what I need to do to to get into the BIOS on startup.

Lordwalp
Lordwalp Member Posts: 1 New User
edited April 29 in Swift and Spin Series

I made a wrong choice when first switching on and setting up laptop. I need to carry out a factory reset (hopefully preserving the Acer apps and device drivers) and start again! I have created a recovery USB but on starting out to do a factory reset I cannot get into BIOS to alter Boot Order. Pressing F2 when the splash screen appears does not divert the start up sequence to enter the BIOS.

Please can anyone suggest what I need to do to to get into the BIOS on startup.

[Edited the thread to add issue detail]

Best Answer

  • RadovanRakovicky
    RadovanRakovicky Member Posts: 8

    Tinkerer

    edited April 30 Answer ✓

    Hi Lordwalp. Yeah, I know what you are talking about :-) I had similar issue with Intel NUC (mini desktop PC) after enabling Fastboot in the BIOS….I wasn't able to eneter to the BIOS anymore using conventional F2 or F10 method. But - if you are able to use Windows11 right now, just hit SHIFT while choosing Restart option and laptop SHOULD restart to BIOS directly.

    For some PCs overall is possible to start PC by very long press Power button…and PC resets BIOS to defaults and let you go to the BIOS.

    Are you sure that F1 - F12 keys are available and doesn't act like Fn keys? Because for example on mine SFG14-63 the Fn key has higher priority and I can disable touchpad by Fn+F10, then reboot PC, and touchpad isn't working even in the BIOS ! So make sure that your F1-F12 keys doesn't act as Fn + keys but regular F1-F12 keys.

    And you can also attach USB keyboard and try hitting F2 through it…

Answers

  • Sharanji
    Sharanji ACE Posts: 5,136 Pathfinder

    @Lordwalp

    Here's are a few steps you can try:
    Ensure Timing is Right: Start tapping the F2 key repeatedly as soon as you power on the laptop. Sometimes, the timing can be tricky.
    Try to Disable Fast Startup: If Fast Startup is enabled, it might bypass the BIOS entry. To disable it, Boot into Windows. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck Turn on fast startup.

    If you're looking for an alternative way to reset your laptop to factory settings, you can try the Alt + F10 method during startup. Shut down your laptop completely. Turn it back on and immediately start pressing Alt + F10 repeatedly. This should bring up the Acer Recovery Management screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your laptop to factory settings. You can select to keep your files or remove everything for a clean slate.

    If this method doesn't work, you can also use the Windows Recovery Environment:
    Hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Start menu.
    Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and follow the prompts.

    The reset process may take some time, so ensure your laptop is plugged in to avoid interruptions.

    I hope this helps! If this was useful, please hit 'Yes' or 'Like'! Thanks! 😊

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,035 Trailblazer

    We need to know which model you have. Though the key is often F2 it is sometimes something else. If you accidentally tried installing some non-Windows OSes, like Pop! OS or such, they will sometimes change the timeout waiting for a keypress to 0. Then you can only be already holding the key down when you power on to get it to have a chance to take. There is a Acer recovery process that uses a different keypress to launch (Alt-F10 is often the correct keys) that forces a reset using the Acer OS build, and that will have all the utilities and apps. A reset from Windows will remove those…

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • RadovanRakovicky
    RadovanRakovicky Member Posts: 8

    Tinkerer

    edited April 30 Answer ✓

    Hi Lordwalp. Yeah, I know what you are talking about :-) I had similar issue with Intel NUC (mini desktop PC) after enabling Fastboot in the BIOS….I wasn't able to eneter to the BIOS anymore using conventional F2 or F10 method. But - if you are able to use Windows11 right now, just hit SHIFT while choosing Restart option and laptop SHOULD restart to BIOS directly.

    For some PCs overall is possible to start PC by very long press Power button…and PC resets BIOS to defaults and let you go to the BIOS.

    Are you sure that F1 - F12 keys are available and doesn't act like Fn keys? Because for example on mine SFG14-63 the Fn key has higher priority and I can disable touchpad by Fn+F10, then reboot PC, and touchpad isn't working even in the BIOS ! So make sure that your F1-F12 keys doesn't act as Fn + keys but regular F1-F12 keys.

    And you can also attach USB keyboard and try hitting F2 through it…

  • Axxo
    Axxo Member, Ally Posts: 1,600

    To access the BIOS/UEFI at startup, you need to press a specific key as soon as your computer starts, before the operating system loads. This key is usually F2, F12, DEL, or F10, but it can vary by manufacturer. You'll need to consult your computer or motherboard manual if you're unsure which key to press.
    Steps to access the BIOS:-

    Restart your computer:
    Start pressing the key: As soon as the manufacturer's logo appears on the screen (or the computer starts booting), start pressing and holding the correct key repeatedly.
    Enter the BIOS: If successful, the BIOS/UEFI setup utility will appear.
    Alternative method (Windows 10/11):
    You can also access the BIOS from within Windows by following these steps:
    Go to Settings: Click the Start menu, then select the gear icon.
    Navigate to Recovery: Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
    Restart now: Under Advanced startup, click "Restart now".
    Choose Troubleshoot: Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
    Select UEFI Firmware Settings: Choose UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart.
    Note: If Fast Boot or Fast Startup is enabled in your BIOS or Windows, you may need to disable them to access the BIOS more reliably.

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    If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful.