If you've been using Windows for a long time, I'm sure you're familiar with the BIOS or UEFI password. This password lock ensures that you need to enter the set password even before your Windows computer boots up. However, the biggest problem with BIOS or UEFI passwords is that there's no recovery option like a Microsoft account. In this guide, we'll share how you can recover or set a BIOS or UEFI password for Windows computers.
The steps are:
- Temporarily remove the CMOS battery
- Clear unknown BIOS/UEFI passwords using the bios-pwwebsite website
- Call customer service.
BIOS or UEFI passwords are stored at the hardware level. Therefore, unless the manufacturer requires or has configured a way to recover the password, it is impossible to reset it. Sometimes they are so strict that the only way to bypass it is by calling customer service. Remember that any Windows computer with this lock cannot be unlocked by attempting to reinstall Windows.
Recover or reset a BIOS or UEFI password
Temporarily remove the CMOS battery
Every motherboard comes with a CMOS battery. This helps the system keep its clock running and ensures that BIOS settings aren't lost when the computer is turned off. So when the computer is turned on, the CMOS battery ensures that the information is available so the computer can boot.
That said, if you temporarily remove the CMOS battery for 30 seconds or a minute, your settings will be lost. Some motherboards are designed so that removing the battery for a prolonged period of time causes everything to reset. This includes the BIOS/UEFI password.
Clear unknown BIOS/UEFI passwords using the bios-pwwebsite
If the above step doesn't work, you can use this BIOS password website to clear it. Follow these steps:
- Enter an incorrect password multiple times when prompted by the BIOS. This will lock you out of the system.
- Enter a new number or code on the screen. This will include a message about System Disabled[XXXXX] Service TAG[YYYYYY]
- Open the BIOS password website and enter the code XXXXX. Make sure to press Shift+Enter instead of just Enter.
- It will then offer several unlock keys that you can try to clear the BIOS/UEFI lock on your Windows computer.
Call Customer Service
If none of these methods work for you, it's best to call customer service and take their advice. They may be able to help you navigate the call using the service tag or suggest you visit a service center and have the issue resolved.
Set a BIOS or UEFI password
Setting a password in BIOS or UEFI isn't really recommended, but if you've already decided to, here's how to do it. That said, the BIOS or UEFI interface varies from OEM to OEM. So look for something related to SECURITY or PASSWORD. You'll have options similar to
- Supervisor Password: This is like a master password for changing important settings.
- User Password: Using this option anyone can change minor settings.
- Master password for the hard drive or a general password.
Some OEMs offer microcontrollers where you'll have to enter the BIOS password. For example, you have the option to skip a normal reboot or when selecting a boot device. While you may have to enter it for an unattended reboot or when the computer is powered on, etc.
If you're here to remove the password, look for a password removal option in the same section. A prompt will appear where you can enter the password you set once. If you enter it correctly, the BIOS password will be removed.
Once you're finished, be sure to save and exit the BIOS. Restart your computer and check if the settings have been applied correctly.
Finally, be very careful with BIOS/UEFI locks. It's better to use your Microsoft account to lock your computer instead.
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