Starting with Windows 10 version 1809, Microsoft essentially made it easier to capture quick screenshots of your screen and edit them on the fly. But the weird thing is, that convenience doesn’t really help when you’re trying to screenshot the BIOS itself. Because, of course, BIOS isn’t exactly friendly to Windows tools. Still, if taking a photo of your BIOS screen is needed—for example, for troubleshooting or showing someone details—you’ve got a couple of options. The goal here is to grab a shot *before* Windows even kicks in, which can be kinda tricky, but not impossible. Achieving this usually involves some external hardware or clever workarounds. So, here’s what they are, and what works in different scenarios.
How to Capture the BIOS Screen Before Windows Boots
Save a Screenshot to USB Drive (Method 1)
This one’s kind of old-school but still valid. If your motherboard BIOS supports it, you can save the BIOS screenshot directly to a USB device, which means you don’t need fancy software. It’s all about configuring the USB properly and then capturing the screen. Not every motherboard does this, but if yours does, it’s a lifesaver. This helps because you can grab a snapshot even if your OS isn’t loaded yet, especially handy if you’re troubleshooting a boot issue.
Here’s what to do—just keep in mind, the process can vary depending on your motherboard brand and model. Some BIOSes have a built-in “Save Screenshot” feature, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to prepare the USB first.
- Insert a USB drive. Format it to FAT32 inside Windows: Open “This PC”, right-click the USB, choose Format, set “File System” to FAT32, then click Start. Be aware, older BIOS versions may not support USB screenshot saving.
- Restart and enter BIOS. Hit your BIOS hotkey (like Del, F2, Esc, depending on your machine).Usually, the key is displayed during startup.
- When in BIOS, look for a Print Screen option or hotkey like F12 or F10. Some BIOSes support pressing PrtScr directly.
- Capture and save. If supported, a prompt should appear asking where to save. Select your USB drive—all BIOSes that have this feature will let you save as a
.bmpfile. - Exit BIOS and boot into Windows. Once booted, pull out your USB and locate the screenshot file.
Note: Some motherboards may not support direct saving from BIOS, or the feature is hidden. On a few setups, pressing PrtScr just copies to a clipboard that you can’t access outside BIOS, so don’t expect miracles every time.
KVM Over IP (Method 2)
Another really handy trick for grabbing BIOS screens remotely is using hardware called KVM over IP. It’s kind of advanced, but if you’re troubleshooting or need to get multiple screenshots, it’s worth the investment. Basically, this device allows you to remotely access your system’s keyboard/video/mouse over the network, giving you full control, including getting images of BIOS screens. You can even turn the machine on remotely if it supports that.
Popular options include PiKVM, TinyPilot, or some enterprise-grade gear like Raritan KVM. These devices connect to your PC’s video output and network, letting you log in from anywhere. That way, during the boot process, you can just log in from another device and take a screenshot or record the video feed. It’s kind of overkill for casual use, but it works like a charm if you do this often or need high-quality captures.
External Video Capture Device
If hardware isn’t an issue and you just want a one-off record of the BIOS, a dedicated external video capture device (like those used by streamers or professionals) is another route. Essentially, you connect a device via HDMI or USB 3.0 to your system’s video output, and it records whatever appears on the screen, including BIOS. Time to get a little more high-tech, but it’s super reliable for capturing those moments when the OS isn’t even running yet.
This setup works well with laptops or desktops, especially if you use an HDMI output. Just make sure your external recorder is set to capture HDMI input, and set your BIOS to display via HDMI in case it defaults to other outputs. Once configured, you can record the entire BIOS process and easily save the footage for later review.
All these options, in their own way, help you grab that elusive BIOS shot that Windows screenshot tools can’t handle. Just depends on how fancy or what gear you’re willing to mess with. Sometimes, you kind of have to get creative to get what you need before the OS even loads.
Summary
- USB drive formatted to FAT32 can sometimes be set up in BIOS to save screenshots. Not all boards support this though.
- KVM over IP is perfect for remote access and taking those BIOS shots from afar.
- External HDMI/video capture hardware works if you’re fine with more hardware and a recording setup.
- Always check your motherboard’s manual or BIOS menu for built-in screenshot options—sometimes they hide useful features.
Wrap-up
Getting a BIOS screenshot isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially with the way modern firmware is built. But with some patience, hardware, or the right setup, it’s doable. Tinkering around with USB formatting or investing in a KVM device can save a lot of headaches, especially if you’re troubleshooting or documenting for tech support. Hopefully, these tricks help land the shot before Windows even wakes up. Good luck dealing with those cryptic BIOS screens!