How to Enter BIOS in Windows 10: A Complete Guide

Accessing the BIOS in Windows 10 can be confusing, fast boot, different brands, and precise timing often get in the way. Many users miss the correct key or don’t know where to start. This guide breaks it down step-by-step, without tech jargon. And once you're in, discover how WPS Office can help you stay productive from the get-go.

Part 1: Entering BIOS on Windows 10 via Traditional Keys

Core Methods

One of the most straightforward ways to access the BIOS on a Windows 10 machine is by using traditional shortcut keys during the boot-up process. Here's a quick, handy reference table you can click through based on your device brand:

Tip: Press the key repeatedly right after powering on your PC until the BIOS screen appears.

Why It Can Be Tricky (Fast Boot Technology Explained)

Newer systems equipped with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) boot incredibly fast, sometimes within a few seconds. This means the window for you to press the BIOS key is extremely short, and it's easy to miss if you're not prepared.

You might have experienced this:

"I pressed the right key, but nothing happened!" Here are a few reasons why:

• Wireless Keyboard Delay: Wireless keyboards can sometimes fail to register the keypress early enough. Try using a wired keyboard instead.

• DisplayPort/HDMI Issues: Some external monitors connected via DisplayPort or HDMI might not display the BIOS screen correctly. Try switching to a basic VGA connection or use a built-in laptop screen.

• Hardware Latency: Older USB peripherals or non-optimized drivers can slightly delay the initial keyboard response.

Pro Tip: If you consistently miss the timing, you can temporarily disable Fast Boot inside your Windows settings:

• Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Change what the power buttons do.

• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

• Under Shutdown settings, uncheck Turn on fast startup.

This will slow down your next boot just enough to catch that BIOS shortcut without feeling rushed.
From my experience, disabling Fast Boot has saved me countless headaches, especially when working with fast SSD laptops. Also, swapping out wireless keyboards for a basic USB one always gives me better reliability when I need quick BIOS access.

Part 2: Windows 10: How to Enter BIOS Using the Foolproof Alternative — the Windows Settings Menu

Step-by-Step Path

If pressing shortcut keys feels like a frustrating game of timing, Windows 10 actually provides a foolproof method to access BIOS directly through the system settings.

Here's how you can do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Click Start > Settings.

Step 2: Select Windows Update.

Step 3: Go to Advanced Options > Recovery.

Step 4: Under Advanced Startup, click Restart now.

Step 5: After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.

Voilà! You'll land directly in your BIOS setup. No frantic key smashing is needed.

User Confusions: Where Is the UEFI Option?

Many users get stuck because not all systems show the UEFI Firmware Settings option.
Here's why:

• Legacy BIOS Mode: If your system uses an older Legacy BIOS instead of UEFI, the UEFI Firmware Settings won't appear.

• SSD Installation: Devices upgraded from HDD to SSD might retain Legacy mode unless manually switched.

• Motherboard Compatibility: Some budget or older models don't support UEFI at all.

Quick Tip: If you don't see the UEFI option, you might need to manually reboot and use the traditional key method we covered earlier.

Why This Method Matters

Using the Settings Menu method is especially important if:

• You have a laptop with SSD storage and super-fast boot speeds.

• Your power button behavior is customized (like an instant wake or hibernate).

• You want a no-pressure, guaranteed way to reach BIOS without reboot panic.

Honestly, if you're working on a newer laptop like the Dell XPS or a Surface device, I always recommend this method first. It's stress-free and especially useful when you don't want to wrestle with timing issues during a cold boot. Plus, it keeps things cleaner if you're troubleshooting remotely or walking a beginner through BIOS access.

Part 3: Windows 10 BIOS Entry and Solving Hardware Hurdles (Displays, Keyboards, Drives)

Common Scenarios and How to Fix Them

Even if you know the correct key or use the Settings menu, hardware issues can still block you from reaching the BIOS. Let's troubleshoot the most common ones:

DisplayPort/HDMI Conflicts

If your screen stays blank during boot, especially when using DisplayPort or HDMI connections (very common with Intel GPUs), it's likely that your monitor isn't waking up fast enough to show the BIOS screen.

Solution:

• Swap your connection temporarily to a VGA or DVI cable if possible.

• Use your laptop's built-in screen instead of an external monitor when accessing BIOS.

• Update your GPU drivers to ensure better monitor handshake during startup.

(Intel community forums often mention this issue on newer integrated graphics models.)

SSD/HDD Conflicts

Multiple drives can confuse the system during boot, causing errors that prevent BIOS access.

Solution:

• Disconnect secondary drives (especially newly added SSDs or HDDs) before trying to access BIOS.

• Keep only your primary boot drive connected during troubleshooting.

(This isolates the boot process and minimizes conflicts.)

Keyboard Solutions

Wireless keyboards sometimes fail to send input quickly enough during the very short BIOS entry window.

Solution:

• Always use a wired USB keyboard for BIOS access attempts.

• If problems persist, update your USB drivers:

• Open Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus Controllers.

• Right-click and Update Driver.

WPS Office Association: Optimize After BIOS Setup

Once you successfully configure your BIOS and complete your Windows 10 setup, it's time to get back to productivity.

For new systems, I recommend installing WPS Office because:

• It's lightweight (only around 200MB) - perfect if you did a clean install and storage is tight.

• It works smoothly even if you're on a freshly set up SSD or reconfigured hardware.

• It doesn't overwhelm your system with bloatware, unlike heavier alternatives.

Over the years, I've learned never to trust wireless keyboards during BIOS entry, not even expensive ones. Also, solving a blank screen BIOS issue once taught me the value of carrying an old VGA cable in my toolkit. It's the little tricks like these that make troubleshooting less stressful.

Part 4: Windows 10 BIOS Entry: Comprehensive Guides for Different Brands

Every laptop and desktop brand has its own quirks when it comes to accessing the BIOS. Here's a breakdown to make your life easier:

HP Devices

• Shortcut: Press ESC immediately after powering on, then quickly press F10 when the Startup Menu appears.

• Pro Tip: HP laptops often have a Support Assistant tool that can generate a QR code linked to system diagnostics, including BIOS access. It's handy if you're helping someone troubleshoot remotely.

• Keep in Mind: If ESC doesn't respond, try a wired keyboard and check if "Fast Boot" is enabled in your system settings.

Dell Devices

• Shortcut: Press F2 right after turning the machine on. For newer Dell models, pressing Fn + F2 might be required.

• Advanced Tip: Dell provides a utility called Dell Command Update. If your BIOS isn't responding, updating your firmware through this tool can often solve hidden access issues.

• Keep in Mind: Many Dell devices boot so quickly that it feels like you "missed" the chance. Don't hesitate to restart and try again, pressing the key multiple times as soon as you see the logo.

Lenovo Devices

• Shortcut: Press F1 (or Fn + F1 on some models) immediately after startup.

• User Pain Point: Lenovo is infamous for mixing up its function key settings. Some laptops require you to hold Fn to activate F1-F12, while others reverse it.

• Pro Tip: Open Lenovo Vantage software and disable Fast Boot for easier BIOS entry.
  (You can also adjust function key behavior there.)

In my experience, Dell laptops are the most sensitive to boot timing, while Lenovo machines tend to confuse users with their function key setup. HP's QR code trick is a little-known gem that has saved me more than once during remote troubleshooting!

Part 5: Windows 10 BIOS Entry and Post-BIOS Configuration with Essential Windows 10 Settings

Getting into BIOS is only half the battle, and configuring the right settings afterwards is just as important for performance, security, and stability. Here's what you need to know:

TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): For modern security features like BitLocker and Windows Hello, you need TPM 2.0 enabled.

How to Enable TPM 2.0:

• Inside BIOS, go to the Security tab.

• Find TPM Device or TPM Security and set it to Enabled.

• Save changes and exit.

Pro Tip: If you can't find TPM options, your motherboard might label it as PTT (Intel) or fTPM (AMD).

Secure Boot: Secure Boot helps protect your system from malicious bootloaders.

How to Enable Secure Boot:

• Inside BIOS, go to the Boot tab.

• Locate Secure Boot and set it to Enabled.

• Make sure UEFI mode is selected (not Legacy BIOS).

Important: Enabling Secure Boot may require you to reset the default keys, so don't panic; it's normal.

Boot Order and Hardware Optimization

Boot Order: Adjusting your boot priority can make a huge difference, especially when installing a new OS or troubleshooting.

How to Set Boot Order:

• In BIOS, go to Boot Priority or Boot Sequence.

• Set your SSD or preferred USB boot device as the first option.

• Save and exit.

System Stability Tuning:

After BIOS access, it's tempting to tweak system performance, but proceed with caution:

• Overclocking: Only attempt if you fully understand the risks.

• Monitoring: Install tools like HWMonitor to track CPU temperature, fan speeds, and voltages.

• Memory Configuration: Enable XMP Profiles if you want faster RAM performance (only if your motherboard supports it).

User Warning: According to user insights from tech forums, incorrectly adjusting voltage, memory timings, or CPU settings can easily brick a device.

Always document your original BIOS settings before making changes so you can revert if something goes wrong.

Enabling TPM and Secure Boot should always be a top priority if you're preparing a laptop for long-term use or resale. I also can't stress enough how important it is to monitor temperatures after tweaking BIOS settings. A simple HWMonitor check has saved me from countless overheating problems. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Part 6: Why WPS Office is Suitable for Your New System Setup

Once you've entered BIOS, configured TPM, Secure Boot, and finalized your Windows 10 setup, the next logical step is boosting your productivity with a reliable office suite. Here's why WPS Office is a smart choice for your freshly optimized system:

Cost-Efficiency

Most people automatically think they need to buy Microsoft 365 after setting up a new PC, but that can cost around $70 per year. With WPS Office, you get free access to Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools, saving you money without sacrificing essential features.

I always recommend WPS to friends setting up secondary laptops or budget systems; you get 90% of what Microsoft Office offers without the yearly subscription trap.

AI Synergy

WPS Office isn't just another Word clone. Its built-in WPS AI features help you:

• Summarize documents in seconds.

• Automate templates for faster report generation.

• Generate smart writing suggestions for emails, essays, and more.

After a fresh system install, using WPS AI to quickly draft summaries and organize post-setup notes is a real timesaver; no more starting from scratch with blank docs!

Seamless Transition

Migrating documents from your old setup? No worries. WPS Office supports:

• .DOCX

• .XLSX

• .PPTX

• PDF

You won't have to deal with compatibility errors or weird formatting losses when opening files created with Microsoft Office.

During one of my system migrations, WPS flawlessly opened even complex Excel sheets with embedded macros, something many other free suites struggle with.

Lightweight Installation

After BIOS tweaks and OS reinstalls, disk space is precious, especially if you're running on a smaller SSD.

• WPS Office installs at just ~200MB, compared to 1–2GB for many competitors.

• Minimal background processes = smoother performance on fresh Windows 10 systems.

If you've just reinstalled Windows and want to keep your drive clean and efficient, WPS Office is hands-down the best choice.

I genuinely believe that after spending so much effort tuning your BIOS and setting up Windows 10 properly, you deserve an office suite that works just as smoothly without dragging down your fresh setup. WPS Office nails that balance between powerful features and system-friendly efficiency.

FAQs

Why can't I access the BIOS on my Windows 10 PC?

Fast boot technologies often shorten the window for BIOS access, making it easy to miss.
Solution: Disable Fast Startup in your power settings, or use the Windows Settings > Advanced Startup > UEFI Firmware Settings method to access BIOS without needing perfect timing.

If the issue persists, refer to your device's manual or brand-specific support pages for tailored BIOS access steps.

What if I need to upgrade my hardware to meet Windows 10's system requirements?
If your PC lacks the necessary hardware (like TPM 2.0 support or enough RAM), you may need to upgrade components such as RAM, storage drives, or even the CPU.

After upgrading, use a lightweight office suite like WPS Office to maximize performance, especially on older or budget-friendly devices.

Do I need to pay for Microsoft Office after setting up Windows 10?

Microsoft Office usually requires a paid subscription. Alternative: WPS Office offers a full-featured suite that is completely free, ideal for users who want essential tools without monthly or annual fees.

Further Action: You can download WPS Office directly from their official website and start using it immediately after system setup.

How can WPS Office help me after setting up Windows 10 and BIOS?

WPS Office provides:

• A full office suite with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF tools.

• WPS AI assistance for summarizing documents, writing templates, and speeding up workflows.

• Seamless compatibility with common file types (.DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF).

• A small installation footprint saves precious disk space after a clean system setup.

Pro Tip: After BIOS and Windows configurations, a lightweight, efficient office suite like WPS helps you avoid performance slowdowns and subscription fees.

Summary

In this complete guide, we've covered everything you need to know about how to enter BIOS on Windows 10, whether by traditional shortcut keys or the foolproof Windows Settings method.
We also explored critical post-BIOS configurations like enabling TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and optimizing your boot order to ensure a secure and smooth Windows experience.

Hardware hurdles? We solved those, too, from fixing blank screens on DisplayPort monitors to handling unresponsive wireless keyboards.

Finally, to complement your newly set up system, I recommended WPS Office: a free, lightweight, and feature-rich alternative to costly office software, ensuring that your productivity starts strong right after system setup.