About BIOS POST Hot Keys

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.

Hot Key

Function

F2

Change the color in CMOS Setup

F10

Save and exit CMOS configuration