In this wikihow article, you will learn how to reset the BIOS (basic input-output system) of your Windows computer to factory settings. You can do this procedure on most computers on the BIOS page. However, if you cannot access your computer's BIOS, you will need to reset it by opening the case and removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard (or, in the case of desktop computers, by resetting the jumper switch on the motherboard).
In some cases, opening your computer's case will void your warranty and run a significant risk of permanent damage. If you cannot access the BIOS, it is best to take the computer to a service technician rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Reboot from BIOS
Step 1. Restart the computer
Open Start
, click the power icon
and then in Restart.
- If your computer is locked, click on the lock screen, then on the power icon located in the lower right corner of the screen, and finally on Restart.
- If the computer is off, press the power button.
Step 2. Wait for the first startup screen to appear
Once the home screen appears, you will have a very limited time in which you can press the settings key.
If you see the message "Press [key] to enter setup" or something similar at the bottom of the screen and then disappears, you will need to reboot and try again
Tip:
it is best to start pressing the setup key as soon as the computer starts to reboot.
Step 3. Repeatedly press the Delete keys or F2 to enter setup.
Keep in mind that the key they ask you to press could be different; in that case, press the one indicated.
- If the Delete or F2 keys don't work, press F8 or F10.
- Generally, you will need to use the "F" keys to access the BIOS. These keys are located at the top of the keyboard, although you should probably find the Fn key and hold it down while also pressing the corresponding "F" key.
- You can check your computer model manual or online support page to confirm the BIOS key.
Step 4. Wait for the BIOS to load
After successfully pressing the setup key, the BIOS will load, which should only take a few moments. At the end of the loading process, you will have access to the BIOS setup menu.
If you can't access the BIOS because your computer is password-locked or the data is corrupted, use another of the methods described in this article
Step 5. Find the option "Default settings"
The location and text for this option will vary depending on the different BIOS, but it will generally say "Reset to Default", "Factory Default", "Default Settings" or something similar. It's probably on one of the tabs or it could be an option located near the navigation buttons.
If the BIOS does not have this option, follow one of the methods described in the next section
Step 6. Select the option “Load default settings” and press ↵ Enter
Use the directional arrows to select it and then press ↵ Enter to restart the BIOS immediately.
Again, the option text will probably be different depending on each BIOS
Step 7. If necessary, save the changes and confirm your selection
Doing so will usually exit BIOS as well, and your computer will automatically reboot. If you have to change the BIOS settings after the BIOS restarts, you will probably need to restart your computer again and enter the BIOS to change it.
Method 2 of 3: Remove the CMOS Battery
Step 1. Shut down the computer
You can use the Start menu to turn it off or press and hold the power button until the computer is completely shut down.
If you're using a desktop computer, you can usually turn it off completely by pressing a switch on the back of the case
Step 2. Disconnect the computer from all power sources
This includes power cables (on desktops) and charging cables (on laptops).
Step 3. If necessary, remove the battery from the computer
If you're using a laptop (or desktop with a battery backup), remove the battery before proceeding.
Step 4. Before proceeding, get rid of static electricity
To do this, touch an unpainted metal surface before you begin taking the computer apart. Touching the motherboard or internal computer components without properly grounding them could permanently damage them.
Step 5. Open the case
In this way, you will be able to access the motherboard of the computer. However, be very careful when doing this, as electrostatic discharge could easily damage sensitive components.
For many laptops, you can access the CMOS battery from a removable panel located on the bottom of the computer. If yours does not have such a panel, you will probably need to disassemble it to access it
Step 6. Remove the CMOS battery
This is usually near the PCI slots, but its location may vary depending on the motherboard model. It can even be hidden between expansion cards and cables. Normally, it is a standard round 3V clock battery (CR2032).
Tip:
the CMOS battery is not always removable. If it doesn't come out, don't force it; instead, reset the motherboard jumper.
Step 7. Press the power button
Press and hold the power button for about 10-15 seconds to discharge any remaining energy that is stored in the capacitors. When downloaded, the CMOS memory will reset, in turn resetting the BIOS.
Step 8. Reinsert the CMOS memory
Carefully insert the CMOS battery back into its respective place and make sure to do it in the correct direction. Note that the slightly smaller side should be facing down.
Step 9. Reassemble your computer
Do it carefully and don't forget to ground from time to time.
Step 10. Reconnect your computer's power supply
If you unplugged your computer from the wall outlet, plug it back in; or you removed the battery, please put it back.
Step 11. Turn the computer back on
Depending on your computer, you can probably access the BIOS and reconfigure some of the options, including default startup, or time and date.
Method 3 of 3: Reset the jumper
Step 1. Turn off the computer
To do this, use the Start menu or press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down.
If you're using a desktop computer, you can usually turn it off completely by pressing a switch on the back of the case
Step 2. Disconnect the computer from all power sources
This includes power cables (on desktops) and charging cables (on laptops).
Step 3. If necessary, remove the battery from the computer
If you're using a laptop (or desktop with a battery backup), remove the battery before proceeding.
Step 4. Before proceeding, get rid of static electricity
To do this, touch an unpainted metal surface before you begin taking the computer apart. If you touch the motherboard or internal components of the computer without properly grounding it, you could permanently damage them.
Step 5. Open the case
In this way, you will be able to access the motherboard of the computer. However, be very careful when doing this, as electrostatic discharge could easily damage sensitive components.
Step 6. Find the CMOS jumper
Find the three-pin jumper on the motherboard that controls the BIOS. It is usually located near the CMOS battery. This covers two of the three pins.
Note:
the jumper could be labeled CLEAR, CLR, CLEAR CMOS, PSSWRD, or many other ways. Check your motherboard documentation to find the correct jumper.
Step 7. Move the jumper to the other two pins
For example, if the jumper covers the first two pins, move it so that it covers the second and third. When removing it, be sure to pull straight up so you don't bend the pins.
Step 8. Press the power button
Press and hold the power button for about 10-15 seconds to discharge the remaining power into the capacitors. This will cause the BIOS to reboot.
Step 9. Return the jumper to its default location
Put the jumper back over the pins it was originally on. This way, you will be able to access the BIOS when you turn on the computer.
Step 10. Reassemble your computer
Do it carefully and don't forget to ground from time to time.
Step 11. Reconnect your computer's power supply
If you unplugged your computer from the wall outlet, plug it back in; or you removed the battery, please put it back.
Step 12. Restart the computer
Depending on your computer, you can probably access the BIOS and reconfigure some of the options, including default startup, or time and date.