Factory Reset Windows 10 BIOS: Revive Your System with Ease

Introduction: Understanding Factory Resetting Windows 10 BIOS

Factory resetting the BIOS in Windows 10 is a powerful tool for restoring your system to its original configuration. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is crucial for your computer's functionality, managing hardware initialization during the booting process and facilitating communication between the operating system and hardware components. Over time, various changes and updates can lead to instability or performance issues. A factory reset can resolve these problems, providing a fresh start for your system.

Key Benefits of Factory Resetting Windows 10 BIOS

1. Enhanced System Stability: Resetting the BIOS can resolve conflicts and errors caused by outdated or incorrect settings. This leads to a more stable and reliable system, reducing the likelihood of crashes and malfunctions.

2. Improved Performance: Restoring the BIOS to its default settings can enhance your computer's performance. By eliminating unnecessary modifications, your system can run more efficiently and responsively.

3. Increased Security: A factory reset can help remove malicious changes or unauthorized access to your BIOS settings. This enhances your system's security, protecting your data and hardware from potential threats.

How to Factory Reset from BIOS on a Windows PC

Need to perform a factory reset from the BIOS? Here are three straightforward methods to do it. Depending on your preference, you can choose the most suitable approach:

Method 1: Resetting from the BIOS

You can reset BIOS settings directly from the BIOS page. Here's how:

1. Restart your computer: While the computer is rebooting, repeatedly press the Del, F1, or F2 key. The specific key to press depends on your motherboard.

2. Enter BIOS settings: Once the BIOS page opens, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Exit section. Select the option for resetting to defaults, which may be labeled "Load Setup Defaults," "Reset to Default," "Load Optimal Defaults," or "Restore Settings."

You can choose this option by using the arrow keys to navigate and pressing Enter.

3. Confirm your action: Select "Yes" to confirm. The BIOS reset will begin immediately.

4. Save and exit: Under the Exit section, navigate to "Exit Saving Changes" and select "Yes." Alternatively, you can press F10 to save the settings and exit the BIOS.

Method 2: Using CMOS Battery Removal

1. Power Off and Unplug: Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source.

2. Open the Case: Open the computer case to access the motherboard. Locate the CMOS battery, a small, round, silver battery.

3. Remove the CMOS Battery: Carefully remove the CMOS battery from its slot. Wait for about 5-10 minutes.

4. Reinsert the Battery: Reinsert the CMOS battery back into its slot. Ensure it is securely in place.

5. Power On and Enter BIOS: Close the case, plug in your computer, and power it on. Enter the BIOS setup to verify that the settings have been reset.

Method 3: Using BIOS Jumper

1. Locate the BIOS Jumper: Turn off your computer and unplug it. Open the case and locate the BIOS jumper on the motherboard (refer to the motherboard manual if needed).

2. Change Jumper Position: Move the jumper from its default position to the reset position (usually labeled CLEAR or CLR CMOS). Wait for a few seconds.

3. Return Jumper to Default Position: Move the jumper back to its original position. Close the case and plug in your computer.

4. Power On and Enter BIOS: Power on your computer and enter the BIOS setup. Verify that the BIOS settings have been reset to default.

5. Save and Exit BIOS: Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup. Your system will restart with the default settings.

Bonus: Factory Reset Windows 10 BIOS Backup and Restore

When your computer gets a virus or slows down, doing a factory reset can help, but it requires copying files and reinstalling the OS. The best way to prevent system errors and data loss is to create regular backups. AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free and highly recommended backup software that allows you to set up automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.

With incremental backup, only the modified data is saved, which conserves space. By using AOMEI Backupper to create a system or disk backup, you can restore your computer to a previous working state anytime.

AOMEI Backupper is compatible with all laptops and desktops running Windows 11, 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista, and XP. Download the free software and try it out.

>> Create a system backup:

Select System Backup: You can also choose Disk Backup, Partition Backup, or File Backup based on your needs.

Automatic Selection: The software will automatically select the system partitions. Pick a destination to save the system image, such as an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage.

Options: Adjust settings like compression level, backup mode, image splitting, comments, and email notifications. Backup Schedule: Set up automatic backups daily, weekly, monthly, or based on event triggers or USB plug-ins. The last two options are available in advanced editions. In the Pro edition, you can enable automatic backup cleanup in the Backup Scheme to auto-delete older backups.

Start Backup: Click Start Backup and wait for the process to complete.

If your PC won't boot, navigate to the Tools tab and create a recovery media. This recovery media can be used to start a crashed PC in WinPE, allowing you to perform backup and restore operations.

>> Reset Your Computer to a Previous State Without Data Loss:

If you have system backups, you can easily restore your computer to a previous state to fix system issues. Here's how:

1. Choose either Select Task or Select Image File to find your system backup.

2. Choose Restore this system image and click Next. If you want to restore Windows to a different location, check the Restore system to other location box and specify the target path on the next page.

3. Confirm the operation and click Start Restore.

If the system image was created on a different computer, check the Universal Restore option (available in the Pro edition) to ensure the system boots properly after restoration.

FAQs About Factory Resetting Windows 10 BIOS

Q 1: How often should I reset my BIOS?

A 1: There is no set frequency for resetting your BIOS. It is typically done when experiencing system instability, performance issues, or after significant hardware changes.

Q 2: Will resetting the BIOS delete my data?

A 2: No, resetting the BIOS does not delete your data. It only restores the BIOS settings to default, affecting hardware configurations but not your files or operating system.

Q 3: Can resetting the BIOS fix boot issues?

A 3: Yes, resetting the BIOS can resolve boot issues caused by incorrect settings or hardware conflicts. It restores the system to a known, stable state, which can help identify and fix boot problems.

Tips for Maintaining BIOS Health

1. Keep BIOS Updated: Regularly check for BIOS updates from your motherboard manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and security.

2. Backup BIOS Settings: Before making any changes, backup your current BIOS settings. This allows you to restore them if needed.

3. Monitor Hardware Health: Use hardware monitoring tools to keep an eye on temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds, ensuring your system remains in good health.

Conclusion

Factory resetting the BIOS in Windows 10 can be a crucial step in maintaining your computer's health, performance, and security. By understanding the process and benefits, you can effectively resolve issues and enhance your system's functionality. With the detailed steps and expert tips provided in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to handle a BIOS reset, ensuring your Windows 10 system operates at its best.