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How to Access UEFI (BIOS) System Setup from Microsoft Windows on your Dell Computer

Summary: This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to access the UEFI or BIOS from Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer.

This article applies to   This article does not apply to 

Instructions

The Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8 operating systems allows you to boot into UEFI BIOS on supported Dell computers. You can use the integrated advanced startup options.

NOTE: Some Dell computers may not support this feature because the UEFI and SATA settings cannot be changed in the BIOS.
  1. Turn on the computer.
  2. At the Dell logo, tap the F2 key several times.

The images in this article are displayed in English for illustration purposes only.

  1. Click Start and then select Settings.
  2. Click Update & Security.

    Windows Settings

  3. On the left side, click Recovery.
  4. Under Advanced start-up, click Restart Now.

    Windows 10 Recovery

  5. Click Troubleshoot.

    Windows 10 Troubleshoot

  6. Click Advanced options.

    Windows 10 Advance Startup

  7. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.

    Windows 10 EFI Settings

  8. Click Restart to restart the computer and enter UEFI. (BIOS)
Note: If your operating system has become corrupted, you cannot go further than the Windows sign in screen. However, there is still an opportunity to enter the Advanced Options from the sign-in screen.
  1. Boot to the sign-in screen.

  2. Click the Power button on the sign-in screen.

  3. Press and hold down the Shift key and click Restart.

  4. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.

NOTE: The instructions in this section apply to Dell computers with Windows 8.1 or Windows 8. Dell computers upgraded to Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 after purchase may not have some of the following settings. For example, upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 or 8.1. If the computer does not support UEFI, learn: How to boot into UEFI or BIOS without booting into Microsoft Windows.
  1. Go to PC Settings, press the Windows + I key.
  2. On the left side, select General.
  3. Under the Advanced startup section, click Restart now.

    Windows 8 General Advanced Restart

  4. The computer reboots into the advanced startup menu.
  5. Click Troubleshoot.

    Windows Troubleshoot

  6. Click Advanced options.

    Windows Advanced Options

  7. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.

    Windows UEFI Settings

  8. Click Restart to restart the computer and enter UEFI (BIOS).
  1. Turn on the computer.
  2. At the Dell logo, tap the F2 key several times.

Additional Information

Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000126121
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2024
Version:  13
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