Are you experiencing issues with your Windows 10 PC, such as slow performance, frequent crashes, or unexpected shutdowns? One potential solution is to reset the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings to their default values. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of resetting BIOS in Windows 10, helping you to troubleshoot and potentially resolve these problems.
What is BIOS and Why Do You Need to Reset It?
Before we dive into the reset process, let’s quickly cover what BIOS is and why you might need to reset it.
BIOS is the firmware that controls your computer’s hardware components, such as the CPU, RAM, and storage devices. It acts as an intermediary between the operating system and the hardware, providing a set of instructions for the computer to follow during the boot process. Over time, BIOS settings can become corrupted or outdated, leading to performance issues, compatibility problems, or even preventing your PC from booting altogether.
Resetting the BIOS returns it to its default settings, which can help resolve various issues, including:
- Incorrect or corrupted BIOS settings
- Incompatible hardware configurations
- Performance degradation or slow boot times
- Failure to boot or unexpected shutdowns
Preparation before Resetting BIOS
Before you start the reset process, make sure you have the following:
Backup Your Data
Important: Resetting the BIOS will erase all saved settings, so it’s essential to back up your important data and files to an external storage device or cloud storage service. This will ensure that your valuable data is safe in case anything goes wrong during the reset process.
Disconnect All External Devices
Disconnect all external devices, including USB drives, printers, and other peripherals, to prevent any potential conflicts or interference during the reset process.
Restart Your PC
Restart your Windows 10 PC to ensure that you’re starting from a clean slate.
Resetting BIOS in Windows 10
Now that you’ve prepared your PC, let’s proceed with the BIOS reset process:
Method 1: Reset BIOS through the UEFI Firmware Settings
This method applies to UEFI-based systems (most modern computers):
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery from the left menu.
- Click on Restart now under Advanced startup.
- Click on Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Click on Restart to restart your PC and enter the UEFI settings.
- In the UEFI settings, navigate to the Save & Exit tab.
- Look for the Reset to Default or Load Optimized Defaults option.
- Select the option and confirm that you want to reset the BIOS to its default settings.
- Save the changes and exit the UEFI settings.
- Your PC will automatically restart, applying the default BIOS settings.
Method 2: Reset BIOS using a BIOS Key
This method applies to older systems or those without UEFI:
- Restart your PC.
- Press the BIOS key (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) repeatedly during boot-up until you enter the BIOS setup.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Save & Exit tab.
- Look for the Reset to Default or Load Optimized Defaults option.
- Select the option and confirm that you want to reset the BIOS to its default settings.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup.
- Your PC will automatically restart, applying the default BIOS settings.
What to Do After Resetting BIOS
After resetting the BIOS, you’ll need to reconfigure some settings to ensure your PC is running optimally:
Re-apply Windows 10 Settings
You’ll need to reapply some Windows 10 settings, such as:
- Time and date settings
- Language and region settings
- Network and internet settings
Reinstall Drivers and Applications
You may need to reinstall drivers and applications that were previously installed, as the BIOS reset will erase all saved settings and configurations.
Monitor Your PC’s Performance
Keep a close eye on your PC’s performance, monitoring for any issues or errors that may arise after the BIOS reset.
Conclusion
Resetting the BIOS in Windows 10 can be a straightforward process, but it’s essential to be cautious and prepared beforehand. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to reset your BIOS and potentially resolve any issues related to corrupted or outdated settings. Remember to backup your data, disconnect external devices, and restart your PC before attempting the reset process. If you’re still experiencing problems after resetting the BIOS, you may need to consider other troubleshooting methods or seek professional assistance.
What is BIOS and why do I need to reset it?
BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is the firmware that controls and provides a interface between the operating system and the hardware components of your computer. It is responsible for initializing and testing the hardware components, and loading the operating system. You may need to reset the BIOS if you’ve made changes to the settings and your system is no longer functioning properly, or if you’ve forgotten the administrator password.
Resetting the BIOS can help restore your system to its default settings, fixing any issues that may have been caused by incorrect configuration. It’s a relatively simple process, and can be done in a few steps. However, it’s important to note that resetting the BIOS will erase all custom settings, so you’ll need to reconfigure them after the reset.
Will resetting the BIOS delete my files and data?
No, resetting the BIOS will not delete your files and data. The BIOS reset only affects the firmware settings, and does not touch the operating system or data stored on the hard drive. Your files, documents, and installed programs will remain intact.
However, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files and data before making any changes to your system’s configuration. This will ensure that you can recover your data in case something goes wrong during the reset process. Additionally, if you’re using a UEFI firmware, you may need to reconfigure the boot order and other settings after the reset.
How do I access the BIOS settings in Windows 10?
To access the BIOS settings in Windows 10, you’ll need to restart your computer and press the key that opens the BIOS setup utility. The key varies depending on the manufacturer and model of your computer, but it’s usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc.
Once you’ve entered the BIOS setup utility, you can navigate through the menus using the arrow keys and make changes to the settings as needed. Be careful when making changes, as incorrect settings can cause problems with your system. When you’re finished, save the changes and exit the utility.
What is the difference between UEFI and BIOS?
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a newer type of firmware that replaces the traditional BIOS. UEFI provides a more secure and flexible way to configure the system settings, and offers additional features such as support for larger hard drives and faster boot times.
While both UEFI and BIOS perform similar functions, UEFI is more advanced and provides better performance and security. If your system supports UEFI, it’s recommended to use it instead of the traditional BIOS. However, the steps to reset UEFI firmware are similar to those for resetting the BIOS.
Can I reset the BIOS remotely?
No, you cannot reset the BIOS remotely. The BIOS reset process requires physical access to the computer, as you need to restart the system and press the key to enter the BIOS setup utility. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized access to the firmware settings.
Additionally, resetting the BIOS remotely could potentially cause problems with the system, as it would require accessing the firmware settings without being physically present. It’s always best to reset the BIOS locally, where you can monitor the process and ensure that it’s done correctly.
Will resetting the BIOS affect my Windows 10 installation?
Resetting the BIOS will not affect your Windows 10 installation. The BIOS reset only affects the firmware settings, and does not touch the operating system or data stored on the hard drive. Your Windows 10 installation, along with all your installed programs and settings, will remain intact.
However, you may need to reconfigure the boot order and other settings in the BIOS setup utility after the reset, to ensure that your system boots correctly. Additionally, if you’ve made changes to the BIOS settings that affect the hardware components, you may need to reinstall drivers or software for those components.
Can I reset the BIOS from within Windows 10?
No, you cannot reset the BIOS from within Windows 10. The BIOS reset process requires restarting the system and accessing the BIOS setup utility, which is not possible from within the operating system.
You need to restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS setup utility, where you can reset the BIOS to its default settings. While there may be third-party software that claims to reset the BIOS from within Windows, it’s not recommended to use such software, as it may not work correctly or could potentially cause problems with your system.