Resetting the BIOS settings can be a useful troubleshooting step to resolve hardware-related issues in Windows. When resetting the BIOS, you must be careful, as improper changes can cause your computer to become unbootable or render it permanently inoperable.
Before attempting to reset the BIOS, it is important that you understand what the BIOS does and how it works. The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is a program stored on a chip that contains instructions for how your computer boots up and functions. It stores configuration details for the hardware components connected to your computer, such as hard drives, memory, sound cards and video cards, and is responsible for controlling the order in which these components are initialized during system startup. The BIOS settings allow you to configure hardware options, monitor the health of your system, and change boot sequence.
In order to reset the BIOS settings and troubleshoot hardware-related issues in Windows, the following steps should be followed:
STEP 1: Enter BIOS Setup
To access BIOS setup, you will need to press a certain key or combination of keys when starting up your computer. Generally, this is either the F2, F12, Delete, or Esc key. Note that this differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you may need to check your computer’s manual or search the internet for the specific key you need to enter BIOS.
STEP 2: Navigate to the Reset Settings Screen
Once you have entered the BIOS setup, look for an option that says “Reset Settings”, “Restore Defaults”, or something similar. This is generally found under Advanced Settings, Security, or Maintenance tabs.
Note: Some BIOS versions may require you to enter a supervisor password before you can access reset settings. If so, you should check your computer’s documentation or contact the manufacturer’s support number in order to obtain the password.
STEP 3: Reset the BIOS Settings
Once you have located the reset option, select it and follow the on-screen prompts to reset the BIOS settings. Generally, this just involves selecting “Yes” or “OK” to confirm that you want to reset the BIOS settings. Depending on the BIOS version and manufacturer, there may be some options to choose from before you can confirm the reset.
For example, some BIOS versions may allow you to reset all settings or only user-defined settings. If such an option appears, it is recommended to select the Reset All Settings option as this will ensure that all changes you have made to your BIOS settings are reverted.
Note: Be aware that some BIOS versions may require you to save and exit after resetting the settings. If so, use the appropriate navigation keys to select “Save and Exit”, and then confirm the selection by pressing the Enter key.
STEP 4: Boot Into Windows
Once you have reset the BIOS settings, the final step is to boot into Windows. When you reach the BIOS setup screen, you should select the “Exit” option, and then select the “Exit and Save Changes” if you are prompted to do so. This will save the changes you have made to the BIOS and restart your computer.
Your computer should now boot directly into Windows. Once booted, you can use the Device Manager to diagnose any hardware problems. You can also use the Windows Troubleshooter to find and fix any errors related to hardware.
CONCLUSION
By following the above steps, you should be able to reset the BIOS settings and troubleshoot any hardware-related issues in Windows. However, if the problem persists after resetting the BIOS, you may need to consider replacing the affected hardware component.