A hot key is a keyboard shortcut used to perform a specific function. If Quiet Boot is disabled, the BIOS displays hot key messages, allowing shortcuts to specific actions during POST. The hot key messages are displayed after video initialization occurs. The hot keys are: Space bar, F2, F8, F12, Control, Escape, and Home. A description for the action associated with each hot key is provided below.
Hot Key |
Function |
---|---|
Space Bar |
Speeds up memory test by skipping bit-walking, data pattern, and address line tests. |
Escape |
Skips entire memory test. |
F2 |
Invokes Setup utility after POST. |
F8 |
Loads Boot Order menu. |
F12 |
Selects network card boot as the primary boot device. |
During option ROM initialization, hot keys are not detected because the option ROM receives keyboard input and does not forward keystrokes to the BIOS. The BIOS accepts the following Control sequences for use with serial console redirection.
Function Key |
Control Key |
---|---|
F1 |
Control-Q |
F2 |
Control-E |
F7 |
Control-D |
F8 |
Control-P |
F9 |
Control-O |
F10 |
Control-S |
F12 |
Control-N |
There are also hot keys associated with the CMOS configuration.