How to Check BIOS Settings

The basic input-output system (BIOS) of your computer configures the way your computer uses hardware or performs general operations before the operating system even boots. Most modern BIOS allow fine-tune tweaking of the central processing unit (CPU), memory, hard drives, boot orders, fan speeds and a host of other tasks. It generally is ill-advised to tweak unfamiliar settings, but if you would like to check or record the current BIOS settings for later reference, you can access it with special key configurations during rebooting.

Instructions

1. Consult your computer or motherboard's manual and look for the key combination required to enter BIOS. If you cannot find it, you can try some of the common ones, such as F2, F12, DEL or CTRL+ALT+ESC.

2. Reboot your system and press the key combination when the first screen appears. If you are uncertain of the key combination or when to press it, you can press the key combination continually, or attempt multiple combinations after rebooting without causing any problems. When successful, BIOS will load.

3. Browse through the BIOS settings using your arrow keys. It is doubtful that your mouse will work in BIOS. There will be a menu at the top or left of the screen, which is navigable with the arrow keys. Moving to a menu will bring up the options related to that menu on the bottom or right-hand side of the screen. In some cases, you will have to press Enter to access the menu selection.

References

• Microsoft: BIOS: Frequently Asked Questions
• Liutilities: How to Check the BIOS Settings
• PC World: Hardware Tips: Tweak Your PC's BIOS Settings the Safe Way
• Cyber Walker: How to Get into Your Computer's BIOS