To enter the BIOS on a Dell computer running Windows 11, restart it and tap F2 as soon as the Dell logo appears. If you miss the moment, tap F12 instead to open the one-time boot menu and choose BIOS Setup. You can also get there from inside Windows: go to Settings > System > Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup, and choose UEFI Firmware Settings. All three methods are below, plus what to do when the keys don’t seem to work.
Method 1: Press F2 at startup
- Save your work and restart the computer. A restart works more reliably than shutting down and turning it on, because of Windows’ Fast Startup feature.
- When the screen goes black and the Dell logo appears, tap F2 about once per second.
- Keep tapping until you see “Entering BIOS Setup” or the BIOS screen opens.
On many Dell laptops the F-keys double as media keys. If F2 changes the brightness or volume instead, hold Fn and tap F2, or press Fn + Esc once to toggle the Fn lock.
- Restart the computer.
- Tap F12 as soon as the Dell logo appears.
- In the one-time boot menu, use the arrow keys to select BIOS Setup and press Enter.
The same menu lets you boot from a USB drive once without changing any settings, and on many models it also has Diagnostics and SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Method 3: From Windows 11 (no keys needed)
This is the most reliable method, especially on fast-booting laptops where the logo flashes by too quickly.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now, then confirm.
- On the blue screen, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click Restart. The Dell opens straight into the BIOS.
Shortcut: hold Shift while clicking Restart in the Start menu’s power options to reach the same blue screen.
What you’ll see in the Dell BIOS
Newer Dell systems have a graphical BIOS you can use with the mouse or touchpad. Older ones use a menu you navigate with the arrow keys. Common sections include:
- Overview or System Information: service tag, BIOS version, processor, and memory.
- Boot Configuration or Boot Sequence: the order of drives to start from, and Secure Boot.
- Virtualization or Virtualization Support: Intel VT or AMD-V, needed for virtual machines and Android emulators.
- Security: admin and system passwords, and TPM settings.
To leave, choose Exit. If you changed something, choose Apply Changes or Save first. Change only settings you understand, since the wrong boot or storage setting can stop Windows from starting.
Troubleshooting
Windows starts before I can press F2
Use Method 3, or turn off Fast Startup: search for Control Panel, open Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, click Change settings that are currently unavailable, and untick Turn on fast startup.
UEFI Firmware Settings is missing
Windows may be installed in legacy BIOS mode. Use F2 or F12 instead.
The keyboard doesn’t respond at the Dell logo
Wireless and Bluetooth keyboards often aren’t active that early. Use a USB keyboard or the laptop’s built-in keyboard, and avoid USB hubs.
The BIOS asks for a password
Someone has set a BIOS administrator password. If you don’t know it, Dell Support can help after verifying ownership. Windows resets don’t remove it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to enter the BIOS?
Yes. Just looking around changes nothing. Exit without saving if you’re not sure about a change.
How do I update the BIOS on a Dell?
Download the update for your service tag from Dell’s support site, or use Dell Command Update or SupportAssist. The general process is in updating your BIOS on Windows 11.
What are the BIOS keys for other brands?
Lenovo laptops often use F2 or the Novo button, and MSI uses Delete. The details are in entering BIOS on a Lenovo and entering BIOS on an MSI, and entering BIOS (UEFI) in Windows 11 works for any brand.
Once you’re in, changing BIOS settings in Windows 11 and turning off Secure Boot are the most common next jobs.
Matt Jacobs writes and maintains the guides on Support Your Tech, which he started in 2017. He spent most of his career keeping small-business PCs running and still takes the occasional consulting job, so the steps here come from fixing the same problems on other people’s computers. Every guide is checked on his own Windows 11, Windows 10, Mac, iPhone and iPad before it goes up.