Hot keys for Boot Menu / UEFI Settings (Modern Systems)

The table below covers current, widely used laptop and desktop models. Most modern systems use UEFI firmware; check for Secure Boot and Fast Startup settings if the boot device isn't detected (see How can I set bootable USB or CD/DVD in BIOS or UEFI? below).

Below is a list of PC brands with their corresponding hot-keys.

Manufacturer	Type	Models	Boot Menu	UEFI/BIOS Setup	Requires Disabling Secure Boot?	Notes
DELL	d/l	XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, Precision, Vostro	F12	F2	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media	Disable Secure Boot in "Boot Configuration" if USB isn't listed
HP	d/l	EliteBook, ProBook, Spectre, Pavilion, Envy, Omen	Esc, then F9	Esc, then F10	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media	"Esc" opens Startup Menu first, then choose F9 or F10
LENOVO	l	ThinkPad (T/X/P series)	F12	F1, or Enter then F1	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media	Novo Button (small pinhole) on some models also opens boot menu
LENOVO	l/d	IdeaPad, Legion, ThinkCentre	F12 or Fn+F12	F2	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media
ASUS	l/d	ZenBook, VivoBook, ROG, TUF	Esc or F8	F2 or Del	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media	Hold Esc while powering on for boot menu
ACER	l/d	Aspire, Swift, Predator, Nitro	F12	F2	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media	"F12 Boot Menu" may need to be enabled in UEFI first
MSI	l/d	Modern, Prestige, Katana, Raider	F11	Del	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media
SAMSUNG	l	Galaxy Book	F10 or Esc	F2	Usually yes, for non-signed/legacy media
MICROSOFT	l/d	Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Surface Book	Volume-Down + Power	Volume-Up + Power	Often cannot be disabled on some Surface models	Secure Boot is deeply integrated; check "Security" tab in UEFI
APPLE	l/d	MacBook, iMac, Mac mini (Intel)	Option	Option at startup	Not applicable (uses separate Secure Boot policy, adjustable via Startup Security Utility)	Hold key immediately after power-on chime
APPLE	l/d	MacBook, iMac, Mac mini (Apple Silicon, M-series)	Hold Power button	Hold Power button → "Options"	Not applicable — external boot not supported	External boot (USB/CD/DVD) not supported on Apple Silicon; see macOS section