What key is used to access the one-time boot menu during a computer restart?

The key used to access the one-time boot menu during a computer restart is F12. This functionality is essential for users who may need to select a different boot device temporarily, such as a USB drive or an external drive, without changing the boot order in the BIOS configuration permanently. By pressing F12 at startup, users are presented with a menu that lists all available bootable devices, enabling quick and efficient selection for different boot scenarios.

Other options serve different purposes: the Del key is commonly used to enter the BIOS setup utility, allowing users to make changes to system settings, while F2 typically also accesses the BIOS setup but is not designated for one-time boot selections. The Esc key can sometimes interrupt the boot process or access different menus, depending on the system's configuration, but it does not provide direct access to the one-time boot menu.