> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://zsoftware-guide.gitbook.io/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://zsoftware-guide.gitbook.io/guide/frequently-asked-questions/accessing-your-bios.md).

# Accessing Your BIOS

### How to Open the BIOS/UEFI Menu

To adjust system-level settings (like enabling virtualization), you'll need to access your BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. Here's how:

####  Steps

1. **Completely shut down your PC.**
2. **Turn it back on and immediately begin pressing the BIOS key repeatedly.**
3. **If Windows starts loading, restart and try again.**

#### 🧾 Look for the Boot Screen

When your system first powers on, you’ll usually see a **manufacturer logo** or a **black screen with white text** for a few seconds. This is called the **boot screen**.

> ⚠️ During this screen, a small message often appears at the bottom like:\
> \&#xNAN;**“Press DEL to enter Setup”** or **“Press F2 for BIOS”**

That’s your chance to press the key and enter the BIOS/UEFI menu.

#### ⌨️ Common BIOS Keys by Brand

| Manufacturer | BIOS Key               |
| ------------ | ---------------------- |
| ASUS         | `Del` or `F2`          |
| MSI          | `Del` or `F2`          |
| Gigabyte     | `Del`                  |
| ASRock       | `F2` or `Del`          |
| HP           | `Esc` or `F10`         |
| Dell         | `F2`                   |
| Lenovo       | `F1`, `F2`, or `Enter` |
| Acer         | `F2`                   |
| Toshiba      | `F2` or `Esc`          |