How to Fix PC Keeps Booting to BIOS: Troubleshooting Guide

Are you frustrated because your PC keeps booting to BIOS? Don't worry, I've got you covered! In this article, I will guide you step by step on how to troubleshoot and fix this annoying issue. Whether it's a hardware or software problem, you'll learn effective solutions to get your PC back up and running smoothly. Let's dive in!

Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix a PC that Keeps Booting to BIOS

Problem: PC keeps booting to BIOS.

Solution 1: Check the boot order in BIOS settings and ensure that the hard drive or SSD is set as the primary boot device. Make any necessary adjustments and save the changes before exiting the BIOS.

Solution 2: Disconnect any external storage devices, such as USB drives or external hard drives, as these can sometimes interfere with the boot process. Restart the PC and see if it boots properly into the operating system.

Solution 3: Reset the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) by locating the CMOS jumper on the motherboard or removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes. This will reset the BIOS settings to their default values and may resolve the booting issue.

Solution 4: Update the BIOS firmware to the latest version available from the manufacturer's website. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to safely update the BIOS.

Solution 5: If none of the above solutions work, it is possible that there is a hardware issue with the PC. Consider seeking professional help or contacting the manufacturer for further assistance.

Remember to always be cautious when making changes to the BIOS settings, as incorrect adjustments can potentially cause further issues with your PC.

[FIX] BIOS Screen NOT SHOWING UP!! [2020]

How can I escape from a BIOS loop?

To escape from a BIOS loop, you can try the following steps:

1. **Power off** your computer completely.
2. Unplug the power cable and remove the battery (if it's a laptop).
3. **Wait for around 30 seconds** to ensure that all residual power is drained from the system.
4. **Reconnect the power cable** (and reinsert the battery if applicable).
5. **Power on** your computer and **quickly press the key** (usually Del, F2, or Esc) to enter the BIOS setup utility.
6. Once in the BIOS, **navigate to the "Exit" or "Boot" section**. Look for options like "Reset to Default," "Load Optimal Defaults," or "Clear CMOS."
7. Select the appropriate option to **reset the BIOS settings**. Confirm any prompts or warnings that may appear.
8. After resetting the BIOS, **navigate to the "Save & Exit" section** and choose the option to **save changes and exit**.
9. Your computer should now **reboot** with the BIOS settings reset to their default values, hopefully breaking the loop.

If the BIOS loop persists even after following these steps, it may indicate a deeper issue with your hardware. In such cases, seeking professional assistance or contacting your computer manufacturer's support would be advisable.

How to initiate Windows boot from the BIOS?

To initiate Windows boot from the BIOS, follow these steps:

1. Start by restarting your computer.
2. During the startup process, look for a message on your screen that prompts you to "Press [key] to enter Setup" or "Press [key] to enter BIOS." The specific key may vary depending on your computer manufacturer, but common keys include F2, F10, Del, or Esc.
3. Once you identify the correct key, press it before the operating system starts loading.
4. This action should take you to the BIOS or UEFI settings menu.
5. In the BIOS menu, navigate using the arrow keys on your keyboard. Look for a tab or section related to boot options or boot priority.
6. Inside the boot options, locate the option for changing the boot order or boot priority. It may be labeled as "Boot Order," "Boot Sequence," or something similar.
7. Change the boot order so that the device containing your Windows operating system is at the top of the list. This is typically your hard drive or SSD.
8. Save the changes by pressing the corresponding key, usually F10, and confirm the action when prompted.
9. Exit the BIOS menu and allow your computer to restart.
10. Your computer should now boot directly into Windows.

Note: Keep in mind that altering BIOS settings can have significant implications on your computer's functionality. Proceed with caution and only make changes if you are confident about what you're doing or have specific instructions from a trusted source.

FAQ

How to fix a PC that keeps booting to BIOS?

If your PC keeps booting to BIOS repeatedly, here are some steps you can follow to fix the issue:

1. Check hardware connections: Ensure all cables, including power and data cables, are securely connected to your PC's components, such as the hard drive, RAM sticks, and graphics card.

2. Reset BIOS settings: Enter the BIOS (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F10 during startup) and look for an option labeled "Reset to default," "Load Setup Defaults," or similar. Select it and save changes before exiting. This will reset your BIOS settings to their default values.

3. Update BIOS firmware: Visit your PC manufacturer's website and search for the latest BIOS firmware for your specific model. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to update your BIOS. Remember to proceed with caution as any errors during the process can damage your motherboard.

4. Check boot order: In the BIOS, locate the "Boot" or "Boot Priority" section and ensure that your primary boot device (usually the hard drive containing your operating system) is listed first. Use the arrow keys to adjust the boot order if necessary.

5. Disable Fast Startup: If you're using Windows 10, disable the Fast Startup feature. To do this, go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable," then uncheck the box next to "Turn on fast startup." Save changes and restart your PC.

6. Test hardware components: If the issue persists, there may be a hardware problem. Test your RAM modules and hard drive using diagnostic tools like Memtest86+ and CrystalDiskInfo, respectively. Replace any faulty components if necessary.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it's recommended to seek professional help or contact your PC manufacturer for further assistance.

Why does my computer keep going to BIOS instead of starting up normally?

If your computer keeps going to BIOS instead of starting up normally, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. **Check hardware connections:** Ensure that all the cables inside your computer, including the power cable, data cables, and RAM modules, are properly connected. Loose connections can prevent your computer from starting up correctly.

2. **Reset BIOS settings:** Sometimes, incorrect BIOS settings can cause your computer to boot into BIOS repeatedly. To resolve this, access the BIOS menu by pressing the designated key (e.g., F2, Del) during startup and look for an option like "Load Optimized Defaults" or "Reset to Default Settings." Select this option and save the changes before exiting the BIOS.

3. **Remove non-essential peripherals:** Disconnect any external devices such as USB drives, printers, or external hard drives. Sometimes, a faulty external device or an incorrect boot order can cause your computer to boot into BIOS repeatedly.

4. **Remove and reseat hardware components:** If you recently installed new hardware, such as RAM or a graphics card, try removing and reseating them. Incorrectly installed hardware can cause boot issues.

5. **Update BIOS firmware:** Visit your computer manufacturer's website and check if there are any BIOS updates available for your specific model. Updating the BIOS can sometimes resolve compatibility issues and improve system stability.

6. **Perform a clean boot:** If none of the above steps work, try performing a clean boot of your computer. This involves disabling all startup programs and non-Microsoft services to determine if any software is causing the problem. Instructions for performing a clean boot can vary depending on the version of Windows you are using.

If the issue persists after trying these troubleshooting steps, it may be best to seek assistance from a professional computer technician.

What steps can I take to stop my PC from repeatedly booting into BIOS mode?

If your PC is repeatedly booting into BIOS mode, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. **Check hardware connections**: Ensure that all the cables, including power and data cables, are properly connected to your PC. Loose connections can sometimes cause booting issues.

2. **Reset BIOS settings**: Sometimes, incorrect BIOS settings can result in repeated booting into BIOS mode. To reset the BIOS settings, restart your PC and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the designated key (usually Del, F2, or F10) during startup. Look for an option to "Load Default/Setup Defaults/Reset BIOS" and select it. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

3. **Update BIOS firmware**: Outdated BIOS firmware can also cause booting problems. Visit the manufacturer's website and search for the latest BIOS update for your PC model. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to update the BIOS firmware carefully.

4. **Remove external devices**: Disconnect any external devices or peripherals connected to your PC, such as USB drives, external hard drives, printers, etc. Sometimes, incompatible or faulty devices can interfere with the booting process.

5. **Check for hardware issues**: Perform a thorough inspection of your PC's hardware components. Look for signs of physical damage or malfunction, such as loose cables, damaged RAM modules, or a failing hard drive. If necessary, consult a professional technician to diagnose and repair any hardware issues.

6. **Perform a system restore**: If the issue started after installing new software or making changes to your system, performing a system restore to a previous stable point can help. Access the system restore options either through the BIOS or by using installation media (such as a Windows DVD or USB drive).

7. **Reinstall operating system**: As a last resort, if none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider reinstalling the operating system. Backup your important data before proceeding, as reinstalling the OS will erase all existing files and applications on your PC.

Remember, if you are uncomfortable performing any of these steps yourself, it is always recommended to seek professional assistance.

In conclusion, troubleshooting a PC that keeps booting to BIOS can be a frustrating experience, but with the right steps and knowledge, you can resolve this issue effectively. Remember to check the hardware connections, update the BIOS firmware, and reset the CMOS settings to ensure proper functionality. Additionally, seeking professional assistance may be necessary if the problem persists. By following these guidelines, you can successfully overcome the BIOS boot loop and get your PC back to working normally.