All major laptop and desktop manufacturers use different Boot Menu and BIOS/UEFI keys. Having them in one place eliminates guesswork when you need to reinstall Windows, boot from USB, or enter diagnostics. Below is a clean, concise reference.
Dell
• Boot Menu: F12
• BIOS/UEFI: F2
Alienware (Dell)
• Boot Menu: F12
• BIOS/UEFI: F2
HP
• Boot Menu: F9
• BIOS/UEFI: F10
• Startup Menu: Esc
Lenovo
• Boot Menu: F12 or Novo Button
• BIOS/UEFI: F1 or F2
Acer
• Boot Menu: F12 (may need enabling in BIOS)
• BIOS/UEFI: F2 or Del
Asus
• Boot Menu: Esc
• BIOS/UEFI: F2 or Del
Samsung
• Boot Menu: F12 or Esc
• BIOS/UEFI: F2
Microsoft Surface
• Boot Menu: Hold Volume Up + Power
• UEFI: Hold Volume Up, tap Power
MSI
• Boot Menu: F11
• BIOS/UEFI: Del
Toshiba
• Boot Menu: F12
• BIOS/UEFI: F2
Sony VAIO
• Boot Menu: Assist Button
• BIOS/UEFI: F2
Gateway
• Boot Menu: F12
• BIOS/UEFI: F2
Gigabyte / Custom PCs
• Boot Menu: F12
• BIOS/UEFI: Del
Apple (Mac / MacBook / iMac)
• Boot Menu: Option (⌥) key
• Recovery / Startup Options: Command + R (Intel) / Hold Power (Apple Silicon)
• EFI Boot Picker (Intel): Option (⌥)
Fujitsu
• Boot Menu: F12
• BIOS/UEFI: F2
Chromebook
• Recovery Mode: Esc + Refresh + Power
• Developer Mode: Esc + Refresh + Power → Ctrl + D
• BIOS-style booting is restricted; standard boot hotkeys do not apply
Why This Matters
Correct boot keys save time when repairing systems, installing Windows, or testing hardware. Knowing them prevents wasted attempts during startup and lets you take control instantly—essential for technicians and power users.
Write a Comment