How to reset PC BIOS/CMOS

This guide details How to Reset the PC BIOS/CMOS to its default settings. This guide applies regardless of the Windows version you currently have installed on your computer: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and Windows 10.

You can follow the instructions from this guide for most major manufacturers of computers: Dell, HP, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba, Samsung, and more.

Method #1: BIOS Menu

By opening the BIOS menu and finding the Default Settings option, you can reset the BIOS directly from its menu.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer
2. Notice the key that you need to press on the first screen. This key opens the BIOS menu or “setup” utility.
   For example, here’s how this looks like on many Dell PCs: Notice the key guide in the top-right corner. This key is usually any of the following, depending on your computer manufacturer: Esc, Del, F2, F8, or F12.
3. Find the option to reset the BIOS settings. This option is usually called ANY of the following:
   • Load Default
   • Load Fail-Safe Defaults
   • Load BIOS Defaults
   • Load Default Settings
   • Load Setup Default
   • Get Default Values
4. Save these changes
5. Exit BIOS

Method #2: Clear the jumper

Your computer’s motherboard has a special jumper that can clear the BIOS-saved settings and revert them to their original values.

By clearing the jumper, you can also reset the password for the BIOS menu.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Shutdown your computer
2. Flip the power switch so that the computer receives no power.
3. Make sure you’re grounded. Static discharges can damage your computer.
4. On the motherboard, find a jumper that’s named like any of the following. (This jumper is usually placed near the CMOS battery.)
   • CLEAR CMOS
   • CLEAR
   • CLR CMOS
   • CLR PWD
5. Set the jumper to the Clear/CLR position
6. Power on and start your computer
7. Once your PC has booted, turn it back off, and move the CLR jumper back to its original position. Otherwise, each time you reboot, your settings (and clock) will automatically reset!

Method #3: Replace the CMOS battery

You can also try to remove and replace the CMOS battery. This method works if your computer has a CMOS battery. Not all motherboards have that battery. To reset the BIOS by replacing the CMOS battery, follow these steps instead:

1. Shutdown your computer
2. Remove the power cord to make sure that your computer receives no power.
3. Make sure you’re grounded. Static discharges can damage your computer.
4. Find the battery on your motherboard
5. Remove it.
6. Wait 5 to 10 minutes
7. Put the battery back in
8. Power on your computer