Student Handout

Topic: How To Access And Change

Computer Bios Settings

HOW TO CHANGE COMPUTER BIOS SETTINGS

Knowing how to access and change settings in your BIOS can save you a lot of headaches when troubleshooting
a computer. The method varies for every computer, but this guide will show you how to access and change your BIOS
settings.

METHOD 1 OF 3: Enter the BIOS

1. Boot the computer. As the

manufacturer’s logo appears, press
the designated setup button to enter
the BIOS. The key varies by
manufacturer. Typical setups keys are
F2, F10, F12, and Del. The key will be
displayed on the screen with the
manufacturer’s logo.
2. Rapidly strike the setup key. Newer
computers can boot very fast. Once
you figure out your setup key, rapidly
press it when booting the computer.
This will give you a greater chance of
entering the BIOS. You may have to
repeat the process several times if
you have difficulty with the timing.

NOTE: If you are running Windows 8

and cannot access the BIOS, see the
Entering Windows 8 Boot Options
section.

3. Wait for your BIOS to load. After

successfully hitting the setup key, the
BIOS will load. This should only take a
few moments. When the loading is
complete, you will be taken to the
BIOS settings menu.
METHOD 2 OF 3: Adjust Settings

1. Navigate the BIOS. Every

manufacturer has a different layout for
their BIOS menu, but most share
some common settings. These include
power settings, date and time settings,
boot order, and more.

NOTE: BIOS menus do not support

mouse input. You will need to
navigate the menus using your
keyboard. Most BIOS allow you to
move through menus with the arrow
keys, while some use specific keys for
specific menus, or + and – keys for
navigation.

2. Change your settings carefully.

When adjusting settings in your BIOS,
be sure that you are certain what the
settings will affect. Changing settings
incorrectly can lead to system or
hardware failure.

3. Change the boot order. If you want

to change what device to boot from,
enter the Boot menu. From here, you
can designate which device the
computer will attempt to boot from
first. This is useful for booting from a
disc to install or repair an operating
system.
4. Create a BIOS password. You can
create a password that will lock the
computer from booting unless the
correct password is entered.

5. Change your date and time. Your

BIOS’s clock will dictate your
Windows clock. If the battery has
been recently replaced, your clock will
most likely have been reset. You can
adjust your clock settings from the
BIOS.

6. Change fan speeds and system

voltages. These options are for
advanced users only. In this menu,
you can overclock your CPU,
potentially giving more performance.
This should be performed only if you
are comfortable with your computer’s
hardware.
7. Save and exit. When you are finished
adjusting your settings, you will need
to save and exit in order for your
changes to take effect. When you
save and restart, your computer will
reboot with the new settings.
 Tips

• A useful task is to check the boot order. If you have the OS on the hard drive, make sure that the hard drive is the
first in the boot order. This can save a few seconds off boot time.

• Keep a copy of your motherboard's documentation (a.k.a. User Manual) with you in case you can't get in or out of
the BIOS, or you need help changing something.

• Backup your BIOS settings by recording them on paper once your PC is running and before you make any
changes to them.

Warnings

• Don't change anything if you don't know what you're doing.

• If you are going to flash the BIOS after, do NOT attempt this.
STUDENT STUDY GUIDE

PART 1 – MULTIPLE-CHOICE: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Please write your choice on your answer
sheet.

1. It is an input device that allows the user to move a cursor around a screen and select programs with the
click of a button.
a. Monitor
b. Mouse
c. Keyboard
d. Printer

2. Refers to the legislation, policies, procedures and activities that aim to protect the health, safety and
welfare of all people at the workplace.
a. Republic Act
b. House Rules
c. Occupational Health and Safety
d. Presidential Decree

3. A person that deals with the troubleshooting of a computer.

a. Computer Technician
b. Computer Programmer
c. Computer Troubleshooter
d. Computer Doctor

4. What is the most important hardware component of a computer?

a. Processor
b. Monitor
c. Mouse
d. Keyboard

5. The two primary components of a computer are:

a. Input and Output
b. Hardware and Software
c. Keyboard and Mouse
d. Monitor and Printer

PART 2 – TRUE OR FALSE: Write true if the following statement is true and write wrong if it is wrong. Please
write your choice on your answer sheet.

1. It is okay to work alone when assembling a computer.

2. It is important to hold the components on its edges so that the ICs won’t be damaged.

3. The RAM is also called the Central Processing Unit.

4. Input device shows the information after processing in an understandable and usable
form.

5. Software is the physical component of a computer.

PART 3 – IDENTIFICATION: Identify each item below. Please write your choice on your answer sheet.

1. - a rechargeable power supply that only lasts for 30 minutes.

2. - used to temporarily hold data and programs while the CPU processes both.
3. - provides connection between power source and the system unit.
4. - the main secondary storage device of a PC.
5. - the main board in the computer also called the system board.
6. - a common input device through which data and instructions may be typed into computer
memory.
7. - houses the hardware components of a computer.
8. - it is used for Electro-Static Discharge or ESD.
9. - the primary storage device which holds the data while processing.
10. - a box inside the computer case that supplies power to the motherboard and other installed
devices.