FIX: PC automatically goes to BIOS on startup
- Windows 10 users reported an issue when booting that takes them straight to the BIOS menu.
- Under normal conditions, simply pressing the Power button will boot you into Windows.
- In case you didn't know, we also have a dedicated hub for troubleshooting Boot errors.
- If you ever need more step-by-step guides, check out our Windows 10 Fix page.
Windows 10 users reported an issue when booting their computers. Instead of getting to the Windows loading screen, the PC boots directly into the BIOS.
This unusual behavior could be triggered by different causes: recently changed/added hardware, hardware damage, improper hardware connections, and other issues.
In order to attempt fixing this issue, we managed to come up with a series of fixes to help you out.
How do I stop my PC from automatically going to BIOS?
1. Check hardware connection
- If you recently added new hardware, fiddled with the existing hardware or you simply moved your computer around, make sure everything is in order.
- Hardware that is not properly plugged in could trigger the BIOS to open every time you try to load Windows.
- Check the CMOS battery.
- Unplug all peripherals and try booting that way.
- Turn Off your PC and unplug all cords. Hold the Power button for a minute to discharge it. Plug in everything and check for the resolution.
2. Disable Fast Boot and set your system drive as the primary option
- Access the BIOS utility.
- Go to Advanced settings > choose the Boot settings.
- Disable Fast Boot > Save changes and restart the computer.
- Set your HDD as the primary booting device and confirm changes.
Are you unable to get out of the EFI shell no matter what you try? We’ve got the right fix for you.
3. Move your BCD store
- Select the BCD Backup/Repair section.
- Under BCD Management Options, choose Change boot drive > click Perform Action.
- In the Select New Partition window make sure to set the new boot drive to C: – or the drive you have Windows installed in > select OK.
4. Run the Windows Repair tool
- In order to utilize the Windows Repair tool, you’ll need to have a bootable Windows USB stick/DVD. Learn how to create it, here.
- Connect the flash drive/DVD to your computer and set it as the Primary Boot Drive.
- Restart the computer and wait for the bootable device to load. After it finishes loading, choose the Run Windows Repair option and follow through with the process.
- This should fix the existing errors and make the system boot properly.
FAQ: Learn more about the BIOS menu
- How do I boot into Windows instead of BIOS?
Under normal conditions and as long as you have a version of the Windows OS installed, simply pressing the Power button will boot you into Windows.
- What can I do from the BIOS menu?
There are plenty of things you can do from the BIOS menu, such as modify your Boot settings or change your fan speed.
- Can I update my BIOS?
Yes, the BIOS can also be updated. However, this should only be done by following certain steps precisely, like the ones written in this comprehensive guide.
We hope that at least one of our solutions was of help to you. If you found this article helpful, leave a comment in the comment section below.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in April 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.