings and especially if you want to format your computer. The bios is the first piece of software on your computer before the operating system is installed. Without the BIOS you would not have a working computer.  The BIOS (basic input operating system) is a set of programs, which controls the PC hardware and is stored in a memory chip on the motherboard. The chip is a Read Only Memory (ROM) chip, which keeps its contents even when the power is off. When a computer is turned on, the CPU will execute all of the instructions in the BIOS, which are stored in the ROM. These instructions will then load the Operating System.

Why access and modify the BIOS?

The BIOS is a critical component of your computer that initializes hardware during the booting process and provides runtime services for operating systems and programs. Modifying BIOS settings can help you change the boot order, enable or disable hardware components, and configure system settings to optimize performance.

The main reason I go in there is to set the boot sequence or boot order of the computer. This means that you tell the computer to boot up to C: drive (windows on the computer) or to a cd or dvd drive. For example you might want to boot to an operating system CD when you format your computer with Windows XP. Different computer makes and models have different version and types of bios however they all have the common basics, but may call them different things. I do not know why they could not follow the same menu and features but don’t panic because they are similar.

Tips to getting in your BIOS:

1. Watch the screen when you are starting the computer. Be calm and don’t worry if the computer starts before you get to press the right key and the keyboard.
2. Restart the computer and now that you know the key to press, have your finger on it ready to push when you see the details screen.

Some examples of different brands of bios software:

In a Phoenix BIOS you need to select the boot menu at the top, then get the CD rom to the top of the list you see there to make it the first boot device.

With the American Megatrends Bios, choose Boot from the top menu, then click on Boot Device Priority. Then you will see a list of devices and you need to make the cd or dvd drive the first priority. To adjust these settings you will see instructions on how to control your keyboard in the right column and also in the bottom bar.

Once you have entered the bios there will be a menu to choose from. Some Bios have Boot sequence as a menu item, but if they do not you have to find it under another menu name. As you can see the BIOS brands above have a boot menu. Once you have found what you are looking for, change the cd rom to be the first to boot to, then hard drive as the second. Save and Exit the bios. This is for when you format your computer. To change it back, repeat steps and change it to boot to hard drive 0.

Common Keys to Enter BIOS:

• F2: Often used by Dell, Acer, ASUS.
• F10: Common for HP and Compaq.
• F12: Used by some Lenovo models.
• Del/Delete: Common on many desktops and some laptops.
• Esc: Used by some brands like Toshiba.

What is BIOS?

Definition: BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is firmware stored on a small memory chip on the motherboard. The BIOS initializes and tests your hardware components and loads a bootloader or an operating system from a mass memory device.

Functions:

• Initializes hardware components (CPU, RAM, GPU, etc.)
• Performs POST (Power-On Self Test) to ensure hardware is functioning correctly
• Provides an interface for configuring hardware settings
• Loads the operating system from the bootable device

When and Why to Access BIOS

Common Scenarios:

• Changing Boot Order: To boot from a USB drive or CD/DVD for installing or repairing the operating system. You might need to do this if you want to format windows.
• Enabling/Disabling Hardware: To turn on or off integrated peripherals like USB ports, network adapters, etc.
• Troubleshooting: To reset BIOS settings to default, check system logs, or diagnose hardware issues.
• Security: To set BIOS passwords or enable Secure Boot for enhanced security.

Benefits:

• Optimizing system performance
• Resolving hardware conflicts
• Enhancing security features
• Ensuring compatibility with new hardware

Precautions Before Accessing BIOS

• Document Current Settings: Note down existing settings before making changes, so you can revert if necessary.
• Understand the Risks: Incorrect settings can cause system instability or prevent the computer from booting.
• Backup Important Data: Although modifying BIOS settings doesn’t affect data on your drives, it’s always good practice to backup important files.

Steps to Access BIOS:

1. Restart Your Computer:
   • If your computer is already on, restart it. If it’s off, turn it on.
2. Press the BIOS Key:
   • As the computer starts, immediately begin pressing the BIOS key repeatedly. This must be done quickly before the operating system starts loading.
3. Accessing BIOS via Windows Settings:
   • For Windows 10/11: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.

Navigating the BIOS Interface

Types of BIOS Interfaces:

• Legacy BIOS: Text-based interface navigated using keyboard keys.
• UEFI BIOS: Graphical interface that can be navigated using both keyboard and mouse.

Navigation Tips:

• Arrow Keys: Use to navigate through menus.
• Enter Key: Selects an option or opens a submenu.
• Esc Key: Goes back to the previous menu.
• Function Keys: (e.g., F10) often used to save changes and exit.

Common BIOS Settings and How to Change Them

1. Changing Boot Order:
   • Navigate: Go to the Boot tab/menu.
   • Select Device: Use the arrow keys to highlight the boot device you want to change.
   • Move Device: Use the keys shown on the screen (e.g., + or -) to change the boot priority.
   • Save Changes: Press the key (e.g., F10) to save and exit.
2. System Date and Time:
   • Navigate: Go to the Main tab/menu.
   • Select Date/Time: Highlight and press Enter to change the date and time.
   • Save Changes: Confirm the changes and exit.
3. Enabling/Disabling Hardware Components:
   • Navigate: Go to the Integrated Peripherals or Advanced tab.
   • Select Component: Highlight the hardware component (e.g., USB Controller).
   • Change Setting: Use the Enter key to enable or disable the component.
   • Save Changes: Save and exit the BIOS.
4. Security Settings:
   • Navigate: Go to the Security tab.
   • Set Passwords: Select options to set a supervisor or user password.
   • Enable Secure Boot: If available, enable Secure Boot for enhanced security.
   • Save Changes: Save and exit.
5. Power Management Settings:
   • Navigate: Go to the Power Management tab.
   • Configure Settings: Adjust settings like ACPI Suspend Type, Wake on LAN, etc.
   • Save Changes: Save and exit the BIOS.

Advanced BIOS Settings

Examples of Advanced Settings:

• Overclocking Settings: Found under the Advanced or Performance tab, where you can adjust CPU and memory frequencies.
• Virtualization Support: Enable or disable virtualization technology, usually found under the Advanced tab.
• Memory Timings: Adjust memory timings and voltage settings under the Memory or DRAM Configuration tab.

Saving and Exiting BIOS

Save and Exit:

• After making the necessary changes, navigate to the Exit tab.
• Select Save Changes and Exit (often F10), confirm the changes, and your computer will reboot with the new settings.

Discard Changes:

• If you want to exit without saving changes, select Exit Without Saving or Discard Changes and Exit.

Troubleshooting Common BIOS Issues

Cannot Access BIOS:

• Check Key: Ensure you are pressing the correct key for your motherboard or laptop brand.
• Fast Boot: Disable Fast Boot in Windows if it’s preventing access to BIOS.

Reset BIOS to Default:

• Reset Option: In the BIOS, navigate to the Exit tab and select Load Setup Defaults or similar.
• CMOS Reset: If you cannot access BIOS, you can reset it by removing and reinserting the CMOS battery on the motherboard.

Boot Issues After Modifying BIOS:

• Reset to Default: Enter BIOS and load default settings.
• Check Boot Order: Ensure the correct boot device is selected.

NOTES on how to get into your BIOS and change settings:

1. For tips on how to control, change, and save bios settings look at the bottom of the screen. It tells you which key to press.
2. Do not change anything you are not sure of. Changing the settings can easily cause your computer to stop working or have major annoying problems.
3. When you are not sure what you have done you can go in and choose to restore to system default settings. This is a good way to get out of trouble.

Accessing and modifying BIOS settings can help you optimize your computer’s performance, troubleshoot hardware issues, and configure system settings to suit your needs. Always proceed with caution, document your changes, and understand the impact of each setting to avoid potential issues.