What Does Resetting BIOS Do? Details Guide (2023)

The only way you get to enjoy the true performance of your PC is when it is operating at its peak. Many things can affect the performance of your PC, and the outcome can be frustrating. While there are many things you can do to bring your pc to function normally, resetting the BIOS can be one of your last resources.

But what does resetting bios do?

Bios provides a basic instruction set for booting your computer. When you reset your Bios settings, you reset all the configuration settings to the factory defaults. However, the settings may vary on different computers.

Also, resetting the BIOS on a computer is normally done when you have problems with the computer. However, there are times when you will run into issues that can be resolved by simply resetting the BIOS on your computer.

Let’s dive deep into it and see what it does and how you do it.

What Does Resetting Bios Do?

Bios, known as a basic input-output system, is responsible for booting up your computer, and it comes in an erasable programmable read-only memory. So, you are allowed to make modifications to it.

However, if you want to restore the PC factory defaults, it may require you to reset the bios settings. And the factory reset time will vary from one computer to another. The process of resetting bios varies from one computer manufacturer to another.

In addition, resetting the BIOS will return your BIOS to the last settings that worked. It does not change the data in RAM but resets parameters in the chipset, which may have been corrupted by a virus, incorrect settings, etc.

What Happens if I Reset BIOS to Factory Settings?

After observing some strange behavior on your PC, resetting the BIOS to factory settings is appropriate when you want to restore it to its original settings. You can also reset BIOS settings if you previously modified the settings, which is especially useful for updating an old motherboard.

If you reset the BIOS settings to their factory defaults, you will lose any customizations you have made. These may include custom boot order, changes to controls, overclocking settings, and more. Also, you will need to download and install some software and updates again. You may also need to reconfigure other settings, such as boot orders and time/date.

In addition, factory reset Pc from bios cannot fix all computer problems. Still, it can solve many hardware compatibility issues and configure your computer to Northridge and CPU factory settings.

Be sure that resetting BIOS to factory settings is necessary as most hardware-related problems can only be fixed by replacing or repairing the problematic part. Unless you’re using a laptop for military use or other critical security issues, things should not be worrisome as the reset doesn’t affect the stored files in the hard drive.

Is It Safe to Reset BIOS Back to Default?

Yes, it is safe. If you reset BIOS to default settings, it will not hurt your computer. Therefore, doing so may resolve strange issues you are having with the hardware on your computer. Note that resetting bios is only necessary if there is a problem with the computer that cannot be solved any other way, such as an operating system that will not boot. Examples include random reboots after entering Windows or changing some BIOS settings.

Although it will bring back the system to its default mode, and while you are likely to lose a lot of things, it will still keep the computer running well. Therefore, it will always be good to reset the BIOS whenever you perform major changes such as system memory upgrades, CPU or motherboard installation.

How to Reset BIOS to Default?

You must understand that before resetting BIOS to default, you should know why you need to do so. While you are so sure you want to reset your Bios to default, there are three ways to reset bios on laptops.

1. Resetting Bios to Default Using the Keyboard Shortcut

• You should access the bios setup utility
• Locate F9 on your keyboard and long press to load the factory default settings.
• Press the enter from the message that comes up to confirm it
• To save the changes on your PC or exit, you should press F10

2. Reset Bios by Removing Or Replacing the CMOS Battery

You can Reset a BIOS password by removing and replacing the CMOS battery.

• To use this method, follow the instructions.
• Locate the power button and switch off the PC
• Remove the CMOS battery

Note: You need to access the interior part of your PC. It might require the use of a screwdriver and sure enough, you need to remove the laptop battery prior if it’s a laptop. Then once you open it, you should locate the CMOS battery. It might be hard to recognize if it is your first time. So, ensure you research the components you are looking for based on your PC models.

• Once you locate it, you should remove it and wait for a few minutes. Then, you can go ahead to return the battery to the PC motherboard.
• Switch on the PC, and you should have the Bios settings in new condition

3. Reset Bios by Clearing Your Motherboard Jumper

If a CMOS jumper is available, reset your computer by moving the jumper over two pins. If a jumper is not present or you do not see two pins with a jumper between them, remove and replace the CMOS battery.

The safest and easiest way to clear an unknown BIOS/CMOS password is to use a motherboard jumper. Unfortunately, this process will clear all BIOS settings along with the password, and you will need to access the BIOS menu to reconfigure the settings.

As safe and effective as it is, it can be difficult to do if you have no prior knowledge of how to do it. Therefore, you should allow a professional to use this method or choose any of the first two methods.

When Do You Need to Reset Your BIOS Settings?

1. You should reset your basic input/output system whenever you change hardware in your motherboard.
2. The BIOS is not properly identifying the actual hardware, or the BIOS settings you entered are not working correctly.
3. Also, you may need to factory reset from bios if your computer becomes infected with certain viruses.
4. You will also need to reset your BIOS settings if the BIOS has been changed or corrupted.
5. In addition, if you have forgotten a password or would like to permanently bypass the BIOS password on your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Resetting BIOS Erase Data?

Resetting the BIOS is one of the easiest and most effective ways to solve technical problems with your computer. The process restores all data and restores BIOS settings to their factory state, but it does not erase computer data.

By default, resetting BIOS should not erase any data. When a laptop boots up, it looks in the chip for BIOS for instructions on where to find the operating system. Among many other things, BIOS also further facilitates communication between your hardware components and the operating system.

Does resetting BIOS erase Windows?

If you reset the BIOS, it will not erase Windows. The BIOS contains information about your hardware configuration but not your software. Therefore, it removes the BIOS password and not the computer’s operating system (Windows).

How does resetting BIOS affects Windows?

If you have overclocked your system and reset your BIOS, the computer will revert to the original factory settings. The only time this will affect Windows was when you overclocked it, you increased the voltage on your motherboard excessively.

If you do not set the voltage to a reasonable level when reinstalling Windows, it will also become unstable and crash or BSOD (blue screen of death). Also, as for Windows itself, unless the BIOS update changes something about your networking or graphics hardware, nothing in Windows needs to react to a BIOS change.

Can you reset Windows 10 from BIOS?

Yes, you can reset bios windows 10. If you can get into BIOS settings, you can reset Windows 10 from there. In BIOS, go to the configuration tab, the Exit tab, and choose the install default settings. Save settings and reboot.

Also, kindly note that the method is different from laptop to laptop. To reset Windows 10 from BIOS, you need to choose the method that works for your model.

What key Keys Will you press to enter BIOS?

The key or keys you press to enter the motherboard BIOS Setup depend on your PC’s motherboard manufacturer and the model, but you must press it before the system boots up.  When your computer starts up, a list of options appears.

You can press a function key F2, F8, F9, or ESC to enter the BIOS. Although they vary, a common button that almost all manufacturers have is the DEL key. You should choose the key that works for you, or the DEL key depending on the model and brand of your PC.

Conclusion

Resetting the BIOS, also referred to as clearing the BIOS settings and resetting CMOS, clears and resets the system setup parameters in CMOS. It is also known as a CMOS reset if you want to be referred to that old name.

Now that you know the information on what does resetting bios do, you can now decide when and how you do it. Use the function for good and never fall behind when you need your machine to work for you to the fullest.