How to Reset BIOS Safely

BIOS stores the basic low-level drivers that are used to identify and make use of generic hardware such as Hard disk, PSU, RAM, processor. All the vital hardware components required to run the computer and make it a ‘system’, are connected, recognized, and instructed through BIOS.

Resetting BIOS is a daunting task as it not only boots up at the very earliest stage of the system bootup process but also stays up and running after that.

Even after loading the OS onto the RAM, BIOS stays active in the background acting as the gateway between generic hardware and Operating System.

When Should We Reset BIOS

In case of any hardware problems or a physical error (e.g: a fan is spinning at an unusual speed, processor’s bus speed has been tampered with), BIOS reset is to be performed.

Here are a few other reasons we may need to reset BIOS

• Revert Overclocking settings: You can change your BIOS settings to give your system a performance boost. For instance, using the BIOS to overclock RAM and the CPU.
  However, changing the BIOS settings can be risky as the computer may not boot up if we apply the wrong settings. Resetting the BIOS will revert all its settings to default. 
• To reset BIOS password: Another scenario where BIOS reset is required is when the user forgets supervisor password of the BIOS.
• System does not detect certain hardware: If the system does not detect any internal hardware component (such as the TPM chip), you can perform a BIOS rest.

How to Reset BIOS?

You can reset the BIOS in three different ways.

Reset from BIOS Menu

If your system turns on and you have access to the BIOS, you can simply use the BIOS itself to restore default settings. However, if the computer does not start or shuts down after a certain period of time, this solution will be unreliable. We recommend you switch to Reset using the CMOS solution.  

To reset from the BIOS menu, follow these steps,

1. Press the Del, F2, F9, or F10 key during the boot process to enter BIOS. This key will be different according to the motherboard/laptop manufacturer.
2. If we cannot enter the BIOS, open Windows, go to Settings, and go to System > Recovery.
3. Click on Restart now.
4. Now, the Windows will boot into Advanced Troubleshooting Options.
5. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
6. Here, click on Restart. The system will now boot into BIOS.

1. While navigating the BIOS, check for settings such as Load Setup Defaults, Reset, Load Default Settings, Load Default Options. 
2. Select any of these option.
3. To exit the BIOS, search for options that say Save and Exit.

Once the computer restarts, all the BIOS settings will have reset.

Reset using the CMOS

The CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) is a battery-like device that supplies a small amount of power to the chip that stores the BIOS setting. To reset the BIOS, you will need to remove the CMOS from the motherboard.

Access the Motherboard

Before we start, follow these steps to access the motherboard.

1. First, remove all plugs from the computer connected to a wall outlet.
2. Press the computer power button a few times to discharge any capacitor.
3. Open the computers’ side panel to access the motherboard.

Locate CMOS Battery

Once you open the side panel, you will see the CMOS battery near the DIMM, the memory socket, or the PCIe slots. 

The CMOS is a circular battery. Visually scan your motherboard for any circular object. It is most likely the CMOS battery.

If there is some issue regarding the location of the CMOS battery, we can always refer to the motherboards user manual. Depending on the motherboard, there will be writing that says “CMOS” under the CMOS battery itself.

Remove CMOS Battery

Once we locate the CMOS battery, follow these steps to remove the CMOS battery.

1. We can push the metallic pin (which works as a spring) to pop out the CMOS battery.
2. Once we remove the CMOS, wait for 20 to 30 seconds before reinserting them. To reinsert, face the CMOS battery with +sign up.
   
3. Reassemble the computer after you reseat the CMOS.

Some motherboards may have CMOS attached to them that we cannot detach. If so, we can reset the BIOS using the jumper.

Reset Using the Jumper

As discussed above, some motherboards have a non-removable CMOS battery. If we cannot remove the CMOS, a pin named the jumper in the motherboard will reset the BIOS settings.

Before we start, follow these processes to access the motherboard

1. Remove all cables from the computer connected to a wall outlet.
2. Press the computer power button a few times to discharge any capacitor.
3. Now, open the side panel from the CPU case to have access to the motherboard.

Locate the CMOS Jumper

Once we have access to the motherboard, follow these steps to locate the jumper.

Now search the motherboard for any sign that says CLR, CLEAR CMOS, CLEAR, CLRCMOS1, JBAT1. This indication will depend on the motherboard manufacturer, so their respective user manual is going to be a great help in locating the jumper switch.

Again, depending on the motherboard, there are two types of jumper switches; a 2pin jumper switch and a 3-pin jumper switch.

Reset CMOS with 2-Pin Jumper

Resetting the BIOS using the 2-pin jumper is fairly simple; we just need to short these two pins.

Follow these steps to reset the 2-pin jumper.

1. You can use a normal screwdriver and make contact with both pins.
2. Turn on the PC, while making contact to these pins.
3. Make sure that your hands are stable and the two pins are in contact with the screw driver.
4. Once the computer turns on, the BIOS setting will have reset.

Reset CMOS with 3-Pin Jumper

Now, if the motherboard has three pins, let’s name them Pin 1, Pin 2, and Pin 3; by default pins 2 and 3 will be connected by a plastic connector, this is the jumper.

Please follow these steps to perform a BIOS Reset.s

1. Move the jumper from pins 2 and 3 to 1 and 2.
2. Now, turning on the PC will reset the BIOS.

However, if we do not revert the jumper to its previous position, i.e., pin 2 and 3, the BIOS will reset every time we turn on the PC. Therefore, we need to move the jumper back to its previous position,i.e, pin 2 and 3.

Physical Reset Switch

The latest motherboard models will most likely have physical switches or buttons that can reset your CMOS battery or BIOS settings. We can find these switches on the motherboard or the CPU case itself.

If your motherboard or PC case has this switch, press it for five to ten seconds to reset them.

However, these buttons are unavailable for mid-range motherboards, so the first three solutions will work for all if not most PCs.