9
Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC
Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) — Windows 7
Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input and output
devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). Setup Utility (BIOS)
includes settings for the types of devices installed, the startup sequence of the computer, and the amount of
system and extended memory.
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS)
▲
To start Setup Utility (BIOS), turn on or restart the computer, quickly press
esc
, and then press
f10
.
NOTE:
Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility (BIOS). Errors can prevent the computer
from operating properly.
Updating the BIOS
Updated versions of Setup Utility (BIOS) may be available on the HP website.
Most BIOS updates on the HP website are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs.
Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing
and troubleshooting the file.
Determining the BIOS version
To decide whether you need to update Setup Utility (BIOS), first determine the BIOS version on your
computer.
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be accessed by pressing
fn
+
esc
(if
you are already in Windows) or by using Setup Utility (BIOS).
To use Setup Utility (BIOS):
1.
Start Setup Utility (BIOS).
2.
Use the arrow keys to select Main, and then make note of your current BIOS version.
3.
To exit Setup Utility (BIOS) without saving your changes, use the tab key and the arrow keys to select
Exit > Exit Discarding Changes, and then press
enter
.
To check for later BIOS versions, see
Downloading a BIOS update on page 74
.
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS)
73