Everyone who actively uses their PC sooner or later is faced with the need to enter the BIOS. However, this does not always work out. Now we will talk about how to enter the BIOS, and also look at the basic settings that are available to the user there.
The name BIOS is an English abbreviation that stands for basic input/output system or Basic Input and Output System. BIOS is one of the main systems of any PC; it is responsible for turning on the computer, starting connected components, loading the operating system, as well as interaction of the operating system with the hardware. We can say that at a basic level, the BIOS controls the entire computer.
In what situations does it become necessary to enter the BIOS:
- Overclocking your computer. Using BIOS, you can specify non-standard frequencies and voltages for the processor, memory and other components. This way, you can improve the performance of the processor and the entire computer.
- Selecting a disk to boot the operating system. In the BIOS, the user can specify the drives from which the operating system should boot. In this case, it is possible to specify several drives from which loading is possible. In this case, the computer will try to load the operating system from the first drive, and if it fails, it will move on to the next one.
- Enable or disable integrated components. Some integrated components (for example, a sound card) can be disabled and enabled via the BIOS.
- Setting the system date and time. Through the BIOS you can specify the system date and time. When the date and time information is also reset, after which you need to set the system clock again.
- Computer health monitoring. Through the BIOS you can access some data about the state of the computer. For example, you can.
- Turn on or off some specific computer features.
In order to enter the BIOS, you need to press a special key on the keyboard while the computer boots, almost immediately after pressing the power button.
Most often, when the computer boots, a message appears on the screen telling you which key you need to press. This message looks something like this: “Press Del to enter Setup” and appears at the bottom of the screen immediately after the computer starts booting. In most cases, in order to enter the BIOS you need to press Delete. Therefore, if when you boot your computer you do not see a message about which key you need to press, then try Delete first.
However, the Delete key is not always used. Sometimes other keys or even key combinations may be used.
Keys that are most often used to enter BIOS:
- DELETE
In addition, on some PCs, the following key combinations can be used to enter the BIOS:
- Ctrl+Alt+Esc
- Ctrl+Alt+Ins
- Ctrl+Alt+S
- Ctrl+Alt+Del
- Ctrl+Alt
- Fn+F1
- Ctrl+Ins
- Ctrl+Alt+Enter
After you have entered the BIOS, you can navigate through all its items using the keyboard. Let's look at the main keys that are used for control:
- Arrows – move up, down and sideways;
- F1 – open partition using;
- F6 or F9 – set standard settings;
- F10 – save all changes in settings and exit;
- Enter – enter the selected menu;
- Esc – back or exit. Using this key you can go back to the previous screen. If you are on the first screen, you can use the Esc key to exit and restart your computer;
- Plus and minus keys – Change value. Use the +/- keys to change the selected value;
- Tab – select a value;
Using a computer or laptop sooner or later leads to the need to reinstall the system. The average user, when trying to boot the system from external media, is faced with such a thing as BIOS. The instructions say that you need to enter the BIOS, but many computer users do not even know what this abbreviation means and what meaning it carries.
BIOS deciphered as “Basic Input Output System”, that is, “Basic Input-Output System”. BIOS is a set of programs for input and output of data for system management. Modern computers have switched to a more advanced form of the basic system, which is called. However, the essence of its use has not changed.
Standard ways to launch BIOS
It is not advisable for a person who does not understand computer systems to enter the BIOS unless absolutely necessary, as this can lead to disastrous consequences. When logging in, a person has access to many system parameters. Changing them may adversely affect the operation of the computer. Therefore, if you do not understand the meaning of the settings being changed, it is better not to touch them.
The most common reason why an ordinary user needs to enter the BIOS is due to a change in the initialization sequence of devices and forced installation or disk. There are several ways to enter the BIOS. This requires a keyboard, but there are also ways to enter the BIOS without a keyboard.
In order to enter the BIOS, you need to follow the specified scheme. In fact, entering bios will not be difficult. Another question is how to change and use these settings.
Input scheme in BIOS:
Sometimes the line pops up very quickly and the person does not have time to enter the BIOS. This is not a problem, you just need to wait until the computer turns on and restart it. When turning on, repeat these steps again.
Keys and combinations according to bios versions
Keys and combinations by computer and laptop manufacturers
| PC Manufacturer | Keys |
| Acer | F1, F2, Ctrl+Alt+Esc |
| AST | Ctrl+Alt+Esc, Ctrl+Alt+Del |
| Compaq | F10 |
| CompUSA | Del |
| Cybermax | Esc |
| Dell 400 | F3, F1 |
| Dell Dimension | F2, Del |
| Dell Inspiron | F2 |
| Dell Latitude | F2, Fn+F1 |
| Dell Optiplex | Del, F2 |
| Dell Precision | F2 |
| eMachine | Del |
| Gateway | F1, F2 |
| HP (Hewlett-Packard) | F1, F2 |
| Lenovo | F2 |
| IBM | F1 |
| IBM E-pro Laptop | F2 |
| IBM PS/2 | Ctrl+Alt+Ins, Ctrl+Alt+Del |
| IBM Lenovo Thinkpad | from Windows: Programs > Thinkpad CFG |
| Intel Tangent | Del |
| Micron | F1, F2 or Del |
| Packard Bell | F1, F2 or Del |
| Roverbook | Del |
| Sony VAIO | F2, F3 |
| Tiget | Del |
| Toshiba | ESC, F1 |
How to enter the BIOS in other ways
The standard method of entering the I/O menu requires a keyboard. However, there are some ways login without using it. Typically, this need arises if the keyboard is broken or the settings have been changed, which makes it impossible to enter the BIOS in the usual way.
Using a special button without a keyboard
There is a special button for entering the BIOS on some computer models, for example, Lenovo. You don't need to restart your computer to use it. It is active in any case and allows us to immediately enter the system we need.
The disadvantage of this method is that not all computers have such a button, but it is this button that allows you to enter the BIOS without using the keyboard at all.
Resetting BIOS settings
This method allows you to reset the settings for entering the BIOS in the usual way. To do this, find a jumper under the system unit case “ Clear CMOS", change its position and return it back. This way, the settings will be reset, which means you will be able to enter the BIOS in the standard way using the keyboard.
If jumper missing, then you can remove the BIOS battery for 20-30 seconds and put it back in. It's not difficult to find. It is quite large and there are no other batteries on the motherboard.
Using a PS/2 keyboard
The problem that prevents you from entering the I/O menu may be hidden in the keyboard. This happens on older computers. The solution is to use a keyboard with a PS/2 connector.
How to load bios via command line
One of the simple and accessible methods, understandable to every average user, is to enter the BIOS using command line. The essence of the method is to run just one command and easily and quickly enter the BIOS.
Step-by-step process for entering BIOS via the command line:
1 step. Hold down the keys Windows and R. In the window that appears, enter “ cmd", as shown in the screenshot. 
Step 2. We are waiting for the command line window to appear. 
Step 3. In the window that appears, enter the command to call the system reboot "shutdown.exe /r /o", as shown in the picture, and press Enter:
After completing these simple steps, the computer will begin to reboot. When turned on, a menu of different launch methods will open. There will be a key combination indicated for the simplest and fastest way to enter the BIOS.
Is it possible to enter the BIOS without rebooting?
If none of the above methods helped you enter the BIOS, you should seek help from a specialist. It is impossible to enter the BIOS without rebooting, since it is when the input and output menu is turned on that the BIOS no longer works when the computer is running.
If you were looking for BIOS settings in pictures, then you have come to the right address.
The changes made will be protected by a lithium battery built into the motherboard and maintaining the required parameters in the event of a loss of voltage.
Thanks to the program, it is possible to establish stable interaction between the operating system (OS) and PC devices.
Attention! The present Boot network configuration section allows you to adjust parameters related to system boot speed and keyboard and mouse settings.
After finishing work or familiarizing yourself with the Bios Setup Utility menu, you need to press the hot Exit key, which automatically saves the changes made.
Section Main - Main Menu
Let's start working with the MAIN section, which is used to modify settings and adjust timing indicators.
Here you can independently configure the time and date of your computer, as well as configure connected hard drives and other storage devices.
To reformat the operating mode of the hard drive, you need to select the hard drive (for example: “SATA 1”, as shown in the figure).
- Type - This item indicates the type of connected hard drive;
- LBA Large Mode- is responsible for supporting drives with a capacity of more than 504 MB. So the recommended value here is AUTO.
- Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) - For faster operation here, we recommend selecting the AUTO mode;
- PIO Mode - Enables the hard drive to operate in legacy data exchange mode. It would also be best to select AUTO here;
- DMA Mode - gives direct memory access. To get faster read or write speed, select AUTO;
- Smart monitoring - this technology, based on an analysis of the drive’s operation, can warn of a possible disk failure in the near future;
- 32 bit Data Transfer - The option determines whether the 32-bit data exchange mode will be used by the standard IDE/SATA controller of the chipset.
Everywhere, using the “ENTER” key and arrows, the Auto mode is set. The exception is the 32 Bit Transfer subsection, which requires the Enabled setting to be fixed.
Important! It is required to refrain from changing the “Storage Configuration” option, which is located in the “System information” section and not to allow correction “SATADetectTimeout".
Advanced section - Additional settings
Now let's start setting up the basic PC components in the ADVANCED section, which consists of several sub-items.
Initially, you will need to set the necessary processor and memory parameters in the system configuration menu Jumper Free Configuration.
By selecting Jumper Free Configuration, you will be taken to the Configure System Frequency/Voltage subsection, where you can perform the following operations:
- automatic or manual overclocking of the hard drive - AI Overclocking;
- changing the clock frequency of memory modules - ;
- Memory Voltage;
- manual mode for setting chipset voltage - NB Voltage
- changing port addresses (COM,LPT) - Serial and Parallel Port;
- setting controller settings - Onboard Devices configuration.
Power Section - PC Power
The POWER item is responsible for powering the PC and contains several subsections that require the following settings:
- Suspended Mode- set automatic mode;
- ACPI APIC- set Enabled;
- ACPI 2.0- fix the Disabled mode.
BOOT section - boot management
Here you can determine the priority drive, choosing between a flash card, disk drive or hard drive.
If there are several hard drives, then in the Hard Disk sub-item the priority hard drive is selected.
The PC boot configuration is set in the Boot Setting subsection, which contains a menu consisting of several items:
Selecting a hard drive
The PC boot configuration is set in the Boot Setting subsection,
- Quick Boot– acceleration of OS loading;
- Logo Full Screen– disabling the screen saver and activating the information window containing information about the download process;
- Add On ROM- setting the order on the information screen of modules connected to the motherboard (MT) via slots;
- Wait For 'F1' If Error- activation of the function of forced pressing “F1” at the moment the system identifies an error.
The main task of the Boot section is to determine boot devices and set the required priorities.
- ASUS EZ Flash– using this option, you have the opportunity to update the BIOS from such drives as: floppy disk, Flash disk or CD.
- AINET– using this option, you can obtain information about the cable connected to the network controller.
Exit section - Exit and save
Particular attention should be paid to the EXIT item, which has 4 operating modes:
- Save Changes– save the changes made;
- Discard Changes + EXIT– leave the factory settings in effect;
- Setup Defaults– enter default parameters;
- Discard Changes– we cancel all our actions.
The following step-by-step instructions explain in detail the purpose of the main BIOS sections and the rules for making changes to improve PC performance.
Bios setup
Bios Settings - Detailed instructions in pictures
Nowadays, there are a huge number of manufacturers represented on the computer equipment market. All of them produce equipment adapted for use on three software platforms: Windows, Mac and Linux. Despite the advantages of the latter two, the generally accepted global standard is that the equipment is compatible with the Microsoft operating system. But no matter how hard you try, sometimes a hardware conflict may occur: the software may fail.
BIOS works regardless of the installed OS
To solve some problems, there is a BIOS mode that allows you to make a number of settings before the computer is fully turned on. It is available on any PC running Windows 10 and other versions - it’s like air for it. The only inconvenience is that each manufacturer programs its own key combination to launch it. Let's look at how to enter the BIOS on a PC or laptop from different manufacturers.
What is BIOS for?
This is a software shell written on the motherboard that works independently of the OS. It controls all built-in equipment immediately after power is supplied. Thanks to this, after a failure of Windows 10 or another version of ex. The BIOS also controls the connection of additional devices and ensures their smooth operation. Since all the code is written on the motherboard, it depends on it how to enter the BIOS.
Login to BIOS
Old motherboard models
Almost all models allow you to get into the BIOS by pressing Delete. There are also other options.
Older models of motherboards, which were created for computers running Windows XP or 7, do not start instantly, but display the manufacturer’s logo for a few seconds, and at the bottom of the screen they write which button to press to enter the settings. For example, users may see the phrase Press DEL to enter SETUP. This means that the login is performed using the Delete key. Another button may be specified instead.
Therefore, if you have a computer or laptop that has an old BIOS version, carefully look at what the system writes at startup. By the way, even if you are using Windows 8 or 10 on an old laptop, the BIOS remains unchanged, and you will log in this way. If you don’t have time to press a key because the screensaver quickly disappears, start pressing it many times until you enter this mode.
New motherboards
If your computer is newer and was originally designed to work in Windows 8 or 10, most likely the screensaver will not appear at all. In this case, you need to know for sure which button is right for you. Try Del right away, if it doesn’t let you in, then use the information below. Feel free to click until you get to the BIOS.
Possible key combinations
Depending on the motherboard manufacturer, the login keys may be as follows:
ALR - F2, Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Award - Del, Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Phoenix - Ctrl+Alt+Esc, Ctrl+Alt+S, Ctrl+Alt+Ins
You can find out the motherboard model through the AIDA64 program. The necessary information is contained in the “System Board” tab. If you can’t find out, then try all possible options until you succeed.
Laptops
Laptops are no different, but to get into the BIOS, you need to press the desired key or combination of keys. On a laptop, you do not need to look for the motherboard model, since the button differs depending on the company. On an older laptop, after turning it on, try waiting until the proprietary splash screen appears, informing you about the desired button. If this does not happen, press several times until the setup mode starts. On a newer laptop running Windows 7, 8 and 10, the splash screen will not appear, so please use the following information.
Acer - F1, F2, Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Asus - F2, Del, Ctrl+F2
Dell - F1, F2, F3, Del
HP - F1, F2, F10
Lenovo - F1, F2, F12
MSI - F1, F2, F11, Del
Samsung - F1, F2, Del
Toshiba - Esc, F1
If your laptop is from some exotic manufacturer, try one of the combinations mentioned in the previous paragraph.
Conclusion
We figured out how to enter the BIOS on a computer or laptop from various companies. All combinations do not depend on the version of Windows, be it 7, 8 or 10.
Did our information help you? If you cannot find your manufacturer in the list, then leave a comment and we will definitely try to help you.
Do you want to install Windows 7 on your computer or laptop, but don’t know how? It's not as difficult as it seems. Although the first time, of course, will be difficult. But, once you figure it out, you will become a real “IT master” and will be able to independently install Windows 7 on any computer or laptop.
Before installing Windows 7, print this page. This will make your task much easier. After all, during the installation of Windows 7 there will be no access to the Internet. The only exception is when you have a second PC, laptop or smartphone, from which you can, if necessary, access the site again and see what to do next.
When is Windows 7 installed?
- You bought a new laptop or computer. Everything is clear here. In most cases, laptops or PCs either do not have any operating system at all, or do not have the one you need (for example, the ancient MS-DOS).
- You didn’t like Windows 10 or 8, and you want to install the good old “seven”.
- There was a malfunction, a virus or ransomware advertising banner was caught, the computer or laptop does not turn on, etc.
Let's dwell a little on the last point. If problems occur with your computer or laptop, do not rush to reinstall Windows. Firstly, reinstalling the operating system is done as a last resort when other methods have not helped.
Secondly, remember that after installing Windows, all data is erased, at least on local drive C. And these are all your programs: browsers, video players. And you will have to install everything again.
Thirdly, there are no guarantees that reinstalling Windows will help solve the problem. But the files on local drive C will be deleted permanently in any case.
Therefore, first, try to look for other solutions to restore your PC or laptop. For example, the following articles may help you:
You can also always look for other articles on this blog or through Google/Yandex.
Preparing to install Windows 7 OS
The first thing you need to do before installing Windows 7 on your laptop is to copy all important information. At least from local drive C. After formatting, all data on it will be erased.
If you bought a new computer or laptop, you can skip this step. In all other cases, this is a prerequisite!
Therefore, save all files, documents, pictures, audio tracks and videos from your desktop and from the “My Documents” folder. It is also recommended to look at the local drive C - important information is also written to it quite often. Where to save? On a disk or flash drive. Another option is to upload files to online services (Yandex.Disk, Google Drive, etc.).
By the way, sometimes you can copy some programs along with the settings. For example, bookmarks and passwords from the browser you used.
The second point that needs to be made is to determine what bitness of Windows 7 you need - x86 or x64. Everything is very simple here. If you have 4 GB of RAM (or more) installed on your laptop or computer, then you need to install Windows 7 x64, and if less, then x86.
Why is that? The fact is that the x86 version does not see 4 GB of RAM. The maximum that it shows is 3.25 GB.
How to find out the amount of RAM? If you have a new computer, look in the documentation. And if it’s a laptop, then the characteristics are indicated on its case (or on the box).
If you already have Windows installed, then the amount of RAM can be viewed as follows:
The third thing that needs to be done before installation is to burn a digital copy of Windows 7 to a disk or flash drive.
If you already have a boot disk (bought or given in a store along with your PC), then skip this step.
Burning a DVD is easy. After all, you've probably already recorded films, music, games? This can be done through Nero, Alcohol 120% and other programs.
As for the USB flash drive, there are some difficulties. Therefore, in this case, I recommend reading -.
Where can I get a Windows 7 image or installation disk? Can be purchased in store or online.
And the last thing you need to do before installing Windows 7 is to prepare drivers for your laptop or PC. Driver discs are usually included with your computer. If you have them, then you can skip this point.
Laptop owners are not provided with disks, so you need to install drivers from the manufacturer’s official website (search by the name of your model).
If you skip this step, you may be left without internet. After all, you need to install a driver for it. USB ports may also not work. That is, a mouse. And in the end you will have to go to a friend or acquaintances and download the drivers from them.
This completes the preparatory process. Check again that you have saved all the important data, then connect a USB flash drive or insert a DVD with the Windows 7 installation image and restart your laptop/computer.
Setting up BIOS for installing Windows 7
Perhaps setting up the BIOS is the most difficult stage for most users. Especially for beginners.
In addition, the difficulty here is that the BIOS versions may differ on different PCs and laptops. And the buttons to enter the BIOS too. As a result, some users cannot even enter the BIOS. Therefore, to avoid problems with this, let’s consider in detail what needs to be done and how.
So, when you have prepared everything, restart the computer, and immediately when the screen turns on, repeatedly press the Del button (for PCs) or F2 (for laptops). If you did everything correctly, you will see the BIOS screen. Something like this:
Or this:
There are 4 devices displayed here - First Boot Device (first), Second (second), etc. By default, the first one is the hard disk (Hard Disk or HDD). And you need to put the CD-ROM (disk) or USB-HDD (flash drive) on the first line - depending on which device the seven will be installed from.
How to do it? On a PC, you usually need to highlight the first item, press Enter and select the desired option from the drop-down list.
On laptops, the device boot priority can be changed using the arrows or F5-F6 buttons. Control keys are usually located on the right or at the very bottom of the BIOS screen.
When you select the desired device (CD-ROM or USB-HDD) in the first item First Boot Device, be sure to save the settings and then exit the BIOS. Which save button? This is also written at the bottom of the screen (usually F10).
If you have a BIOS UEFI (new version), then simply drag the desired icon (disk drive or flash drive) to the first place with the mouse and click “Exit” in the upper right corner.
After this, the laptop or computer will reboot and the installation of Windows 7 will begin.
If all this is too complicated for you, there is another option to configure booting from a disk or flash drive without going into the BIOS. For this you can. But this method only works on new PCs and laptops.
Step-by-step instructions for installing Windows 7
Immediately after rebooting, you will see a black screen with a single line.
Here you need to press any button - for example, Space.
If this message does not appear, it means that you did not save the BIOS settings. Check them again. If everything is fine there, then either you did not write the bootable USB flash drive correctly, or the disk is damaged and the computer/laptop does not see it (the disk drive may not be working).
After clicking the button, you will see a black screen with the inscription “Windows is downloading files...”.
Wait for the system to copy everything. After this, a new window will appear on the screen. Select Russian language and click “Next”.
In the new window, click the “Install” button.
If there are several versions of Windows 7 recorded on a disk or flash drive, you need to choose the appropriate one. We have already figured out the x86 and x64 bit depth, so decide for yourself here. As for the version, it is better to choose “Maximum”. Although there is almost no difference between it, “Home”, “Beginner” and “Professional”, so this is not so important. Select the desired item and click “Next”.
Agree to the license terms (check the box) and proceed further.
Choose the full installation.
A window will open asking you to select a partition for installing Windows 7. But here it’s worth going into more detail.
How to partition a disk during first installation?
If the installation is performed on a new computer or laptop (i.e. for the first time), then you will see only one line - “Unallocated disk space”.
And in this case, you need to split the hard drive into 2 partitions - local drive C and D (more is possible, but this is not necessary). To do this, select this line, click the “Create” button, indicate the disk size (in megabytes) and click the “Apply” button.
Don't know how much 50 GB is in megabytes? Write a number at random - for example, 50000. And then see what volume the system will show for the created partition. If it turns out too little, select it, click the “Delete” button, and try again, specifying a larger number.
For Windows 7 to work properly, you need to create a special partition with a capacity of 100 MB where boot files will be stored. So when the next window pops up, just click OK.
When you specify the required volume for local drive C and create it, “Partition 2” will appear. This is him.
After that, select the “Unallocated space” line again, click “Create”, and then the “Apply” button. After this, local disk D (“Partition 3”) will appear.
If you forget to do this, then after installing Windows 7 there will be only one local drive C. And partition D will “evaporate” into thin air. You'll have to reinstall Windows again. Therefore, before moving on, make sure that the “Unallocated Space” option is no longer there.
To install Windows on local drive C, select “Partition 2” and click “Next”.
If you reinstall Windows 7, then the following window will appear on the screen:
In this case, you need to select “Section 2” and click the “Format” button. This will delete all data on it. When the formatting process is complete, select this section again and click “Next”.
By the way, if you want to distribute the volume differently between local drive C and D, you can delete them and create them again, specifying a different size. How to do this is written in the previous paragraph. But remember: in this case, the information will be deleted on the local drive D too! As a result, your PC or laptop will be clean, as if you had just bought it. Therefore, perform this procedure only if you have saved all the necessary files.
Continue installing Windows 7
So, you were able to partition your hard drive or format it before installing Windows 7 and clicked the “Next” button. After this, the operating system will begin to install. Wait until the files are copied.
After this, the computer/laptop will reboot and you will again see the familiar black window with a single line.
Under no circumstances press anything on the keyboard, otherwise everything will start all over again.
After this, the computer or laptop will reboot a second time.
Well, the main thing is already behind us, all that remains is to fill in some fields:
- Indicate the username and computer name (if you plan to play games, it is better to write in Latin).
- You don’t have to set a password - in that case, just move on.
- If you have a digital copy, you also don’t have to specify the activation key (usually Windows 7 is activated automatically when you connect to the Internet). To skip this step, click Next. And if you bought a disc, then enter here the code that is written on the sticker.
- Here it is recommended to select the “Delay decision” option (you can change these settings later).
- Select your time zone, specify the time and click “Next”.
- If Windows automatically finds drivers for the Internet, then in the new window select “Home Network”.
- Wait while the desktop setup is completed.
- Congratulations – you have just been able to install Windows 7 on your laptop or computer yourself.
What to do after installing Windows 7?
First of all, reboot your laptop or computer, go into the BIOS and change the device boot priority back. That is, put the hard drive (Hard Disk or HDD) in first place, and lower the CD-ROM or USB-HDD to second or lower.
Also, after installing Windows 7, the Internet and USB connectors may not work. This is because there are no drivers. Therefore, at the next stage you install them.
This is precisely why you need to prepare all the necessary drivers in advance before installing Windows 7. Especially for the Internet. After all, how will you download them if you don’t have access to the network?
And one more nuance - when you turn on your computer or laptop, you may see two Windows 7 (during boot).
The first one was installed by you, and the second one was saved in a hidden section (“reserved by the system”). However, the extra line can be deleted. To do this, do the following:
Ready. After the reboot, the second Windows 7 will no longer exist, and you will not see the operating system selection menu.
If you have any questions, ask them in the comments.
