This article explains how to enter the BIOS of a computer running Windows without knowing its security password. You can choose to use one of the methods described in the article by using the backdoor password (or master password) or by removing the motherboard backup battery that powers the internal BIOS memory even when the computer is turned off or disconnected from the mains. It should be noted that not all BIOS manufacturers provide for the use of a universal access password and that not all computer motherboards allow you to remove the backup battery. If none of the methods in the article managed to solve your problem, you will need to get help from a professional repair center or try to contact the computer manufacturer directly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a Backdoor Password
Step 1. Turn on your computer and enter an incorrect password three consecutive times
In this way, by default, the computer will be locked and the message "System Disabled" will appear on the screen. Don't worry: to restore normal operation of the computer, simply restart it. Using this method, the data stored in the system will not be lost under any circumstances. This step is essential to trace the code required to obtain the backdoor password.
Step 2. Make a note of the numeric code displayed below the "System Disabled" message
After entering an incorrect password three times you will see the error message "System Disabled" under which there should be a numeric or alphanumeric code according to the BIOS manufacturer. Make a note of this error code.
Step 3. Log in to a website that provides a backdoor password generation service
You can use the bios-pw.org/ website by accessing it via the internet browser of a second computer. This web service can provide backdoor passwords based on the error code displayed in the previous step.
Step 4. Enter the code you got in the previous steps and press the "Get password" button
The website indicated will attempt to provide you with the backdoor passwords useful for your computer. In this case you may need to try several different passwords.
Note: If after disabling the computer boot password entry you have not received any error code, you may need to use the device serial key directly in order to get the backdoor password. In this case, select the link "More details" on the bios-pw.org/ site and follow the instructions to download and use the correct script, based on the make and model of your computer
Step 5. Restart the locked computer and try to enter the passwords that were provided to you
Before the system freezes again, you will have the opportunity to enter three backdoor passwords, after which you will have to restart the computer to have three more attempts. Normally one of the passwords given to you by the Bios-pw.org website should grant you access to your computer.
If none of the passwords given to you are able to log you into your computer, try the next method
Step 6. If you have gained access to the computer's BIOS, change the configuration settings
Once you have found the correct password, be sure to change the BIOS options as well, to disable the computer's boot password. Unlike the next method in the article, using the backdoor password does not allow you to reset the BIOS to factory defaults.
Method 2 of 3: Remove the Motherboard Backup Battery
Step 1. Find out when it is useful to use this method
If possible, it is always best to use a backdoor password to regain access to the BIOS and computer. However, if the previous method did not work or if you were unable to obtain a backdoor password, you can reset the BIOS configuration by removing the motherboard's backup battery and reinserting it in its slot after a few seconds.
The motherboard's integrated CMOS battery is similar to classic button batteries in watches. Its task is to ensure the power supply of some components of the motherboard even when the computer is not connected to the electrical network, among which there is the memory area where the computer's startup password, the system date and time and BIOS configuration settings
Step 2. Disconnect the computer from the mains, remove the case panel and discharge any static electricity in your body to earth
Step 3. Disconnect any cables connected to the computer case
Before opening the computer panel that allows you to access the motherboard it is best to disconnect all cables that are currently connected to the back of the case.
- Above all, make sure you have unplugged the power cord.
- You can also perform this method with a laptop, but in that case you will need to remove the bottom cover of the computer in order to gain access to the motherboard. Specifically, you will need to remove the battery and several other parts of the computer (hard disk, RAM memories, etc.) before you can get to the motherboard backup battery.
Step 4. After disconnecting the computer from the mains, press the power button
This will dissipate the energy accumulated inside the motherboard and power supply capacitors, minimizing the risk of damaging your computer from a static electricity discharge.
Step 5. Remove the screws securing the outer cover or side panel of the case to gain access to the inside of the computer
Most desktop systems have a set of screws that can simply be unscrewed with your fingers, but in some cases you will need to use a screwdriver.
- To facilitate the work it may be better to place the computer on its side, on a table or a flat surface, in order to make it easier to access the motherboard (which is usually mounted directly along one of the outer sides of the case) without the need to bend down.
- Read this article for more information on how to log into a desktop computer.
- Read this article for more information on how to take apart the bottom of a laptop.
Step 6. Ground your body
Before touching any electronic component inside the computer, you should discharge your body's residual static electricity to earth. If you don't, you could damage one of the very delicate elements that make up your computer simply by touching it.
To discharge residual static electricity in your body to the ground, simply touch a metal element in the house connected directly to the infrastructure of the building, for example a heater or the kitchen or bathroom faucet. Read this article for more information on how to discharge static electricity in the human body to earth
Step 7. Locate the motherboard backup battery
Being made of metal, it has a silvery color and is normally positioned along one side of the board. This is a button cell battery with a diameter of about 1.5cm.
Step 8. Remove the battery from its housing very carefully
Most motherboard batteries are held in place by one or two small springs. Gently remove the battery from its compartment and store it in a safe place.
Note: In some cases the battery is soldered directly to the motherboard, so it cannot be removed. If this is the case for you and you have the option to use the motherboard reset jumper, continue reading the next method in the article
Step 9. Wait approximately 30 seconds after removing the backup battery from its compartment
This way you can be sure that the BIOS is completely reset.
Step 10. Reinstall the battery
After 30 seconds you can insert the battery back into the appropriate slot on the computer motherboard. Make sure you install it with the correct polarity.
Step 11. Reattach the computer case and reconnect all cables
After following the steps described up to this point, the work inside the computer is done, so you can close the case and reconnect all the cables you removed earlier.
Step 12. Turn on your computer and enter the BIOS
Press the keyboard function key to be able to enter the BIOS and do so as soon as the computer turns on. Since you have reset the motherboard BIOS, some settings like system time and date will no longer be correct and you will need to fix them. Any custom changes you made to the BIOS setup, such as optical and memory drive settings or the boot sequence, will need to be redone.
If the BIOS login password is still active, it means it cannot be cleared simply by removing the motherboard battery. If this is your case, read on
Method 3 of 3: Use the Reset Jumper
Step 1. Disconnect the computer from the mains, remove the case panel and discharge any static electricity in your body to earth
Read steps 2 to 5 of the previous method for more information on how to proceed.
Step 2. Locate the BIOS reset jumper
It is normally only able to connect two pins on the motherboard. It should be blue in color and is usually located near the motherboard buffer battery (this is a coin cell battery similar to those for wristwatches), but it could be anywhere on the circuit board. In case of difficulty, refer to the user manual of the motherboard or computer to precisely identify the position of the jumper.
- Normally the BIOS jumper is indicated with one of the following abbreviations: "CLEAR CMOS", "CLEAR", "CLR", "JCMOS1", "PASSWORD", "PSWD" etc.
- If your computer motherboard does not have a BIOS reset jumper (and not all of them have one) and you have already tried using the previous two methods, you will need to contact your computer manufacturer for help.
Step 3. Move the plastic jumper by one pin
Most BIOS reset jumpers are installed on 2 of the 3 available metal pins. To perform the BIOS reset, you will simply have to move the jumper one position so that it connects the central pin and the currently free one.
- For example, if currently the jumper connects pin number 1 with pin number 2, you will have to move it so that it connects pin number 2 with pin number 3 currently free.
- If there are only 2 pins, to reset you simply need to remove the jumper to break the connection.
Step 4. Wait about 30 seconds
This way you can be sure that the BIOS is completely reset and the login password is removed.
Step 5. Return the plastic jumper to its original position
After the 30 seconds indicated, you can restore the initial position of the jumper.
Step 6. Reattach the computer case and reconnect all cables
After following the steps described up to this point, the work inside the computer is finished, so you can close the case and reconnect all the cables that you disconnected earlier.
Step 7. Turn on your computer and enter the BIOS
Press the keyboard function key to be able to enter the BIOS and do so as soon as the computer turns on. Since you have reset your motherboard BIOS, some settings like system time and date will no longer be correct and you will need to fix them. Any custom changes you made to the BIOS setup, such as optical and memory drive settings or the boot sequence, will need to be redone.
Advice
If none of the methods described in this article worked for you, try contacting your computer manufacturer. Normally he will be able to give you a login password, but only after proving that he owns the computer
Warnings
- Never try to crack the BIOS password protection of a computer that is not owned by you without having received the direct authorization of the owner.
- When carrying out operations inside a computer case, always make sure to discharge any static electricity in your body to the ground. Failure to do so could seriously damage the delicate electronic components of the computer itself.
