How To Reset BIOS Settings [All Methods]

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Syeda Laiba Alam

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Sometimes, the only solution to fix the ongoing issues when you boot your computer seems to be a BIOS reset. However, the differences among computer devices make it difficult for users to figure out how to reset their BIOS settings. Often, users may worry about their precious data being wiped out because of a minor mistake. Therefore, knowing how BIOS settings can be reset without messing with other things on the PC is essential.

Method Difficulty Rating

Resetting By Entering BIOS When Booting

Accessing the BIOS varies with the motherboard installed on your PC. I have realized that every PC has a different key you must click when your computer boots to enter the BIOS. Below are keys of common brands you must click to enter their BIOS when your PC boots.

1. Setup Defaults: You are most likely to find ‘Setup Defaults’ > The key will most likely be ‘F9’ > Press the key to ‘Setup Defaults.’

   

2. Load Setup Defaults: If you can not find the setup default key below on the screen, you may look through the BIOS tabs for ‘Load Setup Defaults’ > In my case, it was under the ‘Restart’ tab.

   

3. Exit: Once you have pressed the key or clicked ‘Load Setup Defaults,’ > ‘Yes’ on the confirmation window. After clicking yes, > click F10 to save the changes and exit. This will reset your BIOS settings.

Resetting BIOS Through UEFI Firmware Settings

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is also a new addition to new PCs. I can tell you that this method is integrated into newer computers and offers a convenient way to manage BIOS settings without physically accessing the hardware. Therefore, the way of resetting BIOS differs from PC to PC.

1. Press Shift + Restart: The latest PCs tend to have UEFI through which you can access your BIOS. All you have to do is press ‘Shift + Restart’ (The restart button appears when you click on the Windows logo and then the power logo).
2. Advanced Options: After entering the blue-colored window, click on ‘Troubleshoot’ > ‘Advanced Options’ tab.

   

3. UEFI Firmware Settings: After entering the ‘Advanced Options’ tab > ‘UEFI Firmware Settings.’

   

4. Restart: Click ‘Restart’ to enter UEFI settings once the PC reboots.

   

5. Setup Defaults: You will again have to look for the ‘Setup Defaults’ option or something similar. For instance, ASUS UEFI settings have ‘Load Optimized Defaults’ under the ‘Exit’ tab.

   

6. Click Yes: Click ‘Yes’ when the confirmation window appears. The BIOS will reset once you have clicked ‘Yes,’ and your PC will reboot.

Resetting The BIOS By Picking Out CMOS Battery

Resetting the BIOS by removing the CMOS battery is a widely practiced technique to eliminate customized BIOS settings and revert them to their original state. For me it proved to be beneficial in various situations like incorrect configurations or forgotten passwords. Follow these steps:

1. Shut Down PC: You need to shut your PC down > turn its power supply off. Once there’s no current flowing (Wait a couple of minutes) > you may open the computer case.
2. Remove the CMOS battery: Look for a CMOS battery attached to your motherboard > You will most likely find it close to the PCI/PCIe slots > Carefully remove the CMOS battery from its place > wait for at least 5 minutes.

   

3. Press the Power Button: Press the power button of the PC (At least 10 seconds) so that the remaining power may drain > Put the CMOS battery back into its place > Make sure the smaller side is facing down when placing it back.

   

4. Assemble: Your BIOS will reset automatically after putting the CMOS battery back in place > You may reattach the computer case and power your PC on.

Resetting BIOS By Switching CMOS Jumper Pins

Resetting BIOS settings by switching the CMOS jumper pins is a method used to clear the BIOS configuration back to its default state. This process can be helpful in several scenarios:

1. Shut down PC: You need to shut your PC down > turn its power supply off > Once there’s no current flowing (Wait a couple of minutes) > you may open the computer case.
2. Find Jumper: Look for the jumper near the CMOS battery > It will be sitting on 2 of the three pins on the motherboard.

   

3. Switch Pins: Pick the jumper > switch the pins it is sitting on. For instance, if the jumper is sitting on pin 6 and pin 4 > you should make it sit on pin 2 and pin 4.

   

4. Press the power button: Press the power button of the PC (At least 10 seconds) so that the remaining power may drain.
5. Set Jumper Back: You may return the jumper to the pins it was previously sitting on (Pin 6 and Pin 4).
6. Assemble: Your BIOS will reset automatically after putting the jumper back in place > You may reattach the computer case and power your PC on.

What Affects Does BIOS Have On PC?

Resetting BIOS restores default settings, improving component performance by undoing changes like overclocking. It doesn’t erase HDD or SSD data but helps resolve issues and removes hidden malware, enhancing system stability.

Final Thoughts

Resetting the BIOS is relatively easy when done through the PC’s settings. However, some users might hold themselves back when it comes to having contact with the internal hardware of the PC (CMOS battery). Whatever the method is used, resetting the bios settings makes everybody nervous. 

Removed my CMOS battery. Resetting BIOS settings. If this doesn’t work, then I’ll be nervous.

— Ed (@Echo1878) June 20, 2010

If you’re unsure about the process or find it challenging to handle PC components, it’s advisable to follow our tested methods for resetting BIOS settings yourself, which are detailed and reliable. 

Related Guides:

• How to Reset BIOS without Display
• How To Reset PC
• How Long Do Laptops Last? 
• How To Find Out Your Power Supply Without Opening Computer
• How To Update Windows 

Syeda Laiba Alam

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com