How to Get Into BIOS on Surface Book 3: Step-by-Step Guide

The BIOS, or Basic Input Output System, is the fundamental software that controls your Surface Book 3’s hardware. It’s the first thing that runs when you turn on your device, and it’s responsible for vital tasks like booting your operating system and managing your hardware. While you might rarely need to access the BIOS, there are situations where understanding how to get into it can be crucial. Perhaps you need to change the boot order, adjust the system’s clock, or troubleshoot a hardware issue.
This guide will walk you through the steps on how to get into BIOS on your Surface Book 3. We’ll explore the different methods available, the reasons why you might need to access the BIOS, and answer some common questions. Let’s dive in!

Why Do You Need to Access the BIOS?

Before we delve into the methods, it’s important to understand why you might need to access the BIOS in the first place. Here are some common scenarios:

• Changing the Boot Order: You might need to change the boot order if you want to boot from a USB drive, an external hard drive, or a different internal drive. This is often necessary for installing a new operating system or recovering data.
• Enabling or Disabling Features: The BIOS can be used to enable or disable certain features, such as the Secure Boot feature, the Intel Virtualization Technology, or the legacy boot mode.
• Troubleshooting Hardware Issues: If you’re experiencing hardware problems, accessing the BIOS can help you diagnose the issue. For example, you can check the system’s temperature, monitor the hard drive health, or test the RAM.
• Updating the BIOS: While not as common as updating drivers, updating the BIOS can sometimes be necessary to fix bugs, improve stability, or add new features.

Method 1: The Traditional Key Press

The most common way to access the BIOS is by pressing a specific key during the boot process. For Surface Book 3, the key you need to press is F12.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Power off your Surface Book 3.
2. Press and hold the power button.
3. Immediately start tapping the F12 key repeatedly. You need to do this right as the Surface Book 3 logo appears on the screen.
4. Release the F12 key when the BIOS menu appears.
If you miss the timing, you’ll need to restart the device and try again.

Method 2: Using the Surface UEFI Settings App

Microsoft also provides a dedicated app for accessing the UEFI settings, which is the modern equivalent of the BIOS. This method is generally preferred as it offers a more user-friendly interface.
Here’s how to access the UEFI settings:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now.”
3. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
4. Click “Restart” to access the UEFI settings.

Method 3: Using a USB Drive

If you’re unable to access the BIOS using the traditional key press or the UEFI settings app, you can try using a bootable USB drive. This method is typically used for troubleshooting or recovering a device.
Here’s how to create a bootable USB drive and access the BIOS:
1. Download a BIOS update utility or a bootable recovery tool from Microsoft’s website.
2. Format a USB drive and create a bootable drive using the downloaded tool.
3. Connect the USB drive to your Surface Book 3.
4. Power on your device and press F12 during the boot process.
5. Select the USB drive from the boot menu.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to access the BIOS.

Navigating the BIOS Menu

Once you’ve successfully accessed the BIOS, you’ll be presented with a menu-driven interface. The specific options available may vary depending on your Surface Book 3 model and BIOS version. However, you’ll typically find options for:

• Boot Order: Change the order in which your device boots from different storage devices.
• Secure Boot: Enable or disable Secure Boot, which helps protect your system from malicious software.
• UEFI Settings: Access advanced settings related to the UEFI firmware.
• System Information: View information about your system’s hardware components.
• Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS.

Use the arrow keys to navigate the menus and the Enter key to select options. Remember to save your changes before exiting the BIOS to ensure they are applied.

Important Considerations

• Data Loss: Always back up your important data before making any changes in the BIOS. Modifying BIOS settings can potentially lead to data loss or system instability.
• Technical Expertise: If you’re unsure about any BIOS settings, it’s best to consult with a technical expert. Incorrectly configuring the BIOS can cause serious problems with your Surface Book 3.
• Manufacturer Documentation: Refer to the Surface Book 3 user manual or Microsoft’s support website for detailed information about the BIOS settings and their implications.

A Final Word: Mastering the BIOS

Knowing how to get into BIOS on your Surface Book 3 can be a valuable skill. It allows you to fine-tune your system, troubleshoot issues, and ensure optimal performance. By understanding the methods and navigating the BIOS menus confidently, you can unlock the full potential of your device.

What People Want to Know

Q: What happens if I accidentally change something in the BIOS and my Surface Book 3 doesn’t boot?
A: If you’ve made changes in the BIOS that prevent your Surface Book 3 from booting, you can usually reset the BIOS to its default settings. This can be done by finding an option in the BIOS menu or by using a specific key combination. Refer to your device’s user manual for instructions.
Q: Can I update the BIOS on my Surface Book 3?
A: Yes, you can update the BIOS on your Surface Book 3. Microsoft releases updates for the BIOS to fix bugs, improve stability, and add new features. You can download the latest BIOS update from Microsoft’s website and follow the instructions provided.
Q: Is it safe to access the BIOS?
A: It’s generally safe to access the BIOS, but it’s important to be cautious and only make changes that you understand. If you’re unsure about any settings, it’s best to consult with a technical expert.
Q: Can I access the BIOS using a keyboard shortcut during the boot process?
A: Yes, you can access the BIOS by pressing F12 repeatedly during the boot process. This is the most common method.
Q: What if I can’t access the BIOS using any of the methods mentioned?
A: If you’re unable to access the BIOS using any of the methods mentioned, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and provide guidance on how to access the BIOS.