How To Access BIOS on Dell Laptops

All computer brands, including Dell, incorporate the Basic Input Output System, better known as BIOS. The primary purpose of BIOS settings stored in the battery-powered Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) is to control basic functions in your Dell laptop. 

You simply need to follow these easy-to-follow steps when looking to access the BIOS system on your Dell laptop. But if you still want in-depth guidance on these steps, look no further, as this guide covers that. 

In addition, you’ll be enlightened on a few of the frequently asked questions associated with the Dell laptop. 

Method #1: Using the BIOS Key

The easiest way to access the BIOS menu on your Dell laptop running on Windows 7/8/10 is by tapping the BIOS hotkey. Here are the steps you should follow to access the BIOS system when using the BIOS key on your Dell laptop.

1. Switch off your Dell laptop, but close all the running apps first. You should turn off your laptop rather than restart it to get a fresh start when accessing BIOS. After all, you can only access the BIOS system when switching your PC. Once your laptop has shut down, unplug it from power to run out all the residual power. 
2. Connect your Dell laptop back to a power source and turn it on. Wait until you see the Dell logo on the screen and immediately tap on the F2 key found on the top part of the keyboard.  
3. Once you access your Dell laptop’s BIOS, use the arrow keys to navigate the system. 

After entering your Dell laptop’s BIOS, you can make the needed changes and improve the overall running of your Windows operating system. 

Method #2: Using the Command Prompt

This method is ideal for entering BIOS on your Dell laptop if you’re a techie. Here are the steps to access BIOS through the Command Prompt.

1. Click Windows + X and select “Command Prompt” or “Windows PowerShell” with administrative rights.
2. Type shutdown.exe /r/o in the raised command prompt and click on Enter. After executing this command, a message on your laptop screen shows you’ve signed out.  
3. Close the message, and Windows will start restarting, showing you the boot options. The boot-up will take quite some time, so you must be patient. 
4. After your operating system restarts, you’ll see a “Choose an option” screen and go ahead to tap on the “Troubleshoot” option. 
5. On the “Troubleshoot” screen, tap on “Advanced Options”. 
6. Select “UEFI Firmware Settings” from “Advanced Options”. 
7. Tap on the “Restart” button, and your Dell laptop will restart, and you’ll access the BIOS once this process is done. 

Method #3: Using Settings

Another way to access BIOS options on your Dell laptop is through System Settings. The steps to follow are easy, and here’s all you need to do.

1. Launch the Windows Settings to access “System” Settings. 
2. Tap on the “Update & Security” option. 
3. Go to the left pane and tap on the “Recovery” option. 
4. In the Advanced Startup, click on the “Restart Now” option. 
5. Once the system restarts, a “Choose an option screen” will appear on your Dell laptop screen, and you should click on the “Troubleshoot” option. 
6. Press the “Advanced Options” that can be seen on the Troubleshoot screen. 
7. Click on “UEFI Firmware Settings” from the “Advanced Options”. 
8. Finish by pressing the “Restart” button, and your Dell laptop will restart to enable you to access the BIOS. 

Summary 

The BIOS program is integral to your Dell laptop as it controls the hardware configuration settings. But when you’re the operating system of your Dell laptop starts to repeatedly experience issues, the best thing to do is to access the BIOS settings to alter the boot priority. 

If all your attempts to access your Dell laptop’s BIOS in the past were in vain, this guide has helped ease this problem for you. With the knowledge outlined above, you can enter BIOS on your Dell laptop without breaking a sweat. 

Frequently Asked Questions