07.09.2024
Home / Office / A guide to resetting the BIOS to factory settings - how and why. Three ways to reset the BIOS on a laptop How to reset the BIOS to factory settings

A guide to resetting the BIOS to factory settings - how and why. Three ways to reset the BIOS on a laptop How to reset the BIOS to factory settings

Sometimes a novice user does not understand how serious the consequences of incorrectly made changes to the operation of the basic input/output system can be. However, not all users who are able to enter the “holy of holies” of a computer system know how to reset the BIOS settings. But sometimes it happens that the user urgently needs to return the “stability parameters” lost for one reason or another to the computer technology. Therefore, let's look at all the known and most used methods of resetting BIOS settings to their original state.

It is extremely important for a novice user to know how to reset BIOS settings!

And this is true! Unforeseen situations when it may be necessary to carry out such a software and hardware procedure are, as they say, a big cart. The most common problem - the inability to boot into the OS - is often the result of incorrectly made changes to the BIOS firmware. There are often cases when the cause of temporary computer inoperability is a trivial drop in the power supply in the centralized network. Let's not miss such an unfavorable moment as static voltage. In general, knowing how to reset BIOS settings is important and necessary!

A few words about autonomous “dependence”

This may be a kind of discovery for you, but the motherboard is equipped with a special battery, the energy of which helps keep data about the startup of the computer up to date. To elaborate on what has been said, we can add: changes made to the BIOS are recorded on a special memory microchip - CMOS.

If the above-mentioned battery fails (energy runs out), then it is likely that the computer system will begin to fail. By the way, a very simple action often helps to cure glitches: remove the battery from the motherboard socket and put it back in place after ten seconds.

What you need to do to reset the BIOS to factory settings

First of all, you can try to solve the above problem using the built-in tools of the firmware itself. That is, you need to go into the BIOS system and activate the recovery process manually. It is worth noting that depending on the modification of the electronic machine, its characteristics and the technologies implemented in it, the basic firmware installed on the device may differ from similar system software.

Therefore, the scenario for entering the BIOS on computers from various manufacturers is regulated by pressing a strictly appropriate button. Basically, the duty key “Delete” or “F2” is used. In any case, when you start the computer, test information is displayed on the PC screen about which key is responsible for entering the BIOS.

Case Study

So, let's get down to the immediate point of resolving the question: “How to reset the BIOS settings”:

  • Once you are in the firmware workspace, try pressing the "F9" key. In most cases, activating this button will activate an automatic reset to default settings.

  • If " hotkey"does not work, then you should carefully inspect the BIOS interface for the presence of an inscription in the form of "Load defaults..." or something similar. Sometimes this option is hidden in one of the firmware sections.

In some cases, you can reset the BIOS settings to default by reinstalling special CMOS jumpers.

How to do this?

Before you begin this activity, turn off your computer and disconnect it from power. If you have technical documentation, you should study it carefully.

  • Unscrew the protective cover system unit.
  • Find the “cherished” battery on motherboard.
  • Typically, CMOS jumpers are located in close proximity to the battery.

  • Move the plastic “lock” for 1-15 seconds from position 1-2 to position 2-3.
  • Install the auxiliary part in its original place and close the housing cover.

Solutions for portable electronics

The above options can also be successfully implemented on a laptop if you need to reset the BIOS settings on the laptop. However, under such "portable circumstances" some inconsistencies may arise. In particular, access to the CMOS battery in most laptops is simply closed.

Simply put, the battery is located in the very “bows” of a compact device, and therefore, without dismantling the case parts (to get to the battery), it will be unrealistically difficult to replace the battery. Therefore, let's resort to another option, which, by the way, is also effective in relation to desktop computers.

Launch the recovery utility

Through the start menu (in the search bar) or the checkbox of the “Run” service window (press the key combination “Win ​​+ R”), enter the command: debug.

  • For AMI BIOS: O 70 FF, then “Enter” and write: O 71 FF, press “Enter” again and end with the Q symbol.
  • WITH AWARD BIOS: O 70 17, O 73 17 and Q again.

You may find this recommendation useful. However, there is another option for resetting firmware settings in laptops: for 10-15 seconds, close two special contacts on system board. However, such information is not always indicated in the technical passport of a particular computing device. For example, in some modifications of laptops, two such points are located in close proximity to the RAM of the device. In general, those who seek will always find!

Summing up

Well, congratulations, now you know how to reset the BIOS through the settings. However, be selective when choosing one or another option to restore your device to factory settings. Because the Internet is a very clever joke, and there are more than enough pranksters to advise you. Successful resets and stability for your computing device!

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Changing BIOS settings can negatively affect the operation of your computer or laptop. Change BIOS settings should be used with caution, especially for those who like to delve into the BIOS settings. If you are sure that the manipulations you have performed to configure the BIOS have led to the computer slowing down, or even you see a black screen in front of you, do not worry, the BIOS settings can be returned to factory values. There are several ways to reset the BIOS to factory settings.

Method 1. The easiest way to reset the BIOS to factory settings is to reset using the menu command Load Defaults BIOSin the most BIOS settings (read). This menu line may be called Load BIOS Setup Defaults, Load Safe-Fail Defaults depending on the motherboard model. Look for meaning Defaults so as not to make a mistake.

Method 2. If your computer refuses to boot when you turn on BIOS and you see a black screen in front of you, then you need to de-energize the system unit by disconnecting the power cord from the power supply. After removing the cover of the system unit, you need to find the battery that is responsible for the CMOS memory and remove it from the socket. Wait 5-10 minutes for the CMOS memory to reset. Sometimes the charge contained in the capacitors does not give the desired result, then you need to reset BIOS third way.

Method 3. The most effective way to reset CMOS memory– using a jumper, which is located on the motherboard, usually next to the battery. You should be guided by the inscription; as a rule, these contacts indicate ( ClrCMOS, CCMOS, ClRTC, CRTC). The jumper is set to position 1-2 by default. To reset BIOS Setup you need to move the jumper to position 2-3 for about 15 seconds, see the figure. On motherboards there are also two contacts to reset the BIOS. In this case, you need to close these contacts. It also happens, which is very rare, that there is a special button to reset the BIOS settings on motherboards ClrCMOS.

What is BIOS? Why do you need a BIOS?
The motherboard does not work, how to check the functionality of the motherboard
Operating system installation

At the dawn of the advent of computer technology, most users were wary of such technical innovation. In case of problems, always seek help from qualified specialists. Time has passed, and there are significantly more advanced users. There are even more people willing to experiment with their PC, changing some settings in an attempt to increase performance.

Due to incorrect settings, the system may not boot

However, as a result of unprofessional actions, mistakes can be made that lead to serious problems, as a result of which it becomes necessary to learn how to reset the BIOS settings.

BIOS is special program, stored in the ROM chip. It is the BIOS that is responsible for starting the installed hardware. When turning on the PC, each user can hear a characteristic sound, after which the operating system starts.

Experienced owners confirm that this is how the BIOS tests devices and determines their performance. If a problem occurs, it is the BIOS that does not allow the operating system to boot, preventing more serious problems from occurring.

Reasons for resetting the BIOS

Since the BIOS is a kind of program, if desired, PC owners can make changes to its settings if they want to overclock the video card or the processor itself. In this regard, the most common reason why you have to reset the BIOS is precisely overclocking the video card.

By overclocking a video card or processor, the user wants to increase the performance of the electronic computer. However, having set critical parameters for the above devices, the computer will once again stop booting, since the BIOS receives information that the temperature of a particular device has been exceeded.

And due to the fact that the BIOS considers this to be the highest risk, it prevents the operating system from loading further.

There is another reason that causes the BIOS to not work correctly. Like any program installed on a PC, the BIOS can also be updated. However, it may happen that the update files were initially downloaded incorrectly because they were intended for a different motherboard. By making such an illiterate update, the owner of a smart machine himself provokes poor computer performance.

Setting a password, which is subsequently safely forgotten, also directs the user to reset the BIOS.

Experts can name several more reasons why you have to think that the BIOS is not working correctly. When nothing happens when you press the power button, unusual sounds can only be made; If your computer reboots spontaneously or experiences frequent freezes, it is useful to reset the BIOS to factory settings on your PC.

How to reset BIOS

You can reset the BIOS in two ways, conventionally divided into technical and software.

Soft reset

It is quite possible to return the factory default settings by going to the BIOS menu. You can log in the moment you turn on your computer. When only the first inscriptions appear on the screen, the user must quickly press a certain button. This could be "F2", "F10" or "Del". In some cases, the button may be different; by reading the instructions for the motherboard, you can find out which specific button is suitable for this model of electronic computer.

By pressing the correct button, the user is taken to the BIOS menu, where you should find a parameter such as Load Optimal Defaults or something similar, since different models There may be different names for the specified parameter.

After selecting this value, the BIOS will ask you to confirm the user's desire to reset the BIOS to factory settings. By pressing “F10”, the computer will reboot, after which the BIOS will be completely reset and the settings will return to their default state.

Resetting the factory default settings using this method is not difficult, but this method comes with both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that there is no need to disassemble the computer, violating the integrity of the warranty seal. But the disadvantage is that if the reason for resetting the settings is a password that is hopelessly forgotten, then this method will be ineffective, you will have to use another method.

Technical reset

Having figured out how to reset the default BIOS settings programmatically, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with other options.

Initially, you should turn off the power to the smart machine, unplug the cord from the outlet, making sure that the equipment is completely de-energized.

Next, you will need to remove the system unit cover and find the place where the CMOS battery is installed. Next to it you can easily find a jumper consisting of three contacts and labeled something like CLR, Clear, Clear CMOS. The jumper installed on this jumper occupies the first and second positions, the third remains free.

Now, wanting to understand how to reset the BIOS to factory settings, you need to carefully remove the jumper and also carefully insert it into the jumper again, but in the second and third positions.

To finally reset the BIOS and return the factory default settings, the user must press the power button and hold it there for up to 15 seconds. Of course, there can be no talk of any kind of switching on, since the equipment is completely de-energized. This action is carried out in order to remove the possible remaining voltage on the capacitors, thus accurately resetting incorrect BIOS settings.

The second method is almost identical. Only in in this case It is not the jumper on the jumper that is removed, but the CMOS battery. After removing the battery, the user must also hold the power button for 15 seconds.

A technical reset of settings also does not present any difficulties, but the user must understand that warranty obligations will be lost due to damage to the warranty seal. In this regard, it is important to decide which way is most convenient to reset the settings; perhaps a better option would be to take the equipment to a service center.

  1. Hello admin, I want to ask you - How to reset BIOS, if there are no special Clear CMOS jumpers on the motherboard. There are several jumpers and one of them has three contacts, under it it says CLR, maybe this is it? In short, my problem is that I overclocked the computer incorrectly and now when I boot it immediately goes into blue screen. Various forums suggest resetting the BIOS settings to factory settings. I’m a beginner user, this is the first time I’ve encountered such a problem, I’m afraid to do something wrong.
  2. Second letter. Tell me please - How to reset BIOS? A year ago I set a password for it, and now I wanted to reinstall the operating system, but I don’t remember the password, and accordingly I can’t enter the BIOS, and I can’t change the boot device priority to boot from the Windows disk. Friends say there should be a special jumper on the motherboard, but unfortunately I haven’t found one. I have an Asus motherboard and I can use the boot menu to change the boot priority, but for some reason I can’t use it. When you press the F-8 key during the initial boot phase, nothing happens.
  3. Third letter: Tell me, if you just enter the BIOS and reset the settings to default, that is, select the Load Setup Defaults option, press Enter, then OK, some settings will be reset. Is this a factory reset?

How to reset BIOS

As you can see, friends, resetting BIOS settings may be needed in a variety of situations. “Various computer problems” can happen to any user, because no one is immune from errors. But when it comes to overclocking computer components, you need to be very careful here, because the matter may end in failure of the motherboard or processor.
To reset the BIOS settings, first of all you need completely disconnect the computer and disconnect everything that is connected from it, then inspect the motherboard; the manufacturer must leave a special jumper on it to reset the settings. But even if you don’t find such a jumper, don’t be upset; you can reset the BIOS settings without it.
On old and inexpensive motherboards, such a jumper consists of two such contacts without a jumper with the inscription Clear CMOS or CLR CMOS under it.

On a completely de-energized computer, we close the contacts with a flat screwdriver for 10 seconds and that’s it,

Next, turn on the computer, go into the BIOS, the settings are already factory settings. If you had a password to enter the BIOS, it will be reset. You will also have to set the time again.
If the BIOS reset jumper has three contacts, then it has a jumper placed on the first and middle contacts (position 1-2).

To reset the BIOS, with the computer turned off, move the jumper to the middle and outer contacts (position 2-3), wait 10 seconds and move the jumper back and turn on the computer.

On newer motherboards, there is a special clr CMOS button specifically for resetting BIOS settings.

You can reset the BIOS settings by removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard and using a screwdriver to close the two contacts in the battery socket for a few seconds.


Well, the most unpretentious way is to simply remove the CMOS battery for 24 hours. Many experienced users may object and note that it only takes an hour to remove the battery to reset the settings. I want to say - not always.

And the last question. Resetting BIOS settings to factory settings and to default settings (default), are these different things?
Resetting the BIOS settings to default is almost the same as resetting the settings to factory settings. The only difference is that when you reset the BIOS to factory settings, the time in the BIOS is also reset, that’s all.
We go to the tab (Exit), in it, using the arrows on the keyboard, select the item Load Setup Defaults or maybe Load Fail-Safe Defaults, press Enter and OK. Settings have been reset.

Resetting the BIOS on a laptop can sometimes serve as a radical method against problems on a laptop computer.

Sometimes in case of system failures, only completely resetting the settings helps; the user should know the main nuances of these techniques.

In most cases, if the problem is not a hardware issue, this will help get the device back into working order.

Reset Features

At first glance, resetting BIOS settings to factory settings is not difficult. However, for a user conducting it for the first time (and most laptop owners may never encounter such a need), some questions arise during the process. Especially if software methods did not help, and you have to disassemble the laptop to reset.

There may be several reasons for using one of the BIOS reset methods:

  • resetting a forgotten, unknown (set by another user) or lost BIOS password. Although, if the user is not going to change anything in the settings, he may not need such a reset;
  • Incorrectly performed overclocking of the processor, in which critical values ​​of memory timings or bus frequencies were set. However, it is usually not recommended to overclock the chipset on laptops - not only because of problems, but also because of cooling problems;
  • the system does not boot for an unknown reason, although you can still enter the BIOS;
  • The BIOS has been modified by a non-technical person who does not remember which setting should be reset.

BIOS reset options

For a laptop computer, as well as for a stationary one, there are several options for solving the problem with the BIOS by resetting it:

  • reset the settings using the interface itself (a method suitable only if you managed to enter the BIOS);
  • using a special utility (used for 32-bit operating systems);
  • hardware (mechanical) method.

Additional reset methods can be found in your computer's documentation, if available. They will help you resolve the issue and provide instructions for specific model devices; most often they can be found on the Internet - on the manufacturer’s website or, as a last resort, on the forums of owners of similar models.

Reset via BIOS

To simplify the user's task, resetting settings to default values ​​is possible using the utility built into the BIOS. In order to use it, you should go to the interface by pressing a certain function key during loading. Most often these are Del and F2, less often – Esc, F10 and F11. You can determine more precisely which key is needed to enter the settings immediately when the system starts, when this information appears at the bottom of the screen.

Tip: For the UEFI interface, loading is too fast, and the flashing text is not easy to see. In this case, you can try to click on all the functional ones one by one or find the one you need on the Internet based on your laptop model.

After entering the BIOS menu, you should find the exit menu (Exit) and select the Load setup defaults item in it. By agreeing to reset the settings (selecting the Yes button), you will restore their factory values. After pressing F10, the changes you have made will be saved.

Owners of some laptop models may see other inscriptions in the BIOS menu, except for Load setup defaults. For example, a user of Sony equipment will find the inscription F3 Optimized Defaults here, indicating that after pressing this function key and saving the changes, a reset will also occur.

For modern models from Samsung, Toshiba and HP, there is an F9 Setup Defaults item in the settings, usually located at the bottom or right side of the screen. This means that to reset you need to press F9 and save the changes.

For outdated hardware models whose BIOS differs from modern versions, you need to find the Use Default Settings or Set BIOS Default items in the settings.

When you select them, an inscription may appear on the screen suggesting either a reset to factory settings (Load Optimized Defaults), or a transition to settings optimized for protection against failures (Load Fail-Safe Defaults).

In most cases, resetting the settings will restore the computer to normal operation and boot normally.

However, if an error occurs during the reset process, for example, when selecting the media from which the system boots, the user will have to enter the BIOS settings again and make small changes:

  1. Open BIOS;
  2. Go to the Boot section;
  3. Select the Boot Mode tab and, if UEFI is written in this field, change it to Legacy;
  4. Save changes and reboot the system.

The software reset method may not work. For example, if there is a password on the BIOS. Or you can’t enter it for some other reason.

DEBUG utility

Changing interface settings is also possible using a special utility for Windows. It is built into 32-bit versions of the OS and requires running as an administrator to operate. Resetting to zero using it is not difficult, although you must have administrator rights:

  1. Open the command execution menu (Win+R);
  2. Enter the command debug.exe;
  3. After it opens command line, enter from the keyboard in turn: “o702E”, “o71FF” and “q”;
  4. After entering each command, press the enter button.

After this, the BIOS settings are reset. And after rebooting the system, the user will see an error message and the need to check the settings. Next, you should manually configure the BIOS or leave the settings the same as they were when you purchased the device.

The only drawback of the utility is the inability to work in 64-bit Windows versions. This means that it is not suitable for most modern operating systems that require the use of other techniques.

Hardware method

A hardware method of resetting the laptop BIOS settings is required in cases where the password is unknown, forgotten, or when the user did not install any protection, but the BIOS was still protected.

In this case, selecting a password and using special utilities on boot disk don't help. The only way out is hardware reset.

Button to reset BIOS

Laptop models released over the past 2-3 years make it possible to do without disassembling the device. To reset the BIOS, just follow these steps:

  1. Turn off and turn the laptop upside down;
  2. Check the bottom part for the presence of the CMOS inscription on the case, near which there may be a special hole for resetting the BIOS;
  3. Insert a sharp object such as a paper clip or nail into the hole and hold it for half a minute;
  4. Turn on the laptop.

If no holes are found on the back of the laptop, it should be disassembled.

Attention! Further instructions are for advanced PC users only!

Please remember that removing the cover and disassembling the computer voids the warranty.

Be sure to remove before disassembling peripherals(unplug the power cord if the computer is charging, remove the flash drives and cables connecting to other equipment) and the battery.

Disabling the battery

One of the simplest hardware reset methods is to turn off the autonomous power supply on the motherboard. Most laptop models store BIOS settings and current time in memory, which is dependent on a small CR2032 battery.

By removing this battery, you can turn off the BIOS power and reset all settings, including the password. The board will have to be de-energized for a period of 5 to 40 minutes, depending on the model. Sometimes the device may turn out to be non-volatile and the reset will not occur.

The battery is easy to reach - it is usually located close to one of the edges of the board and is not covered by other components.

The user will need:

  • remove the cover;
  • de-energize the device by removing the battery;
  • find a miniature power source;
  • lightly press the latch and remove the battery;
  • wait a while (in order not to repeat the procedure, it is better to wait at least 40 minutes);
  • install the battery back using the same light pressure;
  • turn on the laptop;
  • Configure the BIOS again, setting the clock, date and system boot order.

Some boards have a built-in non-removable battery. For them, removing the battery is impossible, so you should move on to the last method.

Switching the cleaning jumper

The jumper switching method is based on the presence of a special jumper in the laptop, which is responsible for resetting the BIOS.

To find it, you will need to remove the cover of your laptop to gain access to the board. Most often, the switch is located near the battery, and the jumper is usually labeled with inscriptions such as CLRTC, CLR and CCMOS.

The jumper pad almost always consists of three contacts. To reset the BIOS, you need to move the jumper one step: from the first position to the second or from the second to the third.

While the jumper is in the switched position, you need to press the power button of the laptop and hold for at least 10 seconds.

Naturally, when the power is turned off, the laptop will not turn on, but the signal will be transmitted to the jumper. After this, the jumper is returned to starting position, the computer is assembled, and the BIOS is reconfigured.

Advice: Instead of a jumper on the laptop jumper, there may be a special button, pressing which allows you to perform a similar action. You should press with a pencil or pen, waiting the same 10 seconds.

Using any hardware method, from removing the battery to switching the jumper, although it almost 100% guarantees a reset, can lead to the loss of the warranty of a new laptop, so you should use them only after the end of the warranty period.

Conclusions

Methods for resetting the BIOS make it possible to cope with the problem without turning to third-party specialists. Most often, the issue is resolved within a few minutes, most of which will be spent disassembling and reassembling the laptop.

But, if none of the methods helped you reset your password, you will still have to contact the experts to restore the ability to change the settings yourself.

It is possible that in this case the device is protected using a separate non-volatile chip.