How to reset BIOS and reanimate your computer

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If your computer shuts down for no apparent reason, won't turn on, or you forgot your BIOS password, try resetting the settings.

A reset can also be useful when Windows won't boot or your computer is unstable. If the listed problems occurred after changing BIOS settings or a firmware failure, then these instructions may help you.

Recall that BIOS is a software environment that controls the basic functions of a computer and is the link between the hardware and the operating system. After the reset, files on drives and Windows settings will remain intact. But, most likely, you will have to go into the BIOS, find the section with the time and date settings and re-configure them.

All of the above reset methods are suitable for both desktop computers and laptops.

1. How to reset BIOS through the programming interface

The easiest way to reset the BIOS is to open its interface and use the reset command. But this option is only suitable if the computer turns on and you remember the BIOS password or did not set it.

To get into the interface, in the first seconds of turning on the computer, press F1, F2, F8, Delete or another key until you see a menu with settings. As a rule, the required button is displayed at the bottom of the screen when the device starts up.

Once in the BIOS menu, find an item with a name like Reset to Default, Factory Default, Setup Defaults, or Load Optimized Defaults. This option is usually found in the Exit section. Use it and confirm the action - the computer will restart and the settings will be reset.

If for some reason you cannot get into the BIOS interface or find the desired item, try the following methods. But to do this, you will need to remove the case cover to gain access to the motherboard.

Remember, opening the case may void your warranty.

2. How to reset BIOS using a jumper or button on the board

Turn off your computer and unplug it from electrical outlets and other devices. If you have a laptop, remove the battery. Then remove the case cover and inspect the motherboard.

Some newer motherboards have a dedicated button for resetting BIOS settings. Usually, right on or near it, you can see labels like CLEAR, CLR, PSSWRD or CLR_CMOS. If you find such a button on your motherboard, just click on it. BIOS settings will be reset, and you just have to build and turn on the computer.

If there is no such button, then next to the battery there should be a so-called jumper - a special jumper with which you can reset. It takes two contacts out of three. Remove it and slide it over the other two contacts.

While the jumper is in the new position, press and hold the computer power button for 10-15 seconds. The computer will not turn on because it is de-energized, but the BIOS will be reset. After that, you can return the jumper to its old place, and then assemble and turn on the computer.

If this method doesn't work or you can't find the jumper, try the next one.

3. How to reset BIOS using a removable battery

BIOS settings are saved even when the computer is not connected to power sources. This is due to a battery on the motherboard that constantly powers the microcircuit. But if you remove it for a few minutes, the BIOS will reset.

Turn off your computer and unplug it from electrical outlets and other devices. If you have a laptop, remove the battery.

Remove the case cover and locate the battery on the motherboard. Then carefully remove the battery for 10 minutes and put it back in. Do not overdo it: in some devices it may be non-removable. In such cases, it remains to rely only on the previous methods or give the device for reset to a service center.

On many laptops, the battery is connected to the motherboard using a special wire. If you notice one, disconnect the wire from the board before removing the battery.

When reinstalling it, close the case, replace the battery if necessary, and turn on the computer.