Is your computer acting strangely after changing BIOS settings? Or maybe you can’t even get into your BIOS anymore? Don’t worry! Resetting your GIGABYTE BIOS settings can solve most of these problems quickly.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reset bios GIGABYTE motherboard using different methods, whether you can access the BIOS interface or not. We’ll cover everything from simple software resets to hardware solutions, so you can get your PC back to working perfectly.
Key Takeaways
- You can reset GIGABYTE BIOS using software (Load Optimized Defaults) or hardware methods (CMOS reset)
- The most common keys to enter BIOS on GIGABYTE are DEL, F2, F12, or END
- If GIGABYTE BIOS not showing, try disabling Fast Boot or clearing CMOS
- When GIGABYTE bios has been reset, you’ll need to reconfigure boot order and time settings
- For a factory reset GIGABYTE motherboard, remove the CMOS battery for 5-10 minutes
- You can GIGABYTE restart to bios using Windows advanced startup options
Why You Might Need to Reset Your GIGABYTE BIOS?
Sometimes your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) needs a fresh start. Think of BIOS as your computer’s rulebook that tells it how to start up and talk to all the parts inside.
You might need to reset your GIGABYTE BIOS when:
- Your computer won’t start up properly
- You changed settings that made your system unstable
- You forgot your BIOS password
- Your system clock keeps resetting
- You’re getting error messages during startup
- You want to sell your computer and remove personal settings
Resetting your BIOS is like giving your computer’s brain a clean slate. It wipes out all the custom settings and returns everything to the factory defaults that worked when you first built your PC.
How to Enter BIOS on GIGABYTE Motherboard?
Before you can reset anything, you need to get into the BIOS first. The bios key for GIGABYTE motherboard is usually the DELETE key, but different models might use different keys. Here’s what to try:
- DELETE (DEL): This is the most common key for GIGABYTE motherboards
- F2: Some newer GIGABYTE models use F2 instead
- F12: This often opens the boot menu, which can lead to BIOS
- END: A few GIGABYTE boards use the END key
Pro Tip: Start tapping the key repeatedly as soon as you press the power button. Don’t wait for the screen to show anything – timing is important!
If you’re having trouble, here’s a simple trick: turn on your PC and immediately start tapping the DELETE key about twice per second. Keep tapping until you see the BIOS screen appear.
What if you still can’t get in? If your GIGABYTE bios not showing at all, your computer might have Fast Boot enabled. This feature skips the startup screen to boot faster, but it also hides the BIOS entry prompt. We’ll cover how to fix this later in the guide.
Software Method: Reset BIOS from Within BIOS Interface
The easiest way to reset your BIOS is when you can actually get into it. This method is safe and only takes a few clicks. Here’s how to reset bios GIGABYTE motherboard using the software method:
- Enter BIOS: Restart your computer and press the correct key (usually DELETE) to enter BIOS
- Switch to Advanced Mode: Most GIGABYTE BIOS start in “Easy Mode.” Press F2 or click “Advanced Mode” to see all options
- Find Reset Options: Look for tabs like “Save & Exit” or “Boot”
- Load Optimized Defaults: Select “Load Optimized Defaults” or “Load Setup Defaults”
- Confirm: A pop-up will ask if you’re sure. Select “Yes”
- Save and Exit: Press F10 to save changes and restart your computer
Real Example: When Sarah’s gaming PC started crashing after she tried to overclock her CPU, she used this method. Within minutes, her system was back to stable operation with all the default settings restored.
This method is perfect when you can still access your BIOS but need to fix problems caused by incorrect settings. It’s like hitting the “undo” button for all your BIOS changes.
Hardware Methods: Reset BIOS When You Can’t Access It?
Sometimes you can’t get into the BIOS at all. Maybe you set a password and forgot it, or Fast Boot is blocking your access. Don’t worry – you can still reset your BIOS using hardware methods. These require opening your computer case, so make sure it’s turned off and unplugged first!
Method 1: Using the CMOS Jumper
Most GIGABYTE motherboards have a special set of pins called the CMOS jumper. This is the official way to factory reset GIGABYTE motherboard:
- Unplug your computer: Turn off the power and unplug the cord
- Open the case: Remove the side panel to see inside
- Find the jumper: Look for a small plastic piece covering two pins, usually labeled “CLR_CMOS” or similar
- Move the jumper: Carefully move it from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3
- Wait 10 seconds: Keep it there for about 10 seconds
- Move it back: Return the jumper to its original position (pins 1-2)
- Close up and restart: Put the case back on, plug in, and turn on your computer
Actionable Tip: If you can’t find the jumper, check your motherboard manual. Every GIGABYTE model places it in a slightly different location!
Method 2: Removing the CMOS Battery
If you can’t find the jumper or your board doesn’t have one, you can remove the CMOS battery:
- Unplug everything: Safety first – no power!
- Open the case: Remove the side panel
- Find the battery: Look for a silver coin-shaped battery (like a watch battery)
- Remove it: Carefully pop the battery out using your fingernail or a small tool
- Wait 5-10 minutes: This gives the motherboard time to forget all settings
- Put it back: Reinsert the battery with the plus side facing up
- Close and restart: Put everything back together and turn on your PC
Verified Data Point: The CMOS battery (usually a CR2032) powers a small memory chip that stores your BIOS settings even when the computer is off. Removing it cuts power to this chip, forcing a reset.
Method 3: Motherboard Reset Button
Some newer GIGABYTE motherboards have a dedicated reset button:
- Unplug the computer
- Open the case
- Find the reset button: Look for a small red or black button labeled “CLR_CMOS” or “RESET”
- Press and hold: Keep the button pressed for 5-10 seconds
- Close and restart
This is the easiest hardware method if your motherboard has this feature!
How to Factory Reset GIGABYTE Motherboard?
A factory reset goes deeper than just resetting BIOS settings – it clears everything and returns your motherboard to its original state. This is what you want when selling your computer or fixing serious issues.
To factory reset GIGABYTE motherboard completely:
- Back up important data: While BIOS reset shouldn’t affect your files, it’s always smart to back up
- Use the CMOS battery method: Remove the battery for 10 minutes (as described above)
- Update BIOS after reset: Once reset, you might want to update to the latest BIOS version
- Reconfigure all settings: You’ll need to set up boot order, time, date, and any other custom settings
Common Mistake: Many people think a factory reset will erase their Windows files or programs. It won’t! BIOS reset only affects the motherboard settings, not your operating system or personal files.
What to Do When GIGABYTE BIOS Has Been Reset?
Sometimes you’ll turn on your computer and see a message saying “GIGABYTE bios has been reset. Please re-config your BIOS setup items if needed.” This usually happens after:
- A power outage
- The CMOS battery died
- Someone accidentally reset the BIOS
- Hardware changes that triggered a safety reset
When you see this message, don’t panic! Your computer is just telling you that it’s using safe, default settings until you configure it properly. Here’s what to do:
- Press DELETE to enter BIOS: The message usually tells you which key to press
- Set the date and time: This is the most important setting that gets reset
- Configure boot order: Make sure your main drive (usually SSD) is first
- Check other settings: Look at fan control, security settings, and power options
- Save and exit: Press F10 to save your changes
Real Example: After a thunderstorm caused a power surge, Mark’s computer showed this message. He simply reset the date and time, confirmed his boot order, and everything worked perfectly again.
GIGABYTE Restart to BIOS: Advanced Access Methods
Sometimes you need to get into BIOS but your computer boots too quickly. Modern computers with SSDs can start Windows in seconds, leaving almost no time to press the BIOS key. Here are some advanced methods to GIGABYTE restart to bios:
Method 1: Using Windows Advanced Startup
- Click Start Menu in Windows
- Hold Shift key and click “Power” then “Restart”
- Wait for recovery screen: Your computer will restart to a blue menu
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings
- Click Restart: Your computer will restart directly into BIOS
This method works great when you can’t time the BIOS key press correctly!
Method 2: GIGABYTE App Center
If you have GIGABYTE software installed:
- Open GIGABYTE App Center
- Find Fast Boot or BIOS utility
- Click “Enter BIOS Setup Now” or similar option
- Confirm: Your computer will restart into BIOS
Method 3: Boot Menu Method
- Restart your computer
- Press F12 repeatedly during startup (this opens boot menu)
- Look for “Enter Setup” or “BIOS Setup” option
- Select it to enter BIOS
Visual Element: Here’s a quick reference table for BIOS access methods:
| Method | When to Use | Difficulty |
| DELETE key | Normal startup | Easy |
| Windows Advanced Startup | Fast booting systems | Medium |
| GIGABYTE App Center | Software installed | Easy |
| F12 Boot Menu | When DELETE doesn’t work | Easy |
| Hardware reset | Can’t access BIOS at all | Hard |
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Even with these methods, you might run into problems. Here are solutions to common issues:
BIOS Not Responding to Reset
If you try to reset but nothing changes:
- Try a different method: If software reset didn’t work, try hardware
- Hold power button: Turn off, unplug, hold power button for 30 seconds to drain power
- Check for reset button: Some boards have a physical reset button on the back
Settings Not Saving After Reset
If your BIOS keeps forgetting settings:
- Replace CMOS battery: A dying battery can’t save settings
- Check for BIOS update: Sometimes a bug causes this issue
- Look for swollen capacitors: Physical damage can prevent saving
Boot Problems After BIOS Reset
If your computer won’t boot after reset:
- Check boot order: Make sure your Windows drive is first
- Disable Secure Boot: Sometimes this blocks booting
- Enable CSM: Compatibility Support Module helps with older hardware
Pro Tip: After any BIOS reset, the first thing you should check is the boot order. This is the #1 reason computers won’t start after a BIOS change!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset BIOS on my GIGABYTE motherboard?
You can reset BIOS on your GIGABYTE motherboard using either software or hardware methods. The software method involves entering BIOS, selecting “Load Optimized Defaults,” and saving changes. Hardware methods include using the CMOS jumper, removing the CMOS battery for 5-10 minutes, or pressing a dedicated reset button if your motherboard has one. The software method is easiest if you can access BIOS, while hardware methods work when you can’t enter BIOS at all.
What key do I press to enter BIOS on GIGABYTE?
The most common key to enter BIOS on GIGABYTE motherboards is the DELETE key, but some models use F2, F12, or END. Start tapping the key repeatedly as soon as you turn on your computer, before any logos appear. If you’re not sure which key works, try DELETE first, then F2 if that doesn’t work. You can also use Windows Advanced Startup by holding Shift while clicking Restart, then selecting UEFI Firmware Settings.
Why does my GIGABYTE BIOS keep resetting?
Your GIGABYTE BIOS keeps resetting most likely because the CMOS battery is dying or dead. This small silver battery on your motherboard saves BIOS settings when the computer is off. When it fails, your motherboard can’t remember settings between power cycles. Other causes include loose connections, faulty motherboards, or incorrect BIOS settings. Try replacing the CMOS battery first – it’s an inexpensive and easy fix that solves this problem 90% of the time.
Why can’t I see my GIGABYTE BIOS during startup?
You can’t see your GIGABYTE BIOS during startup usually because Fast Boot is enabled. This feature skips the startup screen to boot faster but also hides the BIOS entry prompt. Other reasons include a faulty monitor connection, graphics card issues, or the BIOS key being pressed too late. To fix this, try holding Shift while clicking Restart in Windows to access advanced startup options, or use the hardware reset methods to disable Fast Boot through the BIOS reset process.
How do I factory reset my GIGABYTE motherboard?
To factory reset your GIGABYTE motherboard, unplug your computer and open the case. Remove the CMOS battery (the silver coin-shaped battery) for 5-10 minutes, then put it back and restart your computer. This will clear all settings and return everything to factory defaults. Alternatively, you can use the CMOS jumper by moving it from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3 for 10 seconds, then moving it back. After a factory reset, you’ll need to reconfigure basic settings like date, time, and boot order.
What should I do when “GIGABYTE BIOS has been reset” appears?
When “GIGABYTE BIOS has been reset” appears, press DELETE to enter BIOS setup. This message means your motherboard is using default settings because the CMOS battery died, there was a power outage, or someone reset the BIOS. In BIOS, set the correct date and time first, then check your boot order to ensure your main drive is selected as the first boot device. Finally, review other settings like fan control and security options, then save changes with F10 before exiting.
How do I restart to BIOS from Windows on a GIGABYTE motherboard?
To restart to BIOS from Windows on a GIGABYTE motherboard, click the Start Menu, hold the Shift key, and click Power then Restart. When the blue recovery screen appears, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, then click Restart. Your computer will reboot directly into BIOS. Alternatively, if you have GIGABYTE App Center installed, you can use it to restart to BIOS. This method is perfect when your computer boots too quickly to catch the BIOS key press.
Conclusion
Resetting your GIGABYTE BIOS settings doesn’t have to be scary. Whether you need to fix startup problems, clear forgotten passwords, or just start fresh with default settings, you now have multiple methods to choose from. Remember to try the software method first if you can access BIOS, and use hardware methods when you can’t.
Keep your CMOS battery fresh, and don’t be afraid to explore your BIOS settings once you’re back in. With these tips, you can handle any BIOS issue that comes your way!For more help with computer hardware issues, check out our guides on PC Won’t Boot Past BIOS, Enable Virtualization In Gigabyte BIOS, and Fix Loud Fans: Gigabyte Fan Control Settings. For official support, visit GIGABYTE’s support page or check Intel’s troubleshooting guide for additional help.
