Getting into BIOS on an HP laptop: The keys and steps that work
💡 Need to know
- F10 is the key you’re looking for—Most HP laptops use it to open BIOS Setup.
- Esc gives you more time—Use it to open the HP Startup Menu, then choose F10.
- Windows has another route—Advanced startup can open UEFI settings without key-timing gymnastics.
- Look before you change—A wrong firmware setting can stop Windows from booting normally.
BIOS is one of those places on a computer that feels mysterious mostly because people rarely need to visit it. Then a troubleshooting guide says “open BIOS,” and suddenly you’re trying to press F10 during a logo that disappears in half a second.
On an HP® laptop, there are a couple of reliable ways in. BIOS—technically UEFI on many newer computers—is the firmware that runs before Windows® starts. Asurion Experts often use it to check system information, boot settings, and hardware configuration, but getting into the menu is much safer than randomly changing what’s inside it.
Use the HP Startup Menu if you want the most reliable route
Starting from a full shutdown makes the timing easier.
- Shut the laptop down.
- Press the Power button.
- Immediately tap Esc repeatedly until the HP Startup Menu appears.
- Press F10 to open BIOS Setup.
HP currently documents Esc, followed by F10, as its standard route into BIOS Setup on consumer notebooks. Pressing F10 repeatedly as the HP logo appears can also open BIOS directly on many models.
If Windows loads instead, nothing is wrong—you just missed the window. Shut the computer down and try again, tapping Esc as soon as the screen comes alive rather than waiting for the Windows logo.
You can’t work when your computer doesn’t want to
Get it repaired fast at one of our stores. Just stop in or make an appointment⎯we'll handle the rest.
Windows can take you there too
When the laptop is already running normally, Windows 11 offers a slower but much less timing-sensitive route.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Select Restart.
The laptop should restart directly into its firmware settings. The menu may be called UEFI even when people commonly refer to it as BIOS.
If UEFI Firmware Settings doesn’t appear, use the HP startup-key method instead. Firmware menus and available recovery options can vary by model.
What’s safe to look at once you’re inside
BIOS is useful even when you don’t change a thing.
The Main or system-information area can show the laptop model, product number, installed memory, BIOS version, processor information, and other details. Boot-related menus can show whether the internal storage drive and Windows Boot Manager are being detected. HP’s menu layout varies by model, so the exact labels may not match another HP laptop sitting next to yours.
That makes BIOS especially useful when you’re troubleshooting something happening before Windows starts. If the storage drive doesn’t appear at the firmware level, changing a Windows setting won’t magically make it reappear.
There’s also an important difference between looking and experimenting. Avoid changing Secure Boot, storage-controller modes, boot modes, TPM settings, or other security options unless you’re following instructions for your exact problem and model. Changing unrelated UEFI settings can prevent Windows from starting properly.
A few HP BIOS keys are worth remembering
Before you start pressing keys, keep these HP BIOS basics handy:
- Esc: Open the HP Startup Menu. Start tapping it immediately after turning on or restarting the laptop.
- F10: Open BIOS Setup. Once you're in BIOS, you can also use it to save changes and exit.
- F9: Load the default BIOS settings. Only use this if you want to restore the default configuration.
- F2: Open HP Hardware Diagnostics for hardware testing instead of BIOS configuration.
- Not sure what you changed? Exit without saving rather than guessing at an unfamiliar BIOS setting.
- Having broader startup trouble? See our guide to restarting an HP laptop and using its recovery options.
- Updating the BIOS instead? Follow our guide to updating an HP laptop before making firmware changes.
If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, we're right around the corner. Schedule a repair at the nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running as soon as the same day.
FAQ
What key opens BIOS on an HP laptop?
Usually F10. HP also recommends pressing Esc repeatedly at startup to open the Startup Menu, then pressing F10 for BIOS Setup.
Is HP BIOS the same as UEFI?
Modern HP laptops generally use UEFI firmware, but people—and some menus—still use the term BIOS for the firmware setup screen.
Will opening BIOS delete my files?
No. Simply entering BIOS does not erase Windows files or personal data.
What if F10 doesn’t open BIOS?
Shut the laptop down completely, turn it back on, tap Esc repeatedly, then choose F10 from the Startup Menu.
Can I open BIOS from Windows 11?
Yes. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.