Answer

After powering on, some MSI notebooks may boot directly into the BIOS menu instead of starting the operating system as expected. This can happen after a self-performed SSD upgrade if the new SSD does not have an operating system installed, or due to other startup configuration issues. Refer to this article if a notebook enters the BIOS menu directly after every startup instead of loading the operating system.

This article applies to all MSI notebooks

 

Troubleshoot Booting Directly Into the BIOS Menu

1. If an SSD upgrade was performed, check whether the new SSD has the operating system installed. If not, refer to FAQ-2988, or use installation media to install the operating system.

2. Disconnect all external devices connected to the notebook, including but not limited to an external monitor, USB flash drives, a mouse, and a keyboard.

3. Power off the notebook, unplug the power adapter, and press and hold the power button until the power indicator light blinks (over 25 seconds) to perform an EC reset.

Note: An EC (Embedded Controller) reset clears the notebook's embedded controller state and does not affect data stored on the SSD. 

4. Power the notebook back on. If it enters the BIOS menu again, go to “Main” > “Storage system” to check whether the SSD is recognized.

 

5. If the SSD is recognized in BIOS, reinstall the operating system using installation media. If the SSD is not recognized, contact the local MSI service center.

 

Common Questions (Q&A)

What does it mean when the notebook boots directly into the BIOS menu instead of the operating system?

It means the notebook could not find a valid operating system to start from any connected storage device, so it falls back to the BIOS menu instead of loading Windows normally.

 

Where do I check whether the SSD is recognized in BIOS?

In the BIOS menu, go to “Main” > “Storage system” to check whether the SSD is listed as a recognized storage device.