BIOS Settings Guide

This tutorial explains in detail how to configure BIOS/UEFI settings to install Debian 13 from a USB boot drive.

🔧 Entering BIOS/UEFI

Common Key Combinations

Brand	Key	Timing
Dell	F2 or F12	Press repeatedly at power-on
HP	F2 or F10	When the brand logo appears
Lenovo	F1, F2, or Enter	Press immediately at power-on
Asus	F2 or Delete	Press continuously at power-on
Acer	F2 or Delete	When the brand splash screen appears
MSI	Delete or F11	Press immediately at power-on
Asus	F2 or Delete	Hold at power-on
Lenovo	F1 or F2	Press at startup

How to Enter

💡 Tip

1. Disable Fast Startup - Disable the Fast Startup feature in Windows
2. Cold Boot - Shut down completely before powering on; do not restart
3. Press Continuously - Start pressing the corresponding key repeatedly right after powering on
4. Try Multiple Times - If it fails, restart and try again

⚙️ BIOS Settings Items

Boot-Related Settings

Boot Mode

UEFI Mode (Recommended)
- Supports hard drives larger than 2TB
- Faster boot speed
- Better security

Legacy Mode
- Compatible with older hardware
- Traditional MBR partition table

Secure Boot

Status: Usually needs to be disabled
Location: Security > Secure Boot
Setting: Disabled

Reason: Some Linux distributions require Secure Boot to be disabled

Fast Boot

Status: Recommended to disable
Location: Boot > Fast Boot
Setting: Disabled

Reason: May skip USB device detection

USB Boot Settings

USB Boot Priority

# Setup steps:
1. Go to the Boot tab
2. Find Boot Priority or Boot Order
3. Move USB Storage or USB HDD to the top
4. Save and exit

Legacy USB Support

Status: Enabled
Location: Advanced > USB Options
Setting: Enabled

Purpose: Allows BIOS to recognize USB devices

🖥️ BIOS Settings for Different Brands

Dell Computer Settings

# How to enter: Press F2 at power-on
1. Select "Boot Sequence"
2. Set "USB Storage Device" as first
3. If in UEFI mode, select "UEFI Boot"
4. Press F10 to save and exit

Lenovo Computer Settings

# How to enter: Press F1 or F2 at power-on
1. Go to the "Startup" tab
2. Set "Boot Mode" to UEFI
3. Move USB to first in "Boot Priority Order"
4. Save settings (F10)

Asus Computer Settings

# How to enter: Press F2 or Delete at power-on
1. Go to the "Boot" tab
2. Set "Launch CSM" to Enabled (if Legacy support is needed)
3. Set "Boot Option #1" to the USB device
4. Press F10 to save

HP Computer Settings

# How to enter: Press F10 at power-on
1. Select "System Configuration"
2. Go to "Boot Options"
3. Enable "USB Boot"
4. Adjust boot order, USB device first
5. Save and exit

🔍 UEFI vs Legacy Comparison

UEFI Mode (Recommended)

✅ UEFI Advantages

• Larger Disk Support - Supports >2TB hard drives
• Faster Boot - Quicker startup speed
• Graphical Interface - Modern settings interface
• Network Support - Can boot from network
• Secure Boot - Prevents malware

# UEFI key settings:
Boot Mode: UEFI
Secure Boot: Disabled (during installation)
Fast Boot: Disabled
CSM: Disabled

Legacy Mode

⚠️ Legacy Limitations

• Disk Limitation - Maximum 2TB support
• Slower Boot - Traditional boot method
• Text Interface - Text-based settings
• Compatibility - Suitable for older hardware

# Legacy key settings:
Boot Mode: Legacy
USB Boot: Enabled
Boot Priority: USB First

🔧 Common Troubleshooting

USB Boot Option Not Found

🔍 Solutions

1. Confirm the USB was created successfully
   - Verify using another computer
   - Recreate the boot drive

2. Check BIOS settings
   - Enable Legacy USB Support
   - Disable Fast Boot
   - Switch between UEFI/Legacy mode

3. USB port issues
   - Try a different USB port
   - Use a USB 2.0 port
   - Avoid using a USB Hub

Secure Boot Issues

🔐 Handling Secure Boot

# Temporary solution:
1. Disable Secure Boot
2. You can re-enable it after installation is complete

# Long-term solution:
1. Use a distribution that supports Secure Boot
2. Sign custom kernels
3. Add trusted keys

Boot Failure Issues

❌ Boot Troubleshooting

# Checklist:
□ USB boot drive created correctly
□ BIOS boot order is correct
□ Fast Boot disabled
□ Secure Boot disabled
□ USB port is working properly
□ RAM modules installed correctly

# Advanced options:
1. Clear CMOS
2. Update BIOS version
3. Check hardware compatibility

📝 Settings Checklist

Before proceeding with the Debian installation, please confirm the following settings:

Item	Setting Value	Status
Boot Mode	UEFI (Recommended)	☐
Secure Boot	Disabled	☐
Fast Boot	Disabled	☐
USB Boot	Enabled	☐
Boot Priority	USB First	☐
Legacy USB Support	Enabled	☐

🚀 Next Steps

After completing BIOS setup:

1. Insert the USB boot drive - Make sure you have a correctly created boot media
2. Save settings - Press F10 to save BIOS settings
3. Restart the computer - Boot from the USB drive
4. Begin installation - Enter the Debian installation interface

📚 Related Resources

• Creating Boot Media - Create installation media
• Installation Process - Detailed installation steps
• Installation Troubleshooting - Resolve installation issues

Done with BIOS settings? Start creating boot media →