BIOS is the most important component of a computer, whose activity is aimed at configuring the operation of equipment, checking its performance, starting operating system and other. One of the most annoying situations that a user may encounter is when the BIOS refuses to start.
Imagine the situation: suppose you decide to reinstall on Windows computer, but you must enter the BIOS in order to run the installer. You have made far more than one attempt to enter the BIOS, and all of them were unsuccessful.
Another situation: when starting the computer, the user first sees the BIOS interface, after which the computer proceeds to boot the operating system. In some cases, the user may not see any image at all, that is, neither the BIOS window, nor anything else.
Reason 1: wrong key (shortcut)
First of all, you should question the correct hotkey you use to enter the BIOS. Unfortunately, you can only find out which key in your case by experience, that is, it was not possible to enter the BIOS using one button, next time you should try another.
The process of entering the BIOS is as follows: you send the computer to reboot or just turn it on and at the very first stage of turning it on, you start repeatedly and quickly pressing the hot key for the BIOS.
There are a huge number of options for entering the BIOS (this is especially observed on laptops), but in most cases one of the following keys is found: F1, F2 and Del. If not a single key helped enter the BIOS, try "google" on the Internet the model of your motherboard(for a desktop PC) or laptop model to find out how your device enters the BIOS.
Reason 2: Non-working or unsupported keyboard
And although in rare cases the user has the opportunity to enter the BIOS without a keyboard, in 95% of cases it is impossible to do without it.
Needless to say, the computer keyboard must be in good working order? Be sure to check if the keyboard works by logging into Windows or by connecting it to another computer.
If everything is in order with the keyboard's performance, then perhaps the problem is that the BIOS does not support the keyboard. As a rule, a similar problem is observed in users of old computers (laptops), and if you use a wired or USB keyboard, then there may well be such a possibility.
If you have a wireless keyboard, therefore, we will need to use a wired one to rule out the possibility of such a cause. Particularly old BIOS versions may not support a USB keyboard interface, but to check this, you will either need to connect an old keyboard with a PS / 2 connector or purchase a PS / 2 adapter for a USB keyboard.
Reason 3: USB port not working
The port to which the keyboard is connected must be working. Try connecting the keyboard to a different port and try entering the BIOS again.
Reason 4: Conflicting Devices
One of the computer's devices may have failed, resulting in a conflict, which is why you cannot enter the BIOS.
Try to disconnect everything that is possible from the computer: drives, hard drives or solid state drives, all USB devices connected to the motherboard, PCI cards. If there is an integrated video card, then disable the discrete one, and then try to enter the BIOS again. If the attempt was successful, connect one device at a time to the computer to find out what is conflicting. Having identified the problematic device, it is with it that you will need to deal (it is better to take it to a service center for diagnostics).
Reason 5: Computer malfunction
If when turned on computer BIOS starts to make sounds, but does not want to start, you should listen to the signals and fix them. Often, BIOS using such signals makes it clear what went wrong. There are many tables on the Internet that decipher sound signals for different version BIOS, using which you can quickly understand the cause of the problem and begin to fix it.
Reason 6: Problematic BIOS settings
As a rule, a similar cause of the problem occurs when the user makes changes to the BIOS. In this case, you should try resetting the BIOS to factory settings. As a rule, in most cases you will need to look under the case system block, where on the motherboard you can find a special switch (CMOS jumper), which is set to position 1-2. To reset, just move the switch to position 3-4 for 15-30 seconds, after which you can return it to its previous position.
Reason 7: Problems with the motherboard
The most unfortunate cause of the problem, since the motherboard is almost the entire computer. If you suspect a problem in its operation, you can carry out a small diagnostic procedure.
First of all, you will need to inspect the motherboard itself: are there any oxidations, are the capacitors swollen. Any external changes indicate its malfunction, which means that all this must be eliminated. If there is oxidation, it must be carefully erased with an eraser. If the capacitors are swollen, they should be soldered to new ones.
If visually motherboard it's ok, you should try the following:
- Disconnect the computer from the network, and also remove all unnecessary devices: mouse, speakers, keyboard, any additional devices and cables. As a result, only a network cable and a monitor should be connected to the system unit.
- Clear CMOS. To do this, you should remove the battery from the motherboard for a few seconds, and then install it back.
- Remove all boards from all motherboard slots, leaving only the processor and speaker connected.
- Start the computer and pay attention to the sound: if it is, then this tells you that the motherboard is working. If not, then everything is much sadder - she does not respond.
If you have confirmed the hunch that the problem is in the operation of the motherboard, you should try to take it to a service center - it is quite possible that a specialist will be able to return it to working capacity.
These are the main reasons that affect the lack of BIOS start. If you have comments on the article, leave them in the comments.
Question from user
Hello.
Tell me with one problem: I just can’t enter the BIOS, I have already tried all the buttons (DEL, F2, ESC, F12, etc.) - the computer does not respond to them. The motherboard is GIGABYTE GA-H11 (as it is written in the specification for the PC). What can be done?
Hello.
It is difficult to name an unambiguous reason (by the way, you indicated the model of the motherboard incorrectly). Most often, it is not possible to enter the BIOS due to a "not working" keyboard or an incorrectly selected key. Below is a list of everything you need to pay attention to...
Note: if you need to enter the BIOS to install a new OS, then this can be done in another way (see paragraphs 4, 5 below) ...
What to do if the computer does not enter the BIOS / UEFI
Key and its pressing time
And so, the first thing you should start dealing with this problem is to clarify the key to enter the BIOS. In the vast majority of cases, the key is used for this. DEL(for the board from GIGABYTE including). A little less often are the keys F2, ESC, F10, F12. See the instructions below, there are buttons for different manufacturers.
To help! Hot keys to enter the BIOS menu, boot menu -
Also important is one moment: BIOS / UEFI loading can be so fast that you can simply not have time to press the desired key. Therefore, try another option: when the PC / laptop is still turned off, hold down the entry key (ESC, for example), and then turn on the device (do not press the key until entering the BIOS!).
Hold down the key to enter the BIOS (for example, ESC) and turn on the device (laptop)
There is an option to "get" into the BIOS without pressing keys at the boot stage...
If you have a relatively modern computer/laptop with installed Windows 8/10 - then you can enter the BIOS through the OS interface.
First you need to open the section "Restoration" in system settings. Next, restart the computer through special boot options (see screenshot below).
Then open the section and click on "EFI Built-in Options" (see photo below). The computer will then restart and the BIOS window will open automatically...
To help!
How to enter UEFI (BIOS) from Windows interface 8, 10 (without using special keys F2, Del, etc.) -
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Keyboard model and port used
Wireless keyboards have become very popular these days. Everything would be fine, but a number of models simply do not work until Windows is loaded (the same can be said about some USB keyboards connected via various adapters ...).
Here's a simple tip: have an emergency PS/2 keyboard (it should definitely work). If you have a USB keyboard, then there are small adapters for it (USB to PS / 2). It is also worth trying to connect the keyboard directly to the USB ports located on the back of the system unit. (if connected to USB 3.0, try USB ports 2.0) .
Reset BIOS settings
In some cases, fixing the problem helps in default. To do this, you can use two methods:
By the way! After such a procedure (even if you still can't get into BIOS) most likely its settings have been reset. And this can, for example, allow you to run Windows installation from a bootable flash drive/DVD (because by default in many BIOS versions the first boot device is a CD / flash drive, and then - HDD) .
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Shutdown hard drive
In some cases, due to a failed hard drive, its initialization is delayed (sometimes it even leads to a PC freezing). Of course, this point can also be the cause of the problem in question...
What can be done: try disconnecting all drives from SATA, USB, M2 ports of the PC (flash drives, hard drives, solid state drives, etc.). Ideally, leave the keyboard and monitor alone, then reboot the device and try to enter the BIOS.
By the way! If you need to enter the BIOS to install the OS, then you can try formatting the hard drive on another PC, and then connect it to the current one. Thus, Windows will not be launched from it and the PC will automatically try to boot from the connected installation flash drive (CD). At least that's true for the default BIOS settings...
To help!
How to connect a second hard drive to a computer, laptop -
How to format a hard drive: ways -
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BIOS update
If all the previous steps were unsuccessful, it may be worth updating the BIOS. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to upgrade the version - you can install something older (note: not always a new version works more stable than the current one).
Modern devices allow you to run a BIOS / UEFI update directly from under Windows. The whole update usually comes down to downloading and running an EXE file (like any other program), and after that the PC / laptop will reboot and update the BIOS on its own (automatically, without your participation).
Of course, the method is relevant for those who already have Windows on the disk. More detailed instructions below.
To help!
How to update the BIOS of a laptop (using HP as an example) -
Successful work!
Updated: 12/26/2019 Published: 13.03.2018
Description
Every time you turn on the computer, the BIOS immediately opens (a blue window with settings). After exiting it, either the system starts up, or only the BIOS is loaded again.
Very often, this can happen with laptops from ASUS or Samsung.
Cause
Typically, the problem is caused by the BIOS not being able to find the device from which the operating system should boot. This can happen for the following reasons:
- The settings of the basic input/output system have gone wrong;
- There are no media to run the operating system or its malfunction;
- BIOS software error;
- Computer malfunction warning - launching the menu signals the presence of wrong setting, which can lead to failure of the PC itself. For example, incorrect bus frequency.
It is also possible that the BIOS start key (usually Del or F2) is simply stuck - because of this, a constant basic input output system occurs.
Solution
Solutions are ranked in order of ease of diagnosis and probability of occurrence.
1. Enable Launch CSM (BIOS / UEFI mode)
In the case of using systems that do not support UEFI (for example, Windows 7), it is necessary that the "Launch CSM" option be enabled (this option is responsible for compatibility with older operating systems). If it is turned off, first we find the option "Secure Boot" - disable it and restart the computer. Then we activate Launch CSM. After that, you can try restarting your computer.
We check if there is a Boot Device Control section and the ability to choose between parameters such as: UEFI and Legacy, UEFI Only, Legacy Only. For older versions of the system, you should choose Legacy and UEFI Only or Legacy Only. For new systems, you need to try different options.
Some BIOS / UEFI versions have an option to select the type of operating system - there may be Windows 8 (7) and Other OS options. For systems that do not support UEFI, select the latter option.
Disabling Fast Boot may also help. To do this, in the BIOS we find the option "Fast Boot" (usually in the Boot section) and translate it into the Disabled position.
2. Reset BIOS settings
First, we try to reset the settings in the BIOS itself. To do this, in the "Exit" section, we find an option with a name similar to "Load Default", for example:
If this does not help, we try to reset the settings by pulling out the battery on the motherboard.
3. Checking the disk drive
We check the health of the disk on which the operating system (or bootloader) is installed. For this you can:
a) See if the BIOS sees the disk in the section Main.
b) Disconnect the disk from the computer and insert it into another, checking that it is detected and data can be read from it.
c) Boot the computer from the boot Windows disk LiveCD and check the status of the media on which the system is located, for example, with the CrystalDiskInfo program.
If the disk is not detected or its condition is determined to be critical, then the disk itself must be replaced.
4. Checking the connection of the disk drive
We disconnect the hard drive cables from the motherboard and the drive itself, on which the bootloader is located. We check that there is no dust in them and connect again:
Also, we connect the disk cable to another SATA connector on the motherboard. You can also try replacing the drive's power connector.
5. Set up the Boot partition (boot priority)
The BIOS may start up constantly because the computer cannot find the boot area and start the operating system. In this case, the "Boot menu" may immediately start.
Go to the "Boot" section and check that the boot starts from the hard drive:
* if there is no disk in the list of launch devices, check the tightness of the wires. It is also possible that the carrier itself is out of order.
* if there are several installed in the system hard drives, you need to boot the system from the one on which the bootloader is installed. If we do not know what kind of disk it is, we try to set a priority for each of them in turn.
6. Change the battery
If every time after turning off the computer / power supply, BIOS settings appear, this may indicate that the battery is dead. Also, a signal for the need to replace it may be an error CMOS checksum error.
To replace the battery, we disassemble the computer and find it on the motherboard. Roughly, it looks like this:
The battery itself can be purchased at many stores. Markings for different boards may vary slightly (as a rule, these are CR2016, CR2025 or CR2032). The easiest way is to pull out the battery and bring it to the store.
7. Checking the keyboard
If the BIOS launch keys are stuck on the keyboard (usually, it's Del or F2 - full list in the article How to enter BIOS), this may cause it to start when you turn it on.
To check, we try to gently tap on these keys and, if this does not help, turn off the keyboard (the laptop will have to be disassembled for this).
8. Save the settings
The BIOS may constantly appear, since it is simply necessary to save its settings once (for example, after replacing one of the components). To do this, go to the "Exit" section and exit with saving the settings. For example:
9. Turn off the computer
In some cases, the BIOS may fail. Most often, turning off the computer will help. To do this, turn off the computer, pull out the power cable, wait 10 seconds and turn it on again.
10. Empty disk (no operating system)
A similar problem will be in the case when the computer has nothing to boot the operating system from, since it is not installed on the disk. For example, when buying a new computer or replacing a drive. In some cases, due to damage file system and, as a consequence, the loss of the system on it. In this case, you need to install the operating system on the disk.
Also, the problem may be due to damage to the operating system. You can try to solve the problem by reinstalling the system.
11. Computer overheating
We check the computer. If it is hot, you need to let it cool down (minutes, 30). Then turn on the PC.
Severe overheating can be the reason that the cooling system does not cope with its task. It is necessary to clean the computer from dust, replace the thermal paste and, if necessary, fans or coolers.
12. Update BIOS
To update the BIOS, download the latest version from the website of the motherboard developer. Instructions are attached to the downloaded archive - we carefully study it and perform step-by-step actions.
If the latest BIOS version is already installed on the computer, then install it again (reflash the BIOS).
Even the most cautious users will eventually have to log into the computer's base system on their own. To be afraid, to do something wrong is normal, which cannot be said about the manifestation of the reverse reaction - the frivolity of newcomers, driven by irresistibility, to test the microsystem in action. However, both some and other users may have a question: “The computer does not enter the BIOS: what to do”, even if the “same” service key for calling the basic microsystem of the computing device is used to enter. It will be interesting to everyone, and even to you an advanced user!
Introductory Theory of "Untriggerability"
Let's leave the dull story about what BIOS is and why it is needed at all ... You need to know one thing - BIOS, this is not the place where you can thoughtlessly conduct experiments. Before you change any parameter or make a certain change in the operation of the microsystem, you need to understand that the result may turn out to be deplorably unexpected. Therefore, we turn on our brains and get down to business.
Energy "CMOS-trouble" - the battery is dead
The one who knows what is at stake will smile. Although it is not a fact that when the situation “The computer does not enter the BIOS” occurs, a knowledgeable user immediately pays attention to the battery that keeps the CMOS memory chip, so to speak, in good shape.
Sometimes an advanced computer scientist takes a roundabout way - he tries to reflash the BIOS or exposes the system to a kind of software "shock therapy" by loading various DOS utilities and trying to resurrect the "maternal instinct" of the bootability of the control system.
In fact, the first thing to do when the problem we are considering occurs is to replace the CMOS battery and reset BIOS settings to default values.
Where is the "main" battery located and how to reset the BIOS?
The location of the battery may depend on the modification of the computing device, its type and other design features of the device. When it comes to laptops, access to the battery is often incredibly difficult, as often the battery is hidden deep in the bowels of a compact device. However, referring to the material of the article, which is , you will be able to reset the BIOS settings without carrying out the difficult process of dismantling the laptop frame.
In the case of stationary computers, everything is much simpler - we disconnect the power cable from the system unit, remove the protective cover and, without much stress, we immediately find a large button-type battery. Naturally, it must be dismantled, and before putting a workable battery in its place, close the contacts of the battery socket with any metal object (static, you know!). After that, proceed to the operation "reset user settings".
Mechanical method - closing special connectors with a jumper or clicking on the "Clear" button
Some manufacturers supply the motherboards they produce with a special button, pressing which allows you to clear the CMOS memory and return the BIOS settings to, so to speak, their original state - the factory one. However, most motherboards equipped with a more ascetic reset mechanism - a three-pin breaker, the location of which can be easily calculated by marking "CLR CMOS".
So, in order (by default, we de-energized the computing device and removed the protective cover):
- Typically, the reset pin mechanism is in close proximity to the CMOS battery. However, in the photo below, the jumper is in a different place on the board.
- The operating position of the jumper is "1-2" - move the contactor one position forward / backward, in accordance with the marking applied to the motherboard. Regarding the graphical example (above the figure) - this is the position "2-3".
- Wait a couple of minutes and install a new battery in the battery connector.
- If the motherboard is equipped with a special button, activate it.
- Close the cover and connect the power cable to the system unit.
- Turn on your computer.
If everything went well, which is called “Hurrah”, then pressing the “necessary” button will take you to the interface basic settings, no - we continue to look for the cause.
Keyboard "passions", or Why can't I enter the computer's BIOS?
Sometimes, especially for portable electronics, the culprit of "uncontrollability" is directly the keyboard module. Make sure that none of the keys is stuck, that is, is not in the closed (pressed) state.
Perhaps some unfortunate incident that happened the day before will come to mind - a spilled cup of coffee, for example.
In any case, it's worth trying the "connecting an external keyboard via USB" option.
If the prerequisites are correct, you need to replace the keyboard module. For desktop computers, the most acceptable test scheme is to connect a known-good keyboard to the PS / 2 connector.
Hard case - "hard" problems
The inability of the computer BIOS system to start or to complete the full initialization process can be caused by a malfunction of any hardware component of the computer. Most often, the reason lies in the incapacity of the hard drive. By the way, do not neglect the importance (issued by the BIOS system) sound signals. Learn more about "beep" codes . This kind of knowledge incredibly simplifies the process of finding a specific problem.
It is not uncommon for a favorable boot scenario to be disrupted by a malfunction of the front connection panel, to which external audio and other peripherals are connected. Try disconnecting the external controller cable from the motherboard.
Check if the problem “the computer does not enter BIOS” has been resolved, if not, turn off the hard drive and restart the computer. In the end, if possible, experiment with planks. random access memory- check their performance, so to speak, by alternate connection. All of the above also applies to laptops. Perhaps information from it will come in handy for you.
In addition to what has been said
So, you, dear reader, have familiarized yourself with the basic methods for eliminating the causes when the computer does not enter the BIOS. We dare to assure you that the described troubleshooting algorithm is the most optimal. However, if your BIOS simply crashed, then you still can’t do without flashing the CMOS chip (see the article, which is located ). Happy renovation to you!
