How to Access, Navigate, or Update the BIOS or UEFI
Basic Input or Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is firmware that is embedded on the computer's system board or motherboard. Modern Dell computers are shipped with Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). BIOS or UEFI acts as an interface between the computer's hardware and the operating system.
Watch this video to learn how to update the BIOS or UEFI on a Dell computer.
How to access the BIOS or UEFI
- Turn on the computer.
- At the Dell logo screen, press the F2 key several times until you enter the BIOS or System Setup.
- Alternatively, press the F12 key several times until you see the One Time Boot Menu and then select BIOS Setup or System Setup from the menu.
How to navigate the BIOS or UEFI
The BIOS or UEFI interface may vary on your Dell computer. To learn how to navigate the BIOS or UEFI, go to Dell.com/support/manuals, identify your Dell computer, and see the user guide.
Example of the BIOS or UEFI interface on an OptiPlex 7050.
Example of the BIOS or UEFI interface on a Precision 5550 mobile workstation.
How to update the BIOS or UEFI
Updating the BIOS or UEFI, also known as "flashing the BIOS", replaces the BIOS or UEFI firmware with the latest version. When updated successfully, a BIOS or UEFI update can fix or enhance the computer's performance or support for newly installed hardware.
Dell provides an easy-to-use executable (.exe) file to update the BIOS or UEFI to the latest version. To learn more, see Dell BIOS Updates for step-by-step instructions to download and install the latest BIOS or UEFI or watch this video to update the BIOS or UEFI.
Videos
Load BIOS to defaults
To reset BIOS to its default settings on a Dell computer, restart the computer and press the "F2" key repeatedly at the Dell logo screen to enter BIOS. Then, click on "Restore Settings", select "OK", and follow the on-screen instructions.
Access UEFI (BIOS) System Setup from Windows
Having trouble accessing the UEFI BIOS on your computer? In just a few clicks, Windows will restart and boot directly to the BIOS.
Other Resources
Reset or Clear BIOS Password
Learn how to reset or clear the passwords in BIOS or UEFI of your Dell computer.
Recover the BIOS on a Dell Computer or Tablet
Learn how to use BIOS recovery on supported Dell computers or tablets.
Support Videos
Visit our video library to find helpful videos.