How to Reset BIOS to Default Settings in 3 Different Ways

If you've forgotten your BIOS password and need help resetting your PC's BIOS, you're not alone. Thankfully, there are dozens of ways you can reset the BIOS to its default settings. In a nutshell, you can reset the BIOS by following the instructions outlined in this article.

#1 What is BIOS and why would you need to reset it? BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is a low-level software interface between a computer's hardware and its operating system. It is responsible for performing a Power-On Self-Test (POST), initializing hardware devices, and loading the operating system. BIOS is contained within a small flash memory chip on the motherboard, allowing users to adjust hardware configurations through a setup utility. There are several reasons why you might need to reset your BIOS: 1. **Boot Issues**: If your computer fails to start up properly or encounters POST errors, resetting the BIOS can help restore default settings and eliminate issues caused by incorrect BIOS configuration. 2. **Update Failure**: A failed or interrupted BIOS update can lead to unstable system behavior. Resetting the BIOS in such cases can revert to a previous stable version. 3. **Hardware Changes**: After installing new hardware, you may need to adjust BIOS settings for compatibility. Incorrect settings can be resolved by resetting the BIOS to default, compatible settings. 4. **Performance Optimization**: Users might modify BIOS settings to boost system performance, but these changes can sometimes cause instability. Resetting the BIOS brings it back to the factory-optimized state. 5. **Virus Infection**: Although rare, some viruses can affect BIOS settings. Resetting can remove any malicious alterations. Methods to reset the BIOS typically include: - **Load Default Settings in BIOS**: Locate this option in the BIOS setup menu and follow the prompts. - **Clearing CMOS**: Most motherboards have a jumper or battery that, when disconnected or removed for a period, clears the CMOS memory, resetting BIOS settings. - **Using a BIOS Flash Utility**: In certain cases, default BIOS can be restored using a specific flashing program. Before resetting your BIOS, ensure you understand your system and BIOS type, as incorrect actions can render the system inoperable. It's advisable to back up important data and follow manufacturer guidelines before undertaking such operations.

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is the first layer of software loaded onto a computer's main RAM chip, and it is responsible for loading the rest of the operating system. This means that the BIOS is responsible for just about everything your computer does, which is why resetting the BIOS is so important.

In addition, the BIOS lets you install and configure hard drives, RAM, and sound cards.

Since the BIOS is responsible for running your operating system, keeping it up to date is very important. The more often you update your BIOS, the better your computer will run.

How to reset BIOS to default settings in various ways

While resetting the BIOS is the ultimate solution for configuring hardware settings or monitoring screen resolution, it's essential to ensure that all relevant updates have been applied before restarting your computer or installing new hardware to avoid any issues.

Solution 1: Reset the BIOS using the BIOS setup utility

If your computer is having issues, first check that the power supply is functioning properly. If the power supply is working, try using the BIOS setup utility to reset the BIOS.

Use the BIOS Setup utility to reset the BIOS:

1. Press the "F2" key as your system starts up.

2. Press the "Delete" key on your keyboard, or tap the "Delete" icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

3. Select the “Advanced Settings” option from the menu, and press the button.

4. Select the “Load CMOS Defaults” option, and press Enter.

Solution 2: Reset the BIOS by resetting the configuration data

If the above methods do not work, you can also try resetting your configuration data.

To reset the BIOS settings on a Windows computer, just follow these simple steps.

Setup > Advanced > Reset Configuration Data > Change "Disabled or None" to "Enabled or Yes" > F10 > Save and Exit

Solution 3: Reset the BIOS by removing the CMOS battery

If the computer will not boot, try removing the CMOS battery first.

If you're having issues with your BIOS, you can reset it by removing the CMOS battery. Here's how:

1) Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.

2) While holding down the "F2" key, press and hold "Delete." When prompted, press "Enter."

Click F2

3) Press and slide the battery cover to remove the CMOS battery.

Additional Guide: How to Protect BIOS Data on Windows 10/11

With BIOS boot, you can change the boot order and hardware configuration. In case of unexpected data loss due to system installation or hardware failure, tools like Todo Backup can help. This is because once a backup is created, it can help you restore your data quickly to your computer.

Todo Backup Home is a multi-functional backup software for Windows 11/10/8/7. It helps you back up your entire system, disks, partitions, and more. Additionally, it can automatically back up files, such as documents, videos, images, music, and so on. Apart from that, it can clone hard drives and create an ISO image from your operating system. It also allows you to perform full backups, incremental backups, and differential backups.

With Todo Backup, you can easily back up your computer with just a few clicks.

Step 1: Launch Todo Backup on your computer and click “Create a backup” on the main screen. Then, click the big question-mark button to choose what you want to back up.

Step 2. To back up your Windows operating system, click "OS" to start the backup task.

Step 3. Your Windows operating system and all system-related files and partitions will be selected automatically, so you don't need to make any selections here. Next, you need to click on the area highlighted in the image below to choose where you want to save your System Image backup.

Step 4. The backup location can be another local disk on your computer, an external drive, a network, cloud storage, or a NAS. We recommend saving system backup files to an external physical drive or cloud storage.

Step 5: If needed, click on Options to customize your settings, such as scheduling automatic backups (daily, weekly, monthly, or event-based), and performing differential and incremental backups. Then, click Backup Now to start the Windows backup process. Completed tasks will be displayed as cards on the left side.

Bottom line

If you follow the recommended instructions, you should have your new BIOS password in no time. Once the process is complete, the system will automatically restart and restore its default settings. Once you've reset the BIOS to default settings, turn off your computer for a while and let it cool down for a few minutes. Whether you're doing this manually or through an internal setup utility like Settings, make sure to follow the specific sequence of instructions as written. You can use tools like Todo Backup to regularly back up your computer and avoid losing data.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I reset my BIOS to default settings? When you reset your BIOS to its default settings, it wipes all custom configurations, including overclocking, hardware settings, and boot order. This returns the BIOS to its factory state, which is typically the most stable configuration. Here's what might occur: 1. **System Performance May Change**: If you had overclocked settings in your BIOS, the system performance may revert to its standard level. 2. **Boot Order Reset**: By default, your computer may now prioritize booting from the hard drive or CD/DVD drive instead of the USB drive or other device you previously set. 3. **Hardware Settings Reset**: Settings such as memory frequency and CPU voltage will return to their default values. 4. **Security Settings Restored**: BIOS passwords and any security options may be cleared or reset. 5. **Possible Need to Reinstall the Operating System**: In some cases, if the default settings are incompatible with your current operating system, a reinstallation might be required. 6. **Date and Time Reset**: The BIOS's date and time information is usually lost. Before doing this, it's advisable to save all your work and ensure you know how to enter and exit the BIOS setup, in case you need to reconfigure anything.

Your BIOS is the first program that runs when you turn on your computer. It contains many settings, such as configurations for your graphics card, hard drive, and other components. Resetting your BIOS to default is like starting from scratch. Some computers have a button to do this, but others require you to change settings through a software menu.

2. Does resetting the BIOS delete files?

The short answer is: no; resetting the BIOS doesn't delete any files from your system. This is because the file systems used by most operating systems are entirely different from those used by BIOS and firmware applications, such as CPU microcode updates. These firmware updates are typically applied to add new features or fix issues without requiring the deletion of system files.

What is BIOS recovery?

BIOS recovery involves downgrading the firmware to an older version that is compatible with newer hardware or software. This feature is available on certain motherboards, allowing users to update their system's firmware without reinstalling the entire system or risking data loss during the upgrade process – a procedure known as "flashback." Some models even allow for multiple flashbacks in a single session! This can save time and money while ensuring all your data remains intact after each update.

4. Will updating the BIOS erase everything?

No, updating the BIOS will not wipe everything. You can update the BIOS on your computer at any time if it's running from a hard disk drive. However, if you're using an SSD or another form of solid-state storage, there's usually no need to update the BIOS unless you want to.