How to Factory Reset BIOS on a Windows PC [2024 Method]

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BIOS is the first program that runs when you power up your computer, and it assists with basic operations and manages commands between your computer and the operating system installed on it. Like any other program, if you encounter BIOS issues while starting up your computer or adding new hardware, you may need to reset it to its factory settings. This means all BIOS settings will revert to their original state from when the computer was manufactured, ensuring optimal performance.

So, how to factory reset Windows 11 from BIOS on a computer? This post will show you some ways. Actually, it's quite a straightforward process, so you don't need to worry.

When is it necessary to perform a factory reset from BIOS?

When changes you made to the BIOS cause hardware issues, like your computer's GPU, CPU, or RAM not working correctly, the only way to fix it is by resetting the BIOS to default. This is also particularly useful if your PC is having trouble booting up.

Another instance where you might need to reset your BIOS to factory settings is after installing new hardware on your computer. This is because the BIOS settings you modified for your old hardware may conflict with the new one, and a reset is recommended.

Moreover, performing a BIOS factory reset can help revert system modifications to default settings, which might be necessary when selling or buying a used computer. Additionally, if you've forgotten the BIOS password and cannot boot your PC, executing a BIOS factory reset can resolve this issue.

Here are some reasons why you might need to reset your BIOS to its factory settings:

• Boot Issues
• Hardware Problems
• New Hardware Installed
• Bought a Used Computer
• Forgotten BIOS Password
• Resetting Overclocking Settings

How to Factory Reset Your BIOS on a Windows Computer

Do you need to perform a factory reset in BIOS? As mentioned, there are three basic methods to execute a factory reset in BIOS, and they're quite straightforward. Choose the one that best suits your needs:

Method 1: Reset from the BIOS

You can reset the BIOS settings directly from the BIOS screen by doing the following:

Step 1: First, restart your computer. As it's booting back up, repeatedly press Del, F1, or F2. The key you need to press to enter the BIOS will depend on your motherboard's make. If Del or F1 doesn't work, consult your motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website.

Step 2: Once in BIOS, use the arrow keys to select the “Exit” menu, then choose “Load Setup Defaults.” Depending on your motherboard, you may see an option like “Reset to Defaults,” “Load Optimal Defaults,” or “Restore Settings.”

You can use the arrow keys to navigate to this option and press Enter to select it.

Step 3: Select Yes to confirm, and the BIOS will reset immediately.

Step 4: In the "Exit" tab, select "Save Changes and Exit," then click "Yes." Alternatively, you can press F10 to save your settings and exit the BIOS.

Method 2: Clear the CMOS

If you can't access the BIOS due to a forgotten password or a problem with the BIOS, you can remove the CMOS battery or reset the motherboard jumper. This involves opening your computer and touching the motherboard. Here's how:

Step 1: Turn off the computer and unplug it from any power source. If you're working with a laptop, remove the battery after shutting down.

2. Touch a metal surface before turning on your computer to discharge any static electricity.

Step 3 Open up your laptop and locate the motherboard. Find the CMOS battery (a small silver battery); on some motherboards, it may be located underneath the GPU, while on others it will be near the PCI slots. Gently prise it out.

"Locating the CMOS battery"

Step 4. Hold down your computer's power button for 10 to 15 seconds to drain the computer of power. This will reset the CMOS memory, which will in turn reset the BIOS.

Step 5: Now, reinsert the CMOS battery and reconnect your computer.

If your motherboard doesn't have a CMOS battery, you can use the CMOS jumper, which is usually labeled CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, CLR, PSSWRD, or another label on the motherboard. To locate the CMOS jumper, check the manufacturer's website or the manual that came with your motherboard.

Once you've located the CMOS jumper, remove it and place it over the other two pins. If the jumper was previously on the first two pins, it should now be on the last two. This will reset the CMOS and, by extension, the BIOS.

If you'd like to reset your Windows PC another way, read this article for more information:

2022 Comprehensive Guide: How to Factory Reset Your PC

When users decide to give away or sell their computer, they often choose to factory reset it. The purpose of a factory reset is to remove all personal settings and data from the target computer.

Conclusion

Use one of the above methods to reset your BIOS to default if necessary. This will restore the BIOS settings without affecting any data on your computer. Be sure to follow the steps as closely as possible, however, since mistakes can cause issues with your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Factory Reset from BIOS

Here, we also tackle issues related to resetting the factory settings in BIOS. If you're interested, feel free to continue reading and learn the answers:

1. Is it safe to reset BIOS to factory settings?

Resetting your BIOS to factory settings is usually done to resolve issues with your computer. It simply involves restoring your computer's BIOS settings to default. As such, resetting your BIOS is perfectly safe.

2. Does resetting the BIOS delete data?

A BIOS reset is not the same as a Windows factory reset. A Windows factory reset, performed through the Settings app, will erase data from your computer, whereas a BIOS reset has nothing to do with your PC's data. In short, a BIOS factory reset won't delete any data from your computer; it will only revert the BIOS settings to their default values.