What Is BIOS on a Computer: Everything You Need to Know

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a fundamental component of a computer that plays a crucial role in its operation.

Think of it as a bridge between the hardware components and the operating system. BIOS provides essential instructions and settings for the computer to start up and function properly.

Still asking “What is BIOS on a computer?” Let’s take a deeper look.

Here are 6 BIOS-related questions that are well worth asking:

• ‘What is BIOS on a computer?’
• ‘How to Check BIOS version in Windows 10?’
• ‘How to enter BIOS?’
• ‘How to change BIOS settings in Windows 10?’
• ‘How to update BIOS in Windows 10?’
• ‘How to reset BIOS to its default settings?’

What Is BIOS on a Computer?

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It resides on a chip on your computer’s motherboard and helps your PC operate. BIOS loads your OS, maintains your hardware, and allows you to control the low-level functions of your computer.

Thus, if you want to:

• change the boot order
• change the basic settings for your hardware
• set your system clock

BIOS is your go-to person.

How to Check BIOS Version in Windows 10?

Here are 2 quick ways for how to check BIOS version (Windows 10)

Use the Command Prompt

• Windows logo key + S -> Type cmd into the search box -> Click on the Command Prompt
• Type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion -> Enter -> Check the version number of your BIOS

Use the System Information Panel

• Windows logo key + R -> Type msinfo32 into the run box -> Enter -> System Summary -> BIOS Version/Date

How to Enter BIOS?

Entering your PC’s BIOS requires certain knowledge.

Here’s what you can use to do that:

Function Keys

• Turn on your laptop and simultaneously press F2, DEL or F12 (the exact key depends on your laptop brand) -> You will enter your BIOS settings

It might be difficult to use function keys to access your BIOS in Windows 10 due to the Fast Startup option.

Therefore, we recommend you to disable this feature:

• Start -> Control Panel -> Power Options -> Choose what the power buttons do -> Change settings that are currently unavailable -> Shutdown settings -> Disable Turn on fast startup -> Save changes
• Restart your PC -> Enter your BIOS at startup by pressing the function key

Advanced Settings

• Windows 10 Desktop (the lower right corner) -> Notification icon -> All settings
• Update & Security -> Recovery -> Advanced Startup -> Restart now -> Access the UEFI firmware and the BIOS settings

How to Change BIOS Settings in Windows 10?

BIOS utilities vary greatly. Nonetheless, they all are quite similar in structure and purpose, being sets of menus that give you control over the PC’s hardware settings.

And although the setting locations may differ depending on the hardware you use, they follow the same logic. That is why the following instructions make sense no matter what BIOS setup utility you have.

• To navigate your BIOS, use arrow and other computer-specific keys – regrettably, mouse input is not supported.
• Bear in mind that you should be extremely careful when customizing your BIOS – one false move and the game is over. Therefore, to avoid OS or hardware failures, adjust your computer’s BIOS settings only if you know the drill. Or if you really need them tweaked.

Can’t get scared?

So, Braveheart, here are 5 nice tricks for you to try out:

Solution 1: Change the Boot Order

Willing to change the boot sequence for some technical reasons?

Here is how to do that:

• Enter the BIOS Setup Utility -> Navigate to Boot
• Perform boot order changes by using specific keys (look them up on the BIOS setup utility screen) -> Save the changes.

Solution 2: Create a BIOS Password

You can protect your PC’s most sensitive areas by enabling a BIOS password. Honestly, it never hurts to be a little cautious.

To set a BIOS password:

• Enter the BIOS Setup Utility -> Navigate to Security
• Set User Password (or something like this) -> Create a strong password -> Save configuration changes

Solution 3: Set Your System Clock

Time management is essential. So, why not adjust your PC’s time settings so that it can stay organized?
Here are some easy-to-follow steps:

Launch your BIOS -> Navigate to Main -> System Time & System Date -> Save the changes

Solution 4: Change Fan Speeds

You might wish to change your PC’s fan speeds for better performance:

• Enter the BIOS Setup Utility -> Navigate to Power
• Search for the fan settings -> Enable the ‘fan control’ feature -> Change the settings to what you want

Solution 5: Tweak Your CPU

Your BIOS gives you an opportunity to underclock or overclock your CPU.

By the way, overclocking your CPU is not recommendable: this technique can overheat your PC and cause it to go slightly mad – too high a price to pay for a temporary performance gain, right?

Nonetheless, here’s how overclocking/underclocking can be performed:

using FSB Clock

• Enter the BIOS Setup Utility -> Navigate to the Advanced Settings menu
• Search for the option including some of the following words: FSB, Clock, CPU, or Frequency-> Select the CPU Frequency settings -> Change the value (here you can turn down or increase the CPU’s speed)

using CPU Multiplier

• Enter the BIOS Setup Utility -> Navigate to the Advanced Settings menu
• Search for the CPU Multiplier or CPU Ratio option -> Select the CPU Multiplier Clock option -> Set it to another value (you can speed up or slow down your CPU)

Also Read: Best BIOS Settings for Better Performance and Gaming

How to Update BIOS in Windows 10?

Keep in mind that BIOS is a cornerstone of your PC’s architecture: if it gets infected or corrupted, your system may run into a persistent malware presence or a permanent denial of service. Thus, avoid suspicious or untrustworthy update sources.

Besides, it is vital that you have power backup while updating your BIOS: a sudden system turnoff can cause the rewriting process to fall through and corrupt your BIOS – which is a most dispiriting experience indeed.

Follow these steps to update your BIOS:

• Go to your motherboard manufacturer’s official website.
• Search for the updates for your specific motherboard model.
• Download the updated BIOS version.
• Extract the contents from the downloaded archive.
• Check out the README file.
• Place the compressed file on the root of your formatted flash drive.
• Reboot your PC -> Enter the BIOS at boot.
• Choose the BIOS-updating option -> Select your flash drive -> Select the BIOS file.
• Wait for the system to reboot and start updating your BIOS.
• Wait for the process to finish.

Update BIOS on Asus.

Update BIOS on Oracle.

Update BIOS HP.

Besides, make sure your drivers are up-to-date as well. You can:

• update them manually;
• use Device Manager: Windows + X -> Device Manager -> Expand the device entries -> Search for the problematic driver -> Right-click on it and select Update Driver Software;
• utilize a special tool, e.g. Auslogics Driver Updater, to fix all your drivers in one click.

Also Read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

How to Reset BIOS to Its Default Settings?

You might need to flash your BIOS or fix certain bugs on your PC, which means you should know how to reset your BIOS.

To do that, follow these instructions:

Enter your BIOS settings -> Find the ‘reset to default settings’ option (it can be called Reset to default, Clear BIOS settings, Load setup defaults) -> Select it -> Enter

In Summary

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a critical component of a computer that acts as a mediator between the hardware and the operating system. It provides essential instructions and settings to ensure the computer starts up and operates correctly. 

From managing hardware initialization to booting the operating system, the BIOS plays a pivotal role in the overall functionality of a computer system. 

That’s why, it is crucial to approach BIOS customization with caution to avoid potential OS or hardware failures. 

FAQ