Buzz
In this article, Mytour will guide you through the process of restoring the BIOS settings of your Windows computer (short for Basic Input/Output System) to its default configuration. You can perform this action on the BIOS page of most computer models. However, if you cannot access the BIOS page, you will need to reset the BIOS by opening the computer case and removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard, or reconnecting the jumper pins on the motherboard inside the case.
In some cases, opening the computer case will void your warranty and may risk damaging your system. If you cannot access the BIOS, it is best to take your computer to the technical support department instead of attempting it yourself.
Steps
Reset in the BIOS page
Restart the computer.
Restart- If the computer is locked, click on the lock screen, then click the power icon at the bottom right corner of the screen and select Restart.
- If the computer is already off, press the power button to turn it on.
Wait for the boot screen to appear. Once the Windows logo appears, you have a limited time to press the setup key.
- It's best to press the setup key as soon as the computer begins to boot.
- If you see a message like "Press [key] to enter setup" at the bottom of the screen and it disappears quickly, you need to restart your computer and try again.
Press the Del or F2 key to enter the setup screen. The setup key varies by machine, so look for the on-screen message to guide you.
- If neither the Del nor F2 keys work, try F8 or F10.
- You can try pressing an "F" key to access BIOS. This is located at the top of the keyboard, but you may need to press and hold the Fn key while pressing the corresponding "F" key.
- Consult your device's manual or visit the support page to identify your BIOS access key.
Wait for the BIOS to load. After pressing the correct setup key, your computer will load the BIOS screen. This process takes just a few seconds. Once loaded, you will be directed to the BIOS setup menu.
- If you cannot access the BIOS due to a password or BIOS error, refer to another method in a separate article.
Find the option for "Setup Defaults" (Default Settings). The location and name of this option can vary depending on the machine, but you’ll typically see options such as "Reset to Default," "Factory Default," "Setup Defaults," or something similar. This option can be found in any tab or listed near the navigation buttons.
- If your BIOS doesn't offer this option, follow the steps below.
Select "Load Setup Defaults" and press the ↵ Enter. Use the arrow keys to select and hit ↵ Enter to begin resetting the BIOS.
- The option names in the BIOS menu may differ depending on the machine model.
Save changes and confirm your choice if necessary. This is usually done as part of the BIOS exit process. The computer will reboot automatically. If further BIOS changes are needed after the reset, restart the machine and access BIOS to make additional adjustments.
Remove the CMOS battery.
Turn off the computer. Use the Start menu or hold the power button to shut down the system.
- If you’re using a desktop computer, ensure the CPU is fully powered off by turning off the switch on the back of the CPU casing.
Completely disconnect the power. This includes both the desktop power cable and the laptop charging cable.
Remove the laptop battery if necessary. If you’re using a laptop (or a desktop with a backup battery), remove the battery before proceeding.
Discharge static electricity before proceeding. Touch any unpainted metal surface to remove static electricity before handling the internal components. Failing to ground yourself before touching the motherboard or internal components may damage the computer.
Open the computer case. You need access to the computer's motherboard. Be very careful when working inside the computer, as static electricity can easily damage sensitive components.
- For many laptop models, you can access the CMOS battery by removing the back panel. If there is no back panel, you will need to disassemble the laptop to reach it.
Remove the CMOS battery. The battery is usually located near the PCI slots, though its position may vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer. It could be obscured by expansion cards or cables. The standard CMOS battery is a 3V round, flat CR2032.
- The CMOS battery is not always removable. If you cannot remove it, do not force it; instead, try resetting the motherboard jumper.
Press the power button. Press and hold the power button for about 10-15 seconds to discharge any remaining electricity stored in the capacitors. Once the power is cut off, the CMOS memory will reset, and the BIOS will revert to its default settings.
Reinsert the CMOS battery. Carefully place the battery back into the machine, ensuring it is oriented correctly. The smaller side of the battery should face downwards.
Reassemble the computer. Proceed with caution, making sure to ground yourself before handling any internal components.
Reconnect the computer to the power source. If you have previously disconnected the power supply and/or removed the battery, reconnect the power cable and/or reinstall the battery.
Turn on the computer. Depending on the model, you may need to access the BIOS and reconfigure certain settings, including the default boot options or date and time.
Reconnect the connector pins.
Turn off the computer. Use the Start menu or press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down completely.
- If you are using a desktop computer, you may need to power off the CPU by flipping the switch at the back of the case.
Unplug the computer. This includes both the desktop power cable and the laptop charging cable.
Remove the battery if necessary. If using a laptop (or a desktop with a backup battery), remove the battery before proceeding.
Discharge static electricity before handling. Touch any unpainted metal surface to discharge static electricity before opening the computer. Handling the motherboard or internal components without proper grounding can damage the computer.
Open the case. You'll need to access the motherboard of the computer. Be very cautious when working inside the computer, as static electricity can easily damage sensitive components.
Locate the CMOS jumper pins. Find the 3-pin jumper that controls the BIOS on the motherboard. It is typically located near the CMOS battery. The jumper connects two of the three pins.
- The jumper may be labeled CLEAR, CLR, CLEAR CMOS, PSSWRD, etc. Check the motherboard documentation to identify the correct jumper.
Move the jumper to the other two pins. For example, if the jumper is placed on the first and second pins, move it to the second and third pins. When removing the jumper, pull it straight upward to avoid bending the pins.
Press the power button. Press and hold the power button on the computer for about 10-15 seconds to discharge any residual electricity stored in the capacitors. This action resets the BIOS.
Return the jumper to its default position. Place the jumper back on the original pins. This allows you to access the BIOS during startup.
Assemble the computer. Handle all components with care, ensuring you properly ground yourself before proceeding.
Connect the computer to a power source. If you have unplugged the power cable or removed the battery, plug the power cord back in and/or reinstall the battery into the device.
Turn on the machine. Depending on your model, you will need to enter the BIOS and reconfigure certain settings, such as the default boot options and the date and time.
Tip
- Unless the settings have been changed, most computers will function correctly with the default BIOS configuration.
Warning
- Ground yourself before touching any internal components of the computer to minimize the risk of static electricity damaging the parts.
