Help with getting into BIOS  

@OldGuyFromCdn

The "get into the BIOS" keys should be F2 or Delete.
You should also be able to bring up the "boot override menu", F12 or F8, usually.
On the boot override menu, you will be able to choose which device you boot from.

Hello @OldGuyFromCdn,

OldGuyFromCdn said:

Trying to clean install Windows 10 pro on my wife's laptop (Lenovo T430S) . I've tried every key I can think of to get into the BIOS (F1 to F12, delete etc). Also tried disabling fast boot . Holding down Shift and restarting doesn't work. Disk is GPT but UEFF settings also missing in advanced start up settings.

Anyone know how I can get to BIOS to set boot to USB ?

Have a look at this . . .

 BOOT Menu and BIOS Settings HotKeys

When you BOOT the computer, it goes through a very quick POST [ Power On Self Test ].

If you want to enter the BOOT Menu or BIOS Settings, and you know the correct HotKey, then you press that key at this stage before the POST finishes and the OS loads.

If you do NOT know the correct HotKey, and you are quick enough, they will be displayed briefly on the screen.

If the POST is just too quick, then the following comprehensive HotKey list [ from the different manufacturers ] may be of help.

> Hot keys for Boot Menu / BIOS Settings

Additionally, here is a comprehensive list [ Intel ] of the the different manufacturers support websites.

> Computer Manufacturer Support Websites

I hope this helps!

If you open Admin comand prompt then type:
shutdown /r /fw /t 00 this will boot into BIOS
shutdown /r /o /t 00 this will boot into Recovery (Need to enable with reagentc /enable if disabled)

topgundcp said:

If you open Admin Command prompt then type:
shutdown /r /fw /t 00 this will boot into BIOS

I do NOT think this works on Legacy-MBR. It does for UEFI-GPT. You will get a message saying . . .

Boot to firmware UI is not supported by this system's firmware.(1)

I hope this helps.

Lenovo BIOS keys are usually F1 or F12 to select boot option.

But, (not sure for Lenovo but think so) you can set Function keys to be active via Fn and key

So try F1, then Fn + F1.

To compicate it even more, Fn key can be substituted with Ctrl key - so you have some more combinations.

And try F1 key after restart, not when laptop wakes from sleep, or hibernation

OldGuyFromCdn said:

Trying to clean install Windows 10 pro on my wife's laptop (Lenovo T430S) . I've tried every key I can think of to get into the BIOS (F1 to F12, delete etc)...

I have Lenovo T420. F12 should bring up the one-time Boot Menu. At the boot menu press the Tab key to switch to the Application menu, then select Setup to enter the bios.

Alternatively, press the blue 'ThinkVantage' button at power up.


PS: if either of those fail, then try either turning off Fast Startup in Windows 10, or use 'Restart' rather than 'Shut down' when you want to go into the bios, a restart bypasses Fast Startup.

Turn On or Off Fast Startup in Windows 10

OldGuyFromCdn said:

Tried a couple more things. Still didn't into BIOS but at the boot screen I chose "change defaults or choose other options" and found an option to boot from the USB. From there it was smooth sailing. Deleted all partitions until I had only unallocated space and performed a clean install.

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. Much appreciated.

Marking solved.

Excellent news @OldGuyFromCdn.