What To Know
- If your Surface Laptop has a BIOS password, you will need to enter it to access the BIOS settings.
- What should I do if I accidentally make changes in the BIOS that I don’t understand.
- Yes, you can create a bootable USB drive with a BIOS update or recovery image and boot from it to access the BIOS.
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) serves as the cornerstone of any computer system, providing fundamental instructions for the hardware’s operation. Accessing the BIOS on a Surface Laptop is crucial for troubleshooting, adjusting system settings, and performing advanced operations. This comprehensive guide will empower you with step-by-step instructions on how to boot your Surface Laptop into BIOS, ensuring you have complete control over your device’s core functionality.
Method 1: Utilizing the Volume Down and Power Buttons
1. Power Off Your Surface Laptop: Ensure that your Surface Laptop is completely shut down.
2. Hold Volume Down and Power Buttons: Locate the Volume Down button on the side of your Surface Laptop. Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously.
3. Release the Power Button: Continue holding the Volume Down button while releasing the Power button.
4. Surface UEFI Screen: The Surface UEFI screen will appear, indicating that you have successfully entered the BIOS.
Method 2: Accessing BIOS from Windows Recovery Environment
1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment: Turn on your Surface Laptop and immediately hold the Volume Down button. Release the button once the Surface logo appears.
2. Troubleshoot Menu: You will be presented with the Windows Recovery Environment screen. Select “Troubleshoot” from the available options.
3. Advanced Options: Navigate to “Advanced options” and select “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
4. Restart: Click on “Restart” and your Surface Laptop will reboot directly into the BIOS.
Method 3: Using Advanced Startup Options
1. Access Advanced Startup Options: Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.” Navigate to “Update & Security” and select “Recovery.” Under “Advanced startup,” click on “Restart now.”
2. Choose Options: Your Surface Laptop will restart and display the Advanced Startup Options menu.
3. UEFI Firmware Settings: Select “Use a device” and then choose “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
4. Restart: Click on “Restart” to boot your Surface Laptop into BIOS.
Method 4: Surface UEFI Boot Menu
1. Power On and Hold Volume Up: Turn on your Surface Laptop and immediately hold the Volume Up button.
2. Surface UEFI Menu: The Surface UEFI menu will appear, providing access to various boot options.
3. Boot Configuration: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Boot Configuration” tab.
4. Change Boot Order: Select the “Boot Order” option and press Enter. Use the arrow keys to move “UEFI: Built-in EFI Shell” to the top of the list.
5. Exit and Save: Press F10 to save your changes and exit the Surface UEFI menu. Your Surface Laptop will automatically boot into the BIOS.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Blank Screen: If you encounter a blank screen after following the steps, try connecting an external monitor to your Surface Laptop.
2. No Boot Menu: If the Surface UEFI menu does not appear, ensure that you are pressing the Volume Up button immediately after turning on your Surface Laptop.
3. BIOS Password: If your Surface Laptop has a BIOS password, you will need to enter it to access the BIOS settings.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Why should I access the BIOS on my Surface Laptop?
A: Accessing the BIOS allows you to troubleshoot hardware issues, adjust system settings, and perform advanced operations such as changing the boot order or updating the firmware.
Q2: Can I damage my Surface Laptop by accessing the BIOS?
A: No, accessing the BIOS is generally safe as long as you make changes carefully and avoid modifying settings you are unfamiliar with.
Q3: What should I do if I accidentally make changes in the BIOS that I don’t understand?
A: Reset the BIOS to its default settings by pressing the F9 key when prompted during POST (Power-On Self-Test).
Q4: How can I exit the BIOS?
A: Press the F10 key to save your changes and exit the BIOS. You can also press the Esc key to exit without saving any changes.
Q5: Can I use a USB drive to boot my Surface Laptop into BIOS?
A: Yes, you can create a bootable USB drive with a BIOS update or recovery image and boot from it to access the BIOS.
