How do I add BIOS to boot?

Symptoms

The Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8 operating systems allow users to easily boot into UEFI BIOS on supported Dell computers using 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.

Cause

No cause information is available.

Resolution

• How to access the UEFI or BIOS without booting into Microsoft Windows
• How to boot into UEFI or BIOS from Windows 11 or Windows 10
• How to boot into UEFI or BIOS from Windows 8.1 or Windows 8
• How to boot into UEFI or BIOS from Windows 7

How to access the UEFI or BIOS without booting into Microsoft Windows

1. Turn on the computer.
2. At the Dell logo, tap the F2 key several times.

How to boot into UEFI or BIOS from Windows 11 or Windows 10

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

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

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

5. Click Troubleshoot.

6. Click Advanced options.

7. Select UEFI Firmware 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.

How to boot into UEFI or BIOS from Windows 8.1 or Windows 8

NOTE: The instructions in this section applies 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.

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

6. Click Advanced options.

7. Select UEFI Firmware Settings.

8. Click Restart to restart the computer and enter UEFI (BIOS).

How to boot into UEFI or BIOS from Windows 7

1. Turn on the computer.
2. At the Dell logo, tap the F2 key several times.

Additional Information

• Dell BIOS Updates
• How to Perform a BIOS or CMOS Reset and Clear the NVRAM on Dell Systems
• How to Reset or Clear the BIOS Password
• How to Restore the BIOS or UEFI (System Setup) to Factory Defaults on a Dell Computer

Alienware, Inspiron, Retired Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Retired Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations

Select UEFI Boot Mode or Legacy BIOS Boot Mode (BIOS)

Your system supports both UEFI Boot Mode and Legacy BIOS Boot Mode.

Note -  The operating system can only boot with the boot mode property value that was initially set at installation. If you change the boot mode property value after installing the operating system, the operating system will become inoperable (will not boot). To resolve this issue, you must change the boot mode property value back to its initial setting.

To view or set the target boot mode on your server using the BIOS Setup Utility, follow these steps:

1. Access the BIOS Setup Utility.
   1. Boot the system.

      Boot messages scroll across the console screen.

   2. Press the F2 key (or Ctrl +E from a serial terminal) continuously.

      The BIOS Setup Utility main screen appears.

2. From the BIOS Main menu screen, select Boot.
3. From the Boot screen, select UEFI/BIOS Boot Mode, and press Enter.

   The UEFI/BIOS Boot Mode dialog box appears.

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   Note -  You cannot configure the boot order list after switching the boot mode. A system reboot is required to properly populate the boot order list with devices that support the chosen boot mode.

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4. Use the up and down arrows to select Legacy BIOS Boot Mode or UEFI Boot Mode, and then press Enter.
5. To save the changes and exit the screen, press F10.

See Also

• Legacy BIOS Boot Mode and UEFI Boot Mode

• For BIOS screen details, see your server service manual.