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How to Enter BIOS or the Boot Menu on an HP Computer

Beginner HP Applies to: Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11

HP uses a two-step key sequence that trips people up if they only try one key.

Before you start: save any open work and note down what you were doing when the problem started — that context helps if you need to search further or ask for help.
  1. Restart or power on the HP, and immediately start tapping Esc repeatedly — this opens HP's Startup Menu, a step most people miss since they expect a single dedicated key.
  2. From the Startup Menu, press F10 to enter BIOS Setup, or F9 for the one-time boot menu to choose a different drive to boot from.
  3. For HP's built-in hardware diagnostics specifically, press F2 from that same Startup Menu instead of F10 or F9.
  4. If Esc doesn't seem to do anything, try Fn+Esc — some HP notebooks require the Fn modifier for function-row keys depending on a BIOS setting called Action Keys Mode.
  5. Start tapping the moment you press power, not after — HP's window to catch this key is often shorter than other brands', especially on newer, fast-booting models.
Still not fixed? Send us the details and we'll help you dig further, or browse related guides in HP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does HP use Esc first instead of a single dedicated key?
It's just HP's particular design choice — the Esc key opens a menu of options (BIOS, boot menu, diagnostics) rather than jumping straight to one, which is different from brands that use a single dedicated key for each.
Does this process differ between HP laptops and desktops?
The key sequence is generally the same across HP's lineup, though very old or unusual models occasionally vary — if Esc doesn't work, checking your exact model's support page is worth doing.

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