How to Reset Your PC Using BIOS Settings

What resetting from BIOS actually does

Resetting your PC from BIOS clears your hard drive and reinstalls Windows from scratch. This is different from a regular factory reset—you are erasing everything and starting over, which takes longer but removes more problems. Use this when your PC won't start normally, when malware won't go away, or when you want to wipe the drive before selling the machine.

The process has two parts: first you boot into BIOS and change the startup order so your PC reads from a USB drive or DVD instead of the hard drive, then you run the Windows installer from that media. If you do not have Windows installation media yet, you will need to create it on another computer before you start.

Key Takeaways

You need Windows installation media (a USB drive or DVD) before you begin, created on a different computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Restart your PC and press the BIOS key repeatedly as it boots—usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12 depending on your manufacturer—until the BIOS menu appears.
Change the boot order in BIOS so your PC starts from the USB drive or DVD instead of the hard drive.
Save and exit BIOS, then follow the Windows installer prompts to erase your drive and reinstall the operating system.
The entire process erases all files on your PC, so back up anything you need before you start.

Create Windows installation media on another computer

You cannot reset from BIOS without Windows installation media. Go to another computer with internet access and read the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. Plug in a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space (or a blank DVD), open the tool, and follow the prompts to create installation media. The tool will ask which version of Windows you need—choose the same version your PC currently runs, or the version you want to install if you are upgrading.

The tool takes 10 to 20 minutes to finish. Once it is done, eject the USB drive or DVD and keep it safe. This is your installation media, and you will need it plugged into your PC during the reset process.

Restart your PC and enter BIOS

Shut down your PC completely. Plug in your Windows installation media (USB drive or DVD). Turn the PC back on and when ready start pressing the BIOS key repeatedly—do not wait for Windows to load. The key varies by manufacturer: try Delete, F2, F10, or F12. Some PCs also show a message on the startup screen telling you which key to press.

If you press the wrong key, Windows will start loading. Shut down and try again. You will know you are in BIOS when you see a menu with options like "Main," "Boot," "Security," or "Exit"—the layout and colors vary widely, but the text-based menu is unmistakable. If you reach the Windows login screen, you waited too long and need to restart.

Change the boot order in BIOS

Look for a section called "Boot," "Boot Order," "Boot Sequence," or "Startup." This section lists the devices your PC checks when it starts up, in order. You need to move your USB drive or DVD to the top of the list so your PC reads the Windows installer first.

Use the arrow keys to highlight your USB drive or DVD (it may be labeled "USB Device," "USB Drive," "UEFI: [USB name]," or "CD/DVD Drive"). Press Enter or the key shown on screen to move it to the top. The exact steps depend on your BIOS version, but the menu will show you which keys to use. Once your installation media is first in the boot order, look for a "Save and Exit" option, usually at the bottom of the menu or under the "Exit" section. Press Enter to save your changes and restart.

Run the Windows installer and erase your drive

Your PC will restart and boot from the installation media. The Windows Setup screen will appear. Choose your language and region, then click "Next." On the next screen, click "Install Now" to begin the installation process.

You will see a screen asking where to install Windows. This is where you erase your drive. Click on your main hard drive (usually labeled as the largest drive, or "Drive 0"), then click "Delete" or "Format." Windows will ask you to confirm—click "OK." This step erases everything on that drive, so make sure you have backed up any files you need. After deletion, the drive will show as unallocated space. Click "Next" and Windows will install fresh on the empty drive.

Complete the installation and set up Windows

Windows will copy files and install drivers, which takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your PC may restart several times—this is normal. Do not turn off the PC or remove the installation media during this time. Once the file copying is done, you will see setup screens asking for your region, keyboard layout, and network connection. Answer these questions and create or sign in with a Microsoft account.

Windows will finish installing and you will reach the desktop. Your PC is now reset. Remove the installation media and restart to make sure everything boots normally from the hard drive. You can then reinstall your programs and restore your files from a backup if you have one.

Troubleshooting if the installer does not start

If your PC boots to Windows instead of the installer, you did not enter BIOS in time or the boot order did not save. Shut down, restart, and press the BIOS key faster—start pressing as soon as you see the manufacturer logo. Some PCs also have a "Boot Menu" key (often F12 or Esc) that lets you choose the boot device without entering BIOS; try that if the BIOS key does not work.

If the installer starts but says "No bootable device found," your USB drive or DVD may not have been created correctly. Go back to the other computer, run the Media Creation Tool again, and create new installation media. If you are using a DVD, try a USB drive instead—USB boots more reliably on newer PCs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose all my files when I reset from BIOS?

Yes. Resetting from BIOS erases your entire hard drive and reinstalls Windows. Back up any files you need before you start. If you only want to keep your files and remove programs, use Windows Settings to reset instead of going through BIOS.

Can I reset from BIOS if I forgot my Windows password?

Yes. Since you are erasing the drive and reinstalling Windows, your old password does not matter. You will create a new account during setup. This is one reason people reset from BIOS when they are locked out of their PC.

What if I do not have another computer to create installation media?

You cannot reset from BIOS without installation media. Borrow another computer, or visit a library or internet café where you can read the Windows Media Creation Tool and create a USB drive. You need at least 30 minutes and a USB drive with 8 GB of space.

How long does the whole reset process take?

Creating installation media takes 10 to 20 minutes. The actual reset—from entering BIOS to reaching the Windows desktop—takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on your PC's speed and hard drive size. Plan for at least two hours total if you include setup time.

Will resetting from BIOS remove viruses?

Yes. Since you are erasing the entire drive and installing a fresh copy of Windows, any malware is removed. This is one of the most thorough ways to clean an infected PC, but it also means you lose all your programs and files, so back up anything important first.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.