How to Go to Bios on Windows 8

When it comes to maintaining your computer, accessing the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is an important task. It is the first program that starts when your computer boots and runs a series of checks to ensure that everything is in working order. If you’re using a Windows 8 operating system, accessing the BIOS can be a bit tricky. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how to go to BIOS on Windows 8 and the various methods you should know.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of How to Go to BIOS on Windows 8

The challenge in accessing the BIOS in Windows 8 is that Microsoft has made some changes in the way it works, compared to its predecessors. Windows 8 boots up so quickly that you only have a limited time to press a specific key to load the BIOS. If you’re not quick enough, your computer will bypass the BIOS and continue to boot into Windows. Therefore, it’s important to know the correct method to access the BIOS.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we dive into the methods of accessing the BIOS, there are a few things you should prepare for:

– Knowledge of your BIOS version and motherboard model: Depending on your computer, the BIOS version and motherboard model might differ. Knowing this information will help you understand the specific keys that need to be pressed to enter the BIOS.

– Keyboard: To access the BIOS, you’ll need a keyboard that has a working “delete” or “F2” key.

– Patience and persistence: Accessing the BIOS requires timing and patience. If you don’t get it right on the first attempt, keep trying.

Method 1: Shift + Restart

Step 1: Go to the Settings menu: Move your mouse to the top right of your desktop and click on the gear icon to open the settings menu.

Step 2: Click on the “Power” option: Once you’ve opened the settings menu, click on the “Power” option.

Step 3: Hold the Shift key: Hold down the Shift key while clicking on the “Restart” option. This will bring up the options menu.

Step 4: Choose the “Troubleshoot” option: Click on the “Troubleshoot” option.

Step 5: Click on “Advanced options”: Once you have clicked on the “Troubleshoot” option, click on “Advanced options.”

Step 6: Click on “UEFI Firmware Settings”: Under the “Advanced options” menu, click on “UEFI Firmware Settings.”

Step 7: Click on “Restart”: After clicking on “UEFI Firmware Settings”, click on “Restart” to access the BIOS.

Pros:
– It’s easy and quick to perform, even for novices.
– This method is also very useful when you’re experiencing some Windows 8 issues because it allows you to perform other diagnostics and troubleshooting options before booting into Windows.

Cons:
– It’s not a very intuitive method as you might not figure out at first that this option leads to the BIOS.
– If your computer crashed completely, you might not be able to access this method because it’s only accessible through the Settings menu which requires Windows 8 to be running.

Method 2: Advanced Startup

Step 1: Open the Charms Bar: Move your mouse to the top or bottom right corner of your desktop screen and click on the “Settings” icon.

Step 2: Click the “Change PC Settings” option: In the Settings menu, choose the “Change PC Settings” option.

Step 3: Click on “General”: In the next menu, choose “General.”

Step 4: Click on “Restart now”: Scroll down in the “General” menu and click on the “Restart now” button under the “Advanced Startup” category.

Step 5: Choose “Troubleshoot”: Once the restart is complete, select the “Troubleshoot” option.

Step 6: Choose “Advanced options”: Click on “Advanced options” in the Troubleshoot menu.

Step 7: Choose “UEFI Firmware Settings”: Finally, select the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option to access the BIOS.

Pros:
– This method is most useful when you have a keyboard with non-functional keys, allowing you to access the BIOS without using the keyboard.
– It’s also quite straightforward once you get to the Advanced Startup menu.

Cons:
– Requires a bit of time to perform
– It’s not very obvious to find the "UEFI Firmware Settings" option, so you might waste some time looking for it.

Method 3: From Windows

Step 1: Go to the Start screen: From your desktop screen, press the Windows key to go to the Start screen.

Step 2: Click on Settings: On the Start screen, click on the “Settings” icon.

Step 3: Click “Change PC Settings”: In the Settings menu, choose “Change PC settings” at the bottom of the panel.

Step 4: Click “Update and recovery”: In the next panel, click on “Update and recovery.”

Step 5: Click “Recovery”: In the “Update and recovery” tab, click on “Recovery”.

Step 6: Click “Restart Now”: Under the “Advanced startup” menu, click on “Restart now.”

Step 7: Click “Troubleshoot”: Once you’ve restarted your computer, click on “Troubleshoot.”

Step 8: Click “UEFI Firmware Settings”: Finally, click on “UEFI Firmware Settings” to access the BIOS.

Pros:
– It’s a quite intuitive method and easy to perform just using the desktop, without any other additional keys.
– This method works well for touchscreens or when your keyboard is not functional.

Cons:
– Not easily accessible if your system crashes and you can’t reach the Start screen.
– It might be a bit longer compared to other methods.

Why Can’t I Go to BIOS?

Q1: Why can’t I enter the BIOS?
A: If you find that you cannot enter the BIOS, it may be due to a few reasons:
– You’re not pressing the correct key combination: Each computer has a different key combination to access the BIOS. Make sure you check your motherboard manual or do an online search for your specific model.
– Fast boot option is enabled: You may need to disable the fast boot option in your Windows 8.
– Your computer doesn’t support UEFI: If your computer doesn’t support UEFI, you won’t be able to access it with the methods described above.

Additional Tips

– Keep trying: If you don’t succeed at first, keep trying. Accessing the BIOS requires timing and persistence.

– Make sure your keyboard works properly: Accessing the BIOS requires keystrokes. If your keyboard isn’t working properly, you won’t be able to enter the BIOS.

– Update your BIOS: Updating your BIOS can help you resolve certain issues and allow you to access more advanced features.

5 FAQs About How to Go to BIOS on Windows 8

Q1: What is UEFI?

A: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a firmware interface standard that replaces the legacy BIOS. It provides better security, faster boot times, and improved hardware support.

Q2: What should I do if my computer doesn’t have UEFI?

A: If your computer doesn’t have UEFI, you’ll need to access the BIOS using the traditional method of pressing F2 or Delete key when your computer boots up.

Q3: What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

A: The key differences between BIOS and UEFI are that UEFI offers more advanced features than BIOS such as greater system security, faster boot times, and support for larger hard drives.

Q4: How do I access BIOS when my computer is booting up too fast?

A: If your computer is booting up too fast, try disconnecting any USB drives or other external devices that might be connected to it.

Q5: How do I know which key to press to enter the BIOS on my computer?

A: The key to enter the BIOS differs from one computer to another. Check your motherboard manual or search for your specific model online to find out which key to use.

Conclusion

Knowing how to go to BIOS on Windows 8 is an important aspect of maintaining your computer. There are several methods to access the BIOS, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The Shift + Restart method is the most intuitive, while the Advanced Startup method is the most useful if your keyboard keys are not functional. The From Windows method is great for touchscreens or when your keyboard isn’t working. Regardless of which method you choose, remember to be patient and persistent in your approach. Once you’ve accessed the BIOS, you can perform various diagnostics and troubleshoot issues affecting your computer.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":" What is UEFI? ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a firmware interface standard that replaces the legacy BIOS. It provides better security, faster boot times, and improved hardware support."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" What should I do if my computer doesnu2019t have UEFI?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" If your computer doesnu2019t have UEFI, youu2019ll need to access the BIOS using the traditional method of pressing F2 or Delete key when your computer boots up."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" The key differences between BIOS and UEFI are that UEFI offers more advanced features than BIOS such as greater system security, faster boot times, and support for larger hard drives."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" How do I access BIOS when my computer is booting up too fast?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" If your computer is booting up too fast, try disconnecting any USB drives or other external devices that might be connected to it. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":" How do I know which key to press to enter the BIOS on my computer?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" The key to enter the BIOS differs from one computer to another. Check your motherboard manual or search for your specific model online to find out which key to use."}}]}