Resetting your CMOS or BIOS settings can be essential when you need your computer to return to its default configuration. Whether you’re troubleshooting or setting up a fresh environment, here are three methods to quickly carry out this process.
Method 1: Clear CMOS With “Factory Defaults”
The simplest method involves using the BIOS setup utility to reset BIOS settings to their factory default levels. While steps vary based on the computer's motherboard manufacturer, we'll demonstrate using an Asus ROG Motherboard.
- Restart Your Computer: Begin by restarting the computer and entering the BIOS. If you’re unsure which key to press to enter the BIOS or UEFI Setup menu, our ‘How To Enter BIOS or UEFI by Manufacturer’ guide can help.
- Enter BIOS Setup: Once in the BIOS or UEFI setup menu, reset BIOS settings to factory default directly from the easy mode view, or switch to the advanced mode view by clicking ‘Advanced Mode’ or pressing F7.
- Locate Reset Option: Look for phrases like “reset to default,” “factory default,” “clear BIOS,” or “load setup defaults.” They are often located near the “Save” or “Exit” options.
- Execute Reset: Go to the exit tab, click on “Load Optimized Defaults,” then click “OK.”
- Save and Restart: Finally, save the settings and restart the computer. Some motherboards have a clear CMOS button either in the Back Panel I/O, or in the Internal I/O.
Method 2: Clear CMOS by Reseating the CMOS Battery
Reseating the CMOS battery is another way to clear CMOS:
- Unplug Your Computer: Ensure your computer is unplugged and, if using a laptop or tablet, remove the main battery.
- Open The Computer Case: Open your computer’s case if using a desktop PC, or the small CMOS battery panel if using a tablet or laptop.
- Remove and Reseat Battery: Remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes and then place it back in. Close the case or battery panel and plug in or reattach the main battery.
- Reset BIOS Settings: Disconnecting and reconnecting the CMOS battery removes the power source that saves your computer’s BIOS settings, resetting them to default.
Method 3: Clear CMOS Using a Motherboard Jumper
Another effective method is to short the CLEAR CMOS jumper on your motherboard:
- Unplug Your Computer: Ensure your computer is unplugged. Look for the CLEAR CMOS jumper on the motherboard, typically labeled as CLRTC, CLRPWD, PASSWORD, or just CLEAR.
- Move Jumper: Move the plastic jumper from the 2 pins over to the other pins (in a 3-pin setup) or remove the jumper entirely if it’s a 2-pin setup. Consult your computer or motherboard manual for specific steps.
- Short Pins: For some setups, you might need to short the 2 clear CMOS pins using a metal object like a screwdriver.
- Turn On and Reset BIOS: Turn the computer back on and confirm that the BIOS settings have reset, or the system password is cleared.
- Return Jumper: If everything is good, turn off the computer, return the jumper to its original position, and then turn the computer back on to avoid clearing CMOS at every restart.
Clearing CMOS or resetting BIOS settings can be done using various methods, and it's crucial to follow the steps that match your computer’s configuration. Whether you’re using the BIOS setup utility, reseating the CMOS battery, or using a motherboard jumper, these methods will help ensure your system returns to its default settings efficiently.