General
How to Reset BIOS Defaults on a Laptop
If your laptop has started acting strangely, resetting the BIOS or UEFI settings back to default can sometimes be a useful troubleshooting step. It will not fix every problem, but it can help when a hardware setting has been changed, a boot option is wrong, or the laptop is behaving differently after an update, repair, battery event, docking issue or failed setting change.
This guide is written for everyday laptop users, not technicians. We will explain what BIOS defaults are, when it is worth trying, what to check first, and how to reset the settings safely.
Quick summary
- BIOS or UEFI controls low-level laptop hardware settings before Windows loads.
- Resetting BIOS defaults can help with some boot, keyboard, touchpad, fan, charging, USB, display or docking-related issues.
- It does not delete your files, but changing the wrong settings can stop Windows from booting correctly.
- Before changing anything, take photos of the current BIOS screens if you can.
- If BitLocker is enabled, make sure you have your recovery key before making BIOS changes.
What does the BIOS actually do?
The BIOS, or more commonly on modern laptops the UEFI firmware, is the built-in setup system that starts before Windows. It controls basic hardware-level options such as boot order, secure boot, storage mode, virtualisation, USB behaviour, charging options, keyboard settings and sometimes fan or power settings.
Most people never need to change these settings. However, when a laptop is being repaired, upgraded, reinstalled, docked, updated or used with different hardware, a BIOS setting can sometimes end up causing confusion.
Resetting BIOS defaults means telling the laptop to go back to the manufacturer’s standard settings. This can remove unusual settings and give you a cleaner starting point for troubleshooting.
When resetting BIOS defaults may help
A BIOS reset is most useful when the problem feels hardware-related, happens before Windows loads, or started after a setting was changed. It is not a magic fix, but it is a sensible step in the right situation.
| Issue | Could BIOS defaults help? | Why it might help |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop not booting from the correct drive | Yes, sometimes | The boot order or boot mode may have been changed. |
| USB device, dock or keyboard behaving oddly | Yes, sometimes | USB, Thunderbolt or external device settings may be incorrect. |
| Touchpad, keyboard or function keys not working as expected | Possibly | Some laptops have BIOS-level input settings. |
| Battery or charging behaviour seems unusual | Possibly | Power management or battery-related settings may have been changed. |
| Windows is slow or full of pop-ups | Usually no | This is more likely a Windows, software or storage issue. |
| Blue screens after a hardware change | Possibly | Storage, security or boot-related settings may be involved. |
Important warning before you start
Resetting BIOS defaults does not normally delete your personal files. However, BIOS settings affect how the laptop starts, so you should still be careful.
Before changing anything, we strongly recommend:
- Back up important files if the laptop still boots into Windows.
- Take clear photos of the current BIOS screens with your phone.
- Make sure the charger is plugged in.
- Do not interrupt the laptop while it is saving BIOS settings.
- Check whether BitLocker is enabled before making changes.
BitLocker warning
If your laptop uses BitLocker drive encryption, some BIOS or security changes can trigger a BitLocker recovery screen. This is not necessarily a fault, but you may need the BitLocker recovery key to get back into Windows.
If you are unsure what BitLocker is, read our guide: What is BitLocker and why should you care?
How to enter the BIOS or UEFI setup
The exact key depends on the laptop brand, but the general process is similar.
- Shut the laptop down completely.
- Plug in the charger.
- Turn the laptop on.
- Immediately start tapping the BIOS key repeatedly.
- Wait for the BIOS, UEFI, Setup or Startup Menu screen to appear.
Common keys include F2, F10, F12, Delete or Esc. HP, Dell, Lenovo and other business-grade laptops often use different shortcuts, so do not worry if the first key you try does not work.
How to reset BIOS defaults
Once you are inside the BIOS or UEFI setup screen, look for a setting with wording such as:
- Load Setup Defaults
- Load Optimised Defaults
- Restore Defaults
- Factory Defaults
- BIOS Defaults
- Apply Defaults and Exit
The wording varies by brand, but the idea is the same. You are asking the laptop to restore its standard firmware settings.
General step-by-step process
- Enter the BIOS or UEFI setup screen.
- Take photos of the current settings if possible.
- Find the option for loading or restoring defaults.
- Confirm the change when prompted.
- Choose Save and Exit.
- Allow the laptop to restart normally.
After the restart, check whether the original issue has improved. If the laptop now boots into Windows and the hardware behaves normally, the problem may have been caused by an incorrect BIOS setting.
What to check after resetting BIOS defaults
After loading defaults, some settings may need to be checked again, especially on business-grade or refurbished laptops. You do not need to change anything unless there is a clear reason, but these are the areas worth reviewing.
| Setting area | Why it matters | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Boot order | Controls which device the laptop tries to start from first. | If Windows does not load, the internal SSD may not be first. |
| Secure Boot | Helps protect the Windows startup process. | Changing this can affect Windows booting or recovery tools. |
| Storage mode | Controls how the drive is presented to Windows. | Changing storage mode can stop Windows from booting. |
| Virtualisation | Used by some business, security and development tools. | Usually safe to leave enabled if you need it. |
| Thunderbolt or USB-C security | Affects docks, displays and some USB-C devices. | Useful to check if a dock or monitor is not detected. |
If you are troubleshooting display or docking problems, these related guides may also help:
- Resetting and reinstalling your display driver in Windows
- Your guide to docking stations for laptops in NZ
BIOS reset vs Windows reset: what is the difference?
This is an important distinction. Resetting BIOS defaults is not the same as resetting Windows.
| Reset type | What it affects | Does it remove files? | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS / UEFI defaults | Low-level hardware and startup settings | No, not usually | Hardware, boot, dock, keyboard, USB or startup behaviour |
| Windows reset | Windows installation, apps and user settings | It can, depending on the option chosen | Software problems, Windows corruption, unwanted apps or slow performance |
If your issue is more about Windows itself, our guide on how to reset Windows 10 or 11 may be more relevant.
When a BIOS reset is not enough
If the same issue continues after resetting BIOS defaults, the cause may be elsewhere. For example, the laptop may have a driver problem, failing battery, faulty RAM, damaged storage drive, loose internal connection or a Windows issue.
Here are some next steps to consider:
- Run Windows Update and install optional driver updates where appropriate.
- Check Device Manager for missing or failed hardware.
- Run a memory test if the laptop freezes, crashes or restarts unexpectedly.
- Check battery health if the issue relates to charging or sudden shutdowns.
- Test without docks, hubs, external screens or USB devices attached.
- Back up your files before attempting deeper repair or reinstall steps.
For a simple next step, see our guide: What is Device Manager in Windows and how do you use it?
Simple troubleshooting checklist
Before you assume the laptop has a serious hardware fault, work through this quick checklist.
- Restart the laptop fully, rather than just closing the lid.
- Disconnect external docks, monitors, USB drives and accessories.
- Check whether the issue happens before Windows loads.
- Make sure important files are backed up.
- Check for BitLocker before changing firmware settings.
- Enter BIOS and take photos of the current settings.
- Load BIOS defaults, then save and exit.
- Test the laptop again with no accessories connected.
- If the issue is fixed, reconnect accessories one at a time.
- If the issue remains, move on to Windows, driver, battery, RAM or storage checks.
Why this matters when buying refurbished laptops
Business-grade ex-lease laptops often include more BIOS and security options than basic consumer laptops. That is one reason they are popular for work, study and home office use, but it also means firmware settings can sometimes be involved when troubleshooting unusual behaviour.
At NZ Laptop Wholesale, our refurbished laptops are professionally tested and cleaned before sale. We focus on practical, business-grade ex-lease equipment that is ready for real-world use, with NZ-wide courier delivery and real local support. Products are also backed by our warranty.
If you are comparing laptop options, you may find our guide on refurbished business laptops vs cheap new laptops helpful.
Final thoughts
Resetting BIOS defaults is a practical troubleshooting step when a laptop is behaving strangely at a hardware or startup level. It is usually quick, and it does not normally remove your files, but it should still be done carefully.
The safest approach is to back up your data, check for BitLocker, take photos before changing settings, restore defaults, then test one thing at a time. If the issue continues, the BIOS was probably not the root cause — but you have still removed one possible problem from the list.
