How to clear an unknown BIOS or CMOS password

Updated: 08/02/2020 by Computer Hope

Sometimes, users come across a password prompt at boot or the BIOS or CMOS setup is locked, as shown in the prototype beneath. If you do non know the BIOS password, you need to clear information technology. The following sections contain instructions on how to exercise so using multiple methods.

CMOS setup locked password screen

Clear using jumper (recommended)

Follow these steps to clear the BIOS or CMOS password using a hardware jumper.

Caution

When working inside a figurer, be sure you're aware of the potential damage that tin can be caused by ESD.

Computer jumper

On the calculator motherboard, locate the BIOS clear or password jumper or DIP switch and change its position. This jumper is often labeled Articulate, CLEAR CMOS, JCMOS1, CLR, CLRPWD, PASSWD, Password, PSWD or PWD. To clear, remove the jumper from the two pins currently covered, and place it over the two remaining jumpers. An example of the diverse jumper positions is shown in the image. Some computers may also clear the password by keeping the jumper open up (one or no pins covered).

What if I tin't locate the CMOS countersign jumper?

The following listing details the general locations for the CMOS jumper. It's of import to realize that most motherboards have multiple different jumpers, so you lot need to make sure yous're changing the right jumper. If you cannot observe the password jumper, consult your motherboard'southward documentation by looking in the manual or downloading information technology from the manufacturer'southward website.

  1. On the edge of the motherboard - Most jumpers are on the side of the motherboard for easy accessibility. Verify by looking at all visible edges of the motherboard.
  2. By the CMOS battery - Some articles identify the jumper to clear the CMOS or BIOS password by the CMOS battery itself.
  3. By the processor - Some articles place the jumpers by the CPU of the reckoner.
  4. Under the keyboard or lesser of laptop - On a laptop, the DIP switch are under the keyboard or on the bottom of the laptop. It is usually located in a compartment such as the ane containing retentivity. (Laptops ordinarily use DIP switches, not jumpers.)

Once the appropriate jumper or DIP switch is located and toggled, the password should be cleared. Plow your car on to verify that the countersign has bee reset. Once cleared, turn the computer off and return the jumper or DIP switch to its original position.

Remove CMOS bombardment

CMOS battery

Removing the CMOS battery, like the i shown in the picture, causes the system to lose all CMOS settings, including the BIOS password. Locate and remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard for at to the lowest degree five minutes, then supervene upon the battery and turn the reckoner dorsum on.

Generic passwords

Endeavor using generic CMOS passwords. Information technology should exist noted that many of these default passwords are for older motherboards and no longer piece of work with newer machines.

  • Generic BIOS password listings.

Leap the CMOS solder beads

Older computers, especially older laptops, don't have jumpers or DIP switches. They require the user to jump a pair of solder chaplet on a excursion board. The identification and location of these solder chaplet can vary and if not available in the computer documentation, is only obtainable through the computer manufacturer.

If you've identified the solder beads, they can be jumped past placing a apartment-caput screwdriver over the 2 chaplet and leaving it on those beads while turning on the reckoner. One time the figurer has booted, turn it off and and so remove the screwdriver.

Contact manufacturer

If none of the previous sections resolved your issue, nosotros recommend yous contact the computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer for the steps on immigration the computer password.