How to Get Into BIOS on an MSI Motherboard [Full Guide]

If you need to change your computer’s hardware settings, install a new operating system, enable virtualization, or adjust the boot order, you will first need to access the BIOS. On an MSI motherboard, entering the BIOS is usually simple once you know the correct key and the right timing.

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware stored on your motherboard. It starts your computer before Windows loads and allows you to configure important hardware settings. Whether you own an MSI gaming motherboard or a standard desktop motherboard, the process for entering BIOS is nearly identical.

In this guide, I have explained how to get into BIOS on an MSI motherboard in a simple way.

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How to Get Into BIOS on an MSI Motherboard

Every MSI motherboard has a dedicated key that opens the BIOS during startup. In most cases, this key is Delete (Del). You must press it immediately after powering on your computer and before Windows begins loading.

If Windows starts normally, it simply means the timing was missed. Restart the computer and try again.

Modern MSI motherboards also include a graphical BIOS interface known as Click BIOS, making navigation much easier than older text-based BIOS screens.

Before starting, save any open work and close all applications because your computer will need to restart.

Step 1: Completely Shut Down Your Computer

The first step is to make sure your computer is fully powered off.

Click the Start menu, select the Power button, and choose Shut down. Wait until all lights on your computer turn off. If you are using a laptop with an MSI motherboard, ensure it is completely powered off instead of simply entering Sleep mode.

A complete shutdown gives you the best opportunity to enter the BIOS during the next startup.

If your computer has Fast Startup enabled, Windows may boot too quickly. If you repeatedly miss the BIOS screen, do not worry because another method later in this guide allows you to enter BIOS directly from Windows.

Step 2: Turn On the Computer and Press the Delete Key

Once the computer is off, press the Power button to turn it back on.

Immediately begin pressing the Delete (Del) key on your keyboard several times. Do not wait until you see the Windows logo because by then it may already be too late.

Many users find it easier to repeatedly tap the Delete key every second instead of holding it down continuously.

If successful, your computer will stop loading Windows and display the MSI BIOS interface instead.

Some older MSI motherboards may use another key such as F2, although Delete is the standard key for nearly all desktop MSI motherboards.

If you see the Windows sign-in screen instead, simply restart your computer and try again while pressing Delete earlier.

Step 3: Wait for the MSI BIOS Screen to Open

After pressing the correct key, the BIOS interface should appear.

Most modern MSI systems display Click BIOS, which has a graphical layout that is easy to understand. You can use either your keyboard or mouse to move through the menus.

On the main screen, you may see information including your processor, memory, storage drives, BIOS version, and CPU temperature.

Take a few moments to look around before making any changes. Remember that the BIOS controls important hardware settings. Changing unfamiliar options without understanding them could affect how your computer operates.

If your goal is simply to check system information, you may not need to modify anything.

Step 4: Switch Between EZ Mode and Advanced Mode

Most MSI motherboards provide two different BIOS views.

The first is EZ Mode, which presents the most commonly used settings in a simplified layout. This mode is ideal for beginners because it clearly displays essential hardware information and frequently used options.

The second is Advanced Mode, which provides access to all motherboard settings.

You can usually switch between these modes by pressing F7.

Advanced Mode includes settings for boot priority, CPU configuration, memory settings, virtualization, fan controls, security features, and many other advanced options.

If you are following a guide that instructs you to enable a specific feature, you will often need to enter Advanced Mode first.

Step 5: Make the Changes You Need Carefully

Once inside the BIOS, navigate to the setting you want to change.

For example, if you are installing Windows from a USB drive, you may need to change the boot order so the USB device starts before your internal drive.

If you need to enable Intel VT-x or AMD SVM for virtual machines, you can locate those options in the CPU configuration menus.

Some users also enter the BIOS to enable XMP, which allows compatible RAM to operate at its advertised speed.

Before changing any option, carefully read its description. If you are unsure what a setting does, it is usually safer to leave it unchanged until you understand its purpose.

Writing down the original settings before making changes is also a good idea. This makes it easier to restore the previous configuration if necessary.

Step 6: Save Your Changes and Exit BIOS

After finishing your changes, you need to save them.

Most MSI motherboards allow you to press F10 to save the current settings.

The BIOS will usually display a confirmation window asking whether you want to save the changes before restarting.

Select Yes.

Your computer will automatically restart and boot into Windows using the updated BIOS settings.

If you accidentally changed something incorrectly, you can reenter the BIOS and restore the previous settings or choose the option to load the default BIOS configuration.

Use Windows Advanced Startup if You Cannot Access BIOS

Sometimes your computer starts Windows so quickly that pressing Delete does not work.

Fortunately, Windows provides another method.

Open Settings, then select System, followed by Recovery.

Under Advanced startup, choose Restart now.

After your computer restarts, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally UEFI Firmware Settings.

Choose Restart, and Windows will automatically open the MSI BIOS without requiring you to press any keyboard key during startup.

This method is especially useful for computers with extremely fast solid-state drives.

FAQs

What key opens BIOS on an MSI motherboard?

For most MSI desktop motherboards, press the Delete (Del) key immediately after turning on the computer. Some older models may use F2, but Delete is the standard key.

Why does Windows open instead of BIOS?

This usually happens because the BIOS key was pressed too late. Restart the computer and begin pressing Delete immediately after pressing the power button. You can also use the Windows Advanced startup method.

Can entering BIOS damage my computer?

Simply opening the BIOS does not damage your computer. Problems only occur if incorrect settings are changed. If you are unsure about a setting, leave it at its default value.

How do I exit BIOS without saving changes?

Most MSI BIOS versions provide an Exit Without Saving option. You can also press the Escape key and choose not to save changes when prompted.

What is MSI Click BIOS?

MSI Click BIOS is the graphical BIOS interface found on modern MSI motherboards. It allows users to configure hardware settings using both a mouse and keyboard, making it much easier to navigate than traditional BIOS menus.

What should I do if my keyboard does not work in BIOS?

Try connecting your keyboard directly to a rear USB port on the motherboard. If you are using a wireless keyboard, temporarily switch to a wired USB keyboard to ensure it is detected during startup.

Summary

Learning how to get into BIOS on an MSI motherboard is an important skill for anyone who wants to manage their computer’s hardware settings. In most cases, all you need to do is restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete key as soon as it powers on. Once inside the MSI Click BIOS, you can adjust settings such as the boot order, enable virtualization, activate XMP, or simply review your system information.

If you cannot enter BIOS using the keyboard, Windows also offers the Advanced startup method, making BIOS access simple even on computers with very fast boot times.

By following the steps in this guide carefully and making changes only when necessary, even first-time users can confidently access and use the BIOS on an MSI motherboard.