Your computer’s BIOS, short for Basic Input/Output System, is a critical part of how your hardware operates from its first day of use to the last. BIOS helps manage the various components that add up to a modern computer, providing a stable and consistent way for devices to start up. Show
When you turn your computer on, your BIOS essentially tests and activates everything it needs to start running. Once it finishes testing components, it sends a signal to your operating system to activate and then hands over responsibility for program operation to the CPU. With modern computers, the term BIOS and UEFI (short for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are often used interchangeably to avoid confusion. The systems are comparable in purpose but differ in how they achieve the desired effect. There are three primary ways to reset your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Each gets the job done but can have slightly different fields of application and technical requirements from the user side. Here are the three methods we’ll discuss:
When do you need to reset your BIOS settings?For most users, BIOS issues should be uncommon. However, you may need to reset your BIOS settings to diagnose or address other hardware issues and to perform a BIOS password reset when you’re having trouble booting up. Resetting your BIOS restores it to the last saved configuration, so the procedure can also be used to revert your system after making other changes. Whatever situation you may be dealing with, remember that resetting your BIOS is a simple procedure for new and experienced users alike. It may be a little more technical than other day-to-day processes and you shouldn’t take it lightly, but it’s a straightforward and powerful fix when you’re facing otherwise insurmountable CMOS or hardware compatibility issues. How to reset BIOS settings on Windows PCs1. Reset internally from your device’s BIOS or UEFI menuBy far the most simple and non-technical method, resetting internally from your PC’s BIOS menu during bootup is also the safest and most consistent with the manufacturer’s intentions. It should be your preferred method unless you encounter difficulties starting up your computer or accessing the BIOS menu conventionally. Pre-Windows 10 builds should look for instructions during bootup, with F2 providing access on most machines. Windows 10 users have several options, though the first is the easiest:
Or if you prefer, you can also do the following:
Your computer should shut off and then load a setup menu. This interface can vary in exact appearance and wording, but there should be several areas to find the reset default button. Because the interface can vary, you may want to check multiple tabs for options, but be on the lookout for Configuration, Security, or Exit. Watch for phrases like “Load Setup Defaults” or “Load Default Options,” which should bring up a Yes or No dialog box. Select yes and your default settings should be restored. From here, simply exit and startup as usual. 2. Reset by removing and replacing the CMOS batteryThe first of our more technical solutions involve removing and replacing the CMOS battery. Not every type of motherboard includes a CMOS battery, which provides a power supply so that motherboards can save BIOS settings. Bear in mind that when you remove and replace the CMOS battery, your BIOS will reset. Here’s how to do it:
3. Clear and reset BIOS settings by clearing your motherboard jumperOur final method for resetting your BIOS involves clearing your motherboard jumper, but it’s almost always limited in application to desktop PCs. It can also involve making fine adjustments to your motherboard, so you should take precautions before you start. You’ll definitely need to do some research beforehand as well. First, you’ll need to check your owner’s manual or make sure you can successfully identify your motherboard jumper. They often look different, so familiarity with one or another type is not always a guarantee. Videos and guides are common, and manufacturers usually outline these procedures fairly clearly. Next, you’ll follow the same safety procedures described above.
You can often find them near your CMOS battery or by identifying a small plastic pin covering with associated language. But to avoid hiccups or settings problems, it’s crucial that you work from instructions tailored to your device. Other options and supportHaving trouble resetting your BIOS using the instructions above? Fortunately, most users still have plenty of recourse when they run up against obstacles. You can always contact for any issues with your HP laptopor desktop PC, and many other manufacturers will provide some form of assistance with or without a warranty. About the AuthorDwight Pavlovic is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Dwight is a music and technology writer based out of West Virginia. Can you tell her the BIOS configuration settings can be set to factory defaults by?Resetting the BIOS
Once you're in BIOS, you can try to hit either the F9 or F5 keys to bring up the Load Default Options prompt. Clicking Yes will be enough to restore the default settings. This key may be different depending on your BIOS, but it'll usually be listed at the bottom of the screen.
What are 3 items it is possible to set in the BIOS?Setting the system time. Setting the boot order. Setting various passwords, such as a password for securing access to the BIOS user interface and preventing malicious users from booting the system from unauthorized portable storage devices, or a password for booting the system.
What are two examples of settings that can be changed in the BIOS setup program?Once in BIOS Setup Utility, users can change hardware settings, manage memory settings, change the boot order or boot device, and reset the BIOS password, among other configuration tasks.
What options are configured in the BIOS?Common options include:. System Time/Date - Set the system time and date.. Boot Sequence - The order that BIOS will try to load the operating system.. Plug and Play - A standard for auto-detecting connected devices; should be set to "Yes" if your computer and operating system both support it.. |