PC Won’t Boot to BIOS? Here’s Your Ultimate Fix Guide

Getting into the BIOS is a must when operating any machine. You can adjust parameters, make required adjustments, or switch on or off settings to enhance performance. Each PC has a unique BIOS because it is dependent upon the motherboard.

Regardless of the type of computer you use—desktop or laptop—you will eventually need to gain access to your computer’s BIOS. So what should you do if your computer won’t boot into the BIOS?

This is the most typical issue you will encounter if you have recently constructed a new PC. You will discover several reasons for this issue as well as solutions on this website.

Please read the entire article to determine the location of the issue on your computer and the necessary fix.

The comprehensive guide to comprehending a computer’s BIOS is available here.

Reasons of Why My PC Won’t Boot to BIOS

In most cases, if your computer won’t boot into BIOS, something is wrong with it. Alterations or settings are also out of the way. The BIOS settings are designed to aid in troubleshooting, adjusting, etc. Accordingly, there may be a few problems if your computer is unable to access BIOS, including:

You’re hitting the wrong keys—for example, F2 rather than F10, F10, or DEL.

• The CMOS battery on your motherboard has failed.
• To prevent it from booting into BIOS, RAM, or other hardware
• The BIOS key is inoperable, and the keyboard is broken.
• The motherboard’s BIOS jumper may be broken or absent.
• The power connector is not firmly installed.
• Your motherboard is malfunctioning.
• Your motherboard’s BIOS chip is no longer functional.
• One of these problems is probably the cause of your computer won’t boot into the BIOS.

Although you are unable to restore your motherboard, you can send it in for repair through an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization). You can still attempt alternative remedies, though. So let’s continue investigating to find a solution to this issue.

Here’s How to Fix It [8 Ways]

Use UEFI Firmware Settings

Using your PC’s UEFI firmware settings is the first method. This should work if your keyboard has been broken or if there are other problems keeping you from accessing the BIOS. This is how you will attempt to do this:

FIX IT: 

Step 1: Type Settings into the Start menu and click on it.

Step 2: After that, select the Update & Security option.

Step 3: Select the Recovery option from the Update & Security menu.

Step 4: Next, locate Advanced Startup and select “Restart now.”

Step 5: Watch for the Advanced Startup/Recovery mode to restart your computer.

Step 6: Tap Troubleshoot while in recovery mode.

Step 7: Navigate to the Advanced options in Troubleshoot.

Step 8: Select UEFI Firmware Settings from the advanced options.

Step 9: Select Restart to enter BIOS.

Step 10: Complete.

This is an alternative to restarting your computer from scratch or using widely used techniques to enter BIOS mode. Try the other solutions, though, if it still doesn’t work.

Press the Right Key to Enter the BIOS

Pressing the appropriate function key is the first step in accessing your computer’s BIOS. The accessing key for the BIOS differs for every PC.

For instance, the BIOS access button on the PC I’m using right now is the ‘Del’ button. On my friend’s HP laptop, however, accessing the BIOS requires pressing F9.

If your computer has an operating system installed, it will load when you press the incorrect key for BIOS. If not, it will show the boot devices that are attached to it.

Fix it:

It’s not hard to find your computer’s BIOS key. You will find it here in a few different ways.

Examine the motherboard handbook; it serves as your initial resource for resolving the majority of PC issues. Why? Since it contains a wealth of knowledge about your motherboard.

Examine the motherboard manual if you have a physical copy of it. If not, get the digital version from the internet. You’ll need to know what motherboard your computer is using for that.

Simply search the web for “Your motherboard model + manual.” The outcomes are visible to you. A copy must be available on your motherboard manufacturer’s official website. I advise you to go with it.

Locate your computer’s BIOS access key by downloading the Manual.

Test the keyboard’s keys – You should test the function keys, which are located on keys F1 through F12, del, and Esc. After turning on the computer, continually press any one of those keys if you feel that the first method is not for you.

One key in a time alone should be tested. It’s okay if the BIOS loads. In every other case, repeat the procedure with a different key. A little challenging. Correct?

Let’s investigate our next available approach.

Investigate – Look for the BIOS key if you know the manufacturer or model of your motherboard.

To locate the BIOS key, choose the most convenient approach.

Give Enough Power Supply to Your PC

Since the computer is electrical equipment, it needs power to operate. A suitable power supply is necessary for every part of a PC, from the motherboard to the smallest cable.

Imagine for a moment what would happen if they didn’t have enough power.

You’re correct. There will be issues such as the PC freezing, the Blue Screen of Death, and the BIOS not booting.

Fix it:

Utilizing a high-watt electrical unit can resolve the problem.

Open the list of parts you bought when assembling your computer to determine the wattage of your PSU and locate the component of the power source to learn more about it.

In other situations, you must take out the CPU cover and examine the PSU’s product data.

A standard PC needs a power supply with at least 400 Watts. It is advised to use 600 Watts or more if you are running a gaming PC. More power is needed for the gaming components than for regular ones. Check out the post to see how much electricity your computer is using.

4. Remove External Drives, CMOS Battery, and Case Panel for 10 Minutes

Sometimes, your PC performs poorly because its external drives are out of sync. Your motherboard’s CMOS battery, in particular, will give you problems in this situation, but replacing it will remedy the issue.

For a period, you should disconnect all external devices that are attached to your computer, such as the hard drive, CMOS on your motherboard, etc.

Fix it:

This will resolve the problem because the PC’s power supply has to be reset.

After removing all external components and waiting for at least ten minutes, you can reinstall them all and power on your computer normally. The BIOS utility setup will now appear on your PC.

The motherboard is reset to its original BIOS settings when the CMOS battery is removed.

Make Sure You Are Using Compatible PC Components

Only when every part of a computer is compatible can it function? Even if some specs may be high or low, every component needs to work together.

So, how can you determine whether the parts of your PC are compatible?

Finding your motherboard model is all that is required. Additionally, it must be functional with all other parts. If they don’t, you’ll experience issues such as Blue Screen errors and your computer not starting up in BIOS.

The method for obtaining the motherboard manual has already been covered.

• To locate these subjects, simply open the manual.
• The compatible GPU
• RAM types
• connecting pins
• PSU mandate
• Ability to store data on a hard drive
• Additionally, SSD compatibility

This is a methodical way of determining a computer’s compatibility.

Fix it:

You must swap out any incompatible parts on your PC for new, compatible ones.

If every component on your PC is compatible, skip this step.

Place RAM, ROM, and Processor Correctly

For the most part, this issue doesn’t require looking at this area. However, in the worst situations, this problem may be brought on by RAM misplacement. Furthermore, the placement of the CPU and ROM installs is crucial.

Your PC might not boot to BIOS if your RAM and processor aren’t working properly.

Fix it:

Take care when handling each of these parts, particularly the processor. The issue will surface if you make any mistakes when building your PC.

Take apart your computer, take out the RAM, ROM, and CPU, and reposition them where they go.

Even though handling laptop hardware is far more complex than handling desktop hardware, a laptop user can neglect this step.

Disassembling your laptop, however, is not advised unless you believe that one of its components is malfunctioning.

This will assist you in solving the issue.

Any Burnout on Your Motherboard? Check Once.

I’m assuming you are aware of an electronic device’s motherboard’s worth. The motherboard, in particular, is essential for providing other PC components with instructions.

The motherboard features multiple internal connections, such as RAM to the hard drive, the processor to the HDMI port, the PSU to the CPU cooler, and so on. All of these internal connections allow the computer to function properly and prevent short circuits. That explains the moniker “MOTHERboard.”

Any unwelcome or careless actions toward the motherboard will cause a short circuit and disrupt the network architecture. That does not bode well for your computer.

Your motherboard’s operation will be impacted by burnout. You are unable to access your PC’s BIOS as a result.

Fix it:

You have to use caution when working with your PC’s motherboard. It is delicate. You will notice a black spot on your board if this is the situation for you. This indicates that there was damage to your board. To learn the signs of a dead motherboard in a PC, see this link.

To access your computer’s BIOS, you will need to purchase a new one.

Without burnout, there are no issues.

Replace the CMOS Battery And Try

On occasion, a computer may experience this problem due to a CMOS battery. Additionally, loading a PC with the default BIOS files won’t help. Although it may seem insignificant, the battery is one of the motherboard’s key parts.

The primary query is: How can one ascertain whether the computer’s other components or the CMOS battery are the source of the issue? As of right now, there isn’t a suggested tool or shortcut for hardware scanning.

Verify the aforementioned requirements, and then visit the CMOS battery for confirmation.

Fix it:

Here, your only choice is to swap out your old CMOS battery for a new one. Rest assured, the price is negligible.

FAQs

Can a BIOS malfunction?

It can. A BIOS is a storage chip on the motherboard of your computer that holds the firmware for the motherboard. The BIOS will not function if that chip is broken or burned. Furthermore, the CMOS battery powers the BIOS when your computer is off, therefore a dead battery might also make the BIOS malfunction.

Could malware corrupt the BIOS?

Indeed, malware can corrupt or erase the chip’s BIOS file. It will therefore directly result in your computer being inoperable until the BIOS is repaired.

Why does my PC start up in BIOS instead of Windows?

Your storage settings are probably out of order if your computer is booting straight into BIOS instead of Windows. Thus, be careful to select the Windows-based device as your top priority in the Boot options.

Why does BIOS malfunction?

The BIOS fails due to a variety of problems. Unexpected power outages are among the most frequent causes of BIOS chip failure. Malware attacks, technical issues, and user errors—such as bricking the BIOS during an update—are some more causes.

The Bottom Line

If your computer is unable to boot into BIOS, these are a few of the best fixes. After that, you should be able to quickly enter the BIOS of your computer. As not all motherboard makers use the same key to access the BIOS, you can also try other keys, such as F10 and F12.

Nonetheless, these techniques will assist you in identifying the precise BIOS issue with your computer. It will also assist you in accurately diagnosing the problem and determining whether it is a hardware problem.

Making a backup of the data on your machine is usually a smart idea in case something goes wrong. Use EaseUS Todo Backup Home to make a system backup before updating your BIOS to safeguard your data.