This article shows you how to reset the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) to factory settings. This is commonly referred to as "resetting the BIOS". It can be performed directly from the graphic interface of the latter, but in the event that, for any reason, you no longer have access to it, it is possible to perform the reset either by removing the buffer battery of the motherboard or by acting on the reset jumper of the CMOS integrated circuit, always placed on the latter. In some cases, accessing the inside of a computer case also invalidates its manufacturer's warranty, also running the risk of causing serious damage to the system. If you are no longer able to access the BIOS of your computer, the most sensible thing you can do is to contact a specialized service center where you can get the help of experienced and competent professionals.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Reset the BIOS Using the User Interface
Step 1. Restart your computer
Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
located in the lower left corner of the desktop, select the option
then choose the item Reboot the system or Restart.
-
If the computer is locked, select the lock screen with the mouse, then click the icon
Windowspower located in the lower right corner of the screen and finally select the option Restart.
- If the system is already off, simply press the power button.
Step 2. Wait for the computer startup screen to appear (which is not the one for Windows startup)
When this happens, you have a very limited time to press the correct key and access the BIOS user interface.
If you see the message "Press [key_name] to enter setup" or something similar appear at the bottom of the screen and then disappear, it means that the computer is already starting up. In this case you will have to reboot the system a second time and try again
The best solution is to start pressing the BIOS enter key as soon as the computer starts rebooting.
Step 3. Press the Delete key repeatedly or F2 to enter the BIOS.
The key to press varies depending on the brand of your computer and the version of the BIOS you are using, so press the key indicated in your specific case.
- If the Delete or F2 key doesn't work, try using the F8 or F10 key.
- Normally, one of the keyboard function keys (F1-F12) must be used in order to access the BIOS. They are located at the top of the keyboard. If you are using a laptop computer, you may need to hold down the Fn key in order to use the function keys.
- To be sure which key or combination of keys to press to enter the BIOS, consult your computer's user manual or the "Support" section of the manufacturer's website.
Step 4. Wait for the BIOS user interface to load
After successfully pressing the access key, the BIOS will load automatically. Being a very basic interface, the loading should take place in a few moments, after which you will see the menu with the related configuration settings appear.
If you do not have access to the BIOS because it is protected by a security password or because it is corrupt, use one of the other methods described in the article
Step 5. Locate the "Setup Defaults" entry
The correct location and wording of this option will vary depending on the BIOS version being used. However, it is usually called "Reset to Default", "Factory Default", "Setup Defaults" or similar. It may be located within one of the BIOS menus or listed in the quick options at the bottom of the screen next to the description of the keys to navigate the BIOS.
If you cannot locate this entry, either because it does not exist in your case or because it is simply hidden, use one of the other methods in the article
Step 6. Choose the "Load Setup Defaults" option and press the Enter key
To navigate the menus and BIOS items use the directional arrows on your keyboard, then press the Enter key to select the one shown. Normally the procedure for restoring the BIOS default configuration occurs immediately after selecting the relevant option.
Again, the exact wording of this option may vary depending on the BIOS version in use
Step 7. If necessary, save your changes and confirm your selection
This is often required in order to close the BIOS interface. At this point the computer will automatically restart. If after the reset you need to customize the BIOS configuration, you will have to restart the system and press the key again to access the relevant user interface from which you can make the necessary changes.
Method 2 of 3: Remove the Motherboard Backup Battery
Step 1. Turn off your computer
Go to the "Start" menu and choose the "Shut Down", "Shut Down" option or press and hold the "Power" button until the machine shuts down completely.
If you are using a desktop computer, normally, you will also need to turn off the power supply using the switch on the back of the case
Step 2. Disconnect the machine from any source of electrical energy
In the case of a desktop computer, you will need to unplug the power cord, while in the case of a laptop, you will need to unplug the charger.
Step 3. If necessary, uninstall the computer battery
This step should only be performed for a laptop computer (or if a desktop system is connected to a UPS).
Step 4. Discharge the static electricity in your body to the ground
Before continuing with the other steps of the method, it is necessary to touch a bare metal surface (not enameled or painted) so that any static electricity present in your body can discharge to the ground in a natural and harmless way. Touching your computer motherboard or other electronic component without first properly grounding your body could generate a discharge of static electricity that is potentially very damaging to the entire system.
Step 5. Open the computer case
This step is essential in order to have access to the motherboard. When working with the internal components of any computer, you need to be alert and focused, as a simple discharge of static electricity can damage them irreparably.
In most laptop computers it is possible to directly access the motherboard buffer battery that powers the BIOS CMOS integrated circuit through a special panel located on the underside of the computer. If there is no removable panel present, unfortunately you will have to completely disassemble the bottom cover of the computer to gain access to the motherboard
Step 6. Uninstall the backup battery
It is normally placed near the PCI expansion slots, but the precise location may vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer. Check carefully as it may be hidden by a card or electrical power and data transfer cables. Normally this is a simple standard 3V button battery, identical to the one that is fitted in many watches (identification code CR2032).
Be careful because the backup battery is not always removable. If you are having difficulty or notice excessive resistance when trying to uninstall it, do not use excessive force. In this case, try to reset the BIOS using the appropriate jumper on the motherboard.
Step 7. Press the power button on your computer and hold it for about 10-15 seconds so that the remaining charge in the motherboard capacitors can drain
This way, the BIOS CMOS IC will no longer have the power it needs to run and will reset, so the BIOS default configuration will load the next time the power is restored.
Step 8. Reinstall the motherboard backup battery
Carefully and gently insert the small button cell battery into the compartment. Make sure you install the battery with correct polarity. The side that has a slightly smaller surface area should face down.
Step 9. Reassemble the computer
Reassemble the case after reinstalling all the components that you had to disassemble in order to reset the BIOS, then restore all internal connections necessary for normal system operation. Remember to unload your body on the ground regularly when assembling the internal components of the computer.
Step 10. Reconnect the system power supply
You will need to plug the power cord into the electrical outlet or reinstall the battery in the case of a laptop.
Step 11. Boot the system
Depending on your computer, you may need to customize the BIOS setup. For example, vary the sequence of boot devices, reset the correct date and time, and so on.
Method 3 of 3: Use the Reset Jumper
Step 1. Turn off your computer
Go to the "Start" menu and choose the "Shut Down", "Shut Down" option or press and hold the "Power" button until the machine shuts down completely.
If you are using a desktop computer, you will normally also need to turn off the power supply using the switch on the back of the case
Step 2. Disconnect the machine from any source of electrical energy
In the case of a desktop computer you will need to unplug the power cord, while in the case of a laptop you will need to unplug the charger.
Step 3. If necessary, uninstall the computer battery
This step should only be performed for a laptop computer (or if a desktop system is connected to an uninterruptible power supply).
Step 4. Discharge the static electricity in your body to the ground
Before continuing with the other steps of the method, it is necessary to touch a bare metal surface (not enameled or painted), so that any static electricity present in your body can be discharged to the ground in a natural and harmless way. Touching your computer motherboard or other electronic component without first properly grounding your body could generate a discharge of static electricity that is potentially very damaging to the entire system.
Step 5. Open the computer case
This step is essential in order to have access to the motherboard. When working with the internal components of any computer, you need to be alert and focused, as a simple discharge of static electricity can damage them irreparably.
Step 6. Locate the CMOS jumper
This is a small three-pin jumper placed directly on the motherboard whose purpose is to control the BIOS. It is normally located near the backup battery that powers the BIOS CMOS IC. The plastic jumper that acts as a connection is inserted on two of the three metal pins present.
Normally this jumper is identified by one of the following abbreviations: "CLEAR", "CLR", "CLEAR CMOS", "PSSWRD", "CLRTC" or a similar code. To find the correct jumper, to reset the BIOS, consult your computer's motherboard user manual.
Step 7. Move the jumper so that it connects the center pin and the currently free pin together
For example, if the jumper is connected to the first and second metal terminals, move it so that it connects the second and third. Make sure you fully pull out the jumper before moving it, so you don't accidentally bend the pins.
Step 8. Press the power button on your computer and hold it for about 10-15 seconds so that the remaining charge in the motherboard capacitors can drain
In this way, the BIOS CMOS IC will no longer have the power it needs to function and will be reset, so the BIOS default configuration will be loaded the next time the power is restored.
Step 9. Reset the jumper to its original position
Return the latter to the position it occupied before the BIOS reset. This way, when you restart your computer, you will be able to access its user interface again.
Step 10. Reassemble the computer
Reassemble the case after reinstalling all the components that you had to disassemble in order to reset the BIOS, then restore all internal connections necessary for normal system operation. Remember to unload your body on the ground regularly when assembling the internal components of the computer.
Step 11. Reconnect the system power supply
You will need to plug the power cord into the electrical outlet or reinstall the battery in the case of a laptop.
Step 12. Boot the system
Depending on your computer, you may need to customize the BIOS setup. For example, vary the sequence of boot devices, reset the correct date and time, and so on.
