07/02/2026
⚙️ How to Enter BIOS / UEFI & Set It Correctly for Windows Installation
Can’t install Windows? USB not showing up?
Most of the time, the issue is wrong BIOS / UEFI settings.
✅ Required Settings
Enable UEFI Mode
Turn Secure Boot ON
Enable TPM / PTT / fTPM
Set storage mode to AHCI
Disable Fast Boot (temporarily)
Set USB as first boot device
📌 These settings are mandatory for Windows 11 and highly recommended for Windows 10.
🔑 How to Enter BIOS / Boot Menu
Restart your PC and repeatedly press:
DEL / F2 → Most desktops & laptops
F10 / ESC → HP
F1 → Lenovo
F12 → Boot Menu only
🧩 Essential BIOS Settings (For Windows Install)
1️⃣ Boot Mode
Boot Mode / BIOS Mode → UEFI
CSM / Legacy Boot → Disabled
📌 Required for Windows 11, recommended for Windows 10
2️⃣ Secure Boot
Secure Boot → Enabled
Secure Boot Mode → Standard / Windows UEFI Mode
🔧 If Secure Boot is grayed out:
Set OS Type → Windows UEFI
3️⃣ TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
Intel Systems → Intel PTT : Enabled
AMD Systems → fTPM : Enabled
📌 Mandatory for Windows 11
4️⃣ SATA / Storage Mode
SATA Mode → AHCI
Disable Intel RST / RAID (unless you use RAID)
⚠️ RAID mode can hide SSD/HDD during Windows installation
5️⃣ Boot Priority
Set USB Drive as First Boot Device
OR
Press F12 and manually select USB
6️⃣ Fast Boot
Fast Boot → Disabled (temporarily)
📌 Helps BIOS detect bootable USB properly
⚙️ Optional / Recommended Settings
🎮 Graphics
Primary Display → Auto / PCIe
Integrated Graphics → Enabled (optional)
💻 Virtualization (Optional)
Intel → VT-x
AMD → SVM
(Enable only if you use virtual machines)
⚡ CPU & Memory
CPU Features → Default
XMP / EXPO → Optional (enable later)
💾 Save & Exit
Press F10
Select Save Changes & Exit
✅ BIOS Checklist (Quick)
✔ UEFI Mode
✔ Secure Boot ON
✔ TPM / PTT / fTPM ON
✔ AHCI Storage Mode
✔ USB Boot Enabled
❌ If Windows Installer Can’t See Your Drive
Try the following:
Disable Intel RST / RAID
Change SATA Mode → AHCI
Load Storage Drivers manually
Update BIOS Firmware
