From the first day of use to the last, your computer’s BIOS is an important part of how your hardware works. BIOS assists in the management of the various components that make up a modern computer, ensuring that devices start-up in a stable and consistent manner.
When you turn on your computer, the BIOS checks and activates everything it needs to get started. When it’s finished testing components, it sends an activation signal to your operating system before handing over control of the program to the CPU. To avoid misunderstanding, the terms BIOS and UEFI (short for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are frequently interchanged in modern computers. The systems serve similar purposes, but they achieve the desired effect in different ways.
There are three main methods for resetting the BIOS or UEFI settings on your computer. Each does the job, but they may have slightly different application fields and technical requirements from the user’s perspective. The three methods we’ll discuss are as follows:
- Internally reset your device using the BIOS or UEFI menu.
- Remove or replace the CMOS battery to reset.
- By clearing your motherboard jumper, you can clear and reset BIOS settings.
When should your BIOS settings be reset?
BIOS issues should be uncommon for most users. You may need to reset your BIOS settings to diagnose or address other hardware issues, as well as to reset your BIOS password if you’re having trouble booting up. The procedure can also be used to revert your system after making other changes by resetting your BIOS to the last saved configuration.
Whatever situation you’re in, remember that resetting your BIOS is a simple procedure that can be performed by both new and experienced users. It’s a little more technical than other day-to-day tasks, and you shouldn’t do it lightly, but it’s a simple and effective fix for otherwise insurmountable CMOS or hardware compatibility issues.
Reset internally from your device’s BIOS or UEFI menu
Internally resetting from your PC’s BIOS menu during bootup is by far the most simple and non-technical method, as well as the safest and most consistent with the manufacturer’s intentions. Unless you’re having trouble starting up your computer or accessing the BIOS menu the traditional way, this should be your preferred method.
Look for instructions during bootup on pre-Windows 10 builds, with F2 providing access on most machines. Users of Windows 10 have several options, the first of which is the most straightforward:
- While restarting your computer, keep the shift key pressed.
- A blue screen with advanced troubleshooting options should appear.
You can also do the following if you prefer:
- By clicking the gear icon in your Start menu, you can get to the Settings tab.
- Select Recovery from the left sidebar after selecting Update & Security.
- Below the Advanced Setup heading, you should see a Restart now an option; click it whenever you’re ready.
- When your computer restarts, a blue screen with advanced troubleshooting options should appear.
- Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options from the drop-down menu.
- To continue, select UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart.
- After your computer has shut down, a setup menu should appear. The exact appearance and wording of this interface may vary, but the reset default button should be located in several places.
Reset by removing and replacing the CMOS battery
The CMOS battery must be removed and replaced as the first of our more technical solutions. A CMOS battery, which provides a power supply so that motherboards can save BIOS settings, is not included in every type of motherboard. Keep in mind that removing and replacing the CMOS battery will reset your BIOS.
This is how you do it:
- Remove all connections from your PC’s power supply and turn it off.
- To avoid computer damage, make sure you’re properly grounded.
- Access the interior of your computer, locate the motherboard, and locate the CMOS battery. If you’re not sure what this component looks like on your device, look up the model and specifications online.
- Remove the battery, wait a few minutes, then reinstall it on your motherboard. Instead of simply reinserting the old battery, you might want to replace it with a new one. Remember to remove the battery with extreme caution to avoid damage, especially if it doesn’t detach easily.
Clear and reset BIOS settings by clearing your motherboard jumper
Clearing your motherboard jumper is our final method for resetting your BIOS, but it’s almost always limited to desktop PCs. It may also require fine adjustments to your motherboard, so proceed with caution before beginning. You’ll also need to conduct some preliminary research.
To begin, consult your owner’s manual or double-check that you can correctly identify your motherboard jumper. Because they often have different appearances, familiarity with one type or another is not always a given. Manufacturers usually outline these procedures fairly clearly in videos and guides.
After that, you’ll follow the same safety precautions as before.
- Begin by turning off your computer’s power, unplugging all cables, and grounding everything.
- Follow the jumper-clearing instructions in your motherboard’s manual or online guide from here.
You can usually find them near your CMOS battery or by looking for a small plastic pin covering with a language associated with it. However, working from instructions tailored to your device is essential to avoid hiccups or settings issues.