The UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) password is a security feature typically set by the user or by the computer’s manufacturer on some computers to prevent unauthorized access to the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings.
If you have set a password to protect your BIOS or UEFI settings, you might have trouble accessing them if you forget the password. This can prevent you from changing important boot options or hardware configurations. Fortunately, there are some ways to reset or recover your BIOS/UEFI password without losing your data or reinstalling Windows. In this article, we will show you how to do that using different methods, depending on your computer model and situation.
Table of Contents
- What is a BIOS/UEFI Password?
- How to Reset or Recover Your BIOS/UEFI Password
- Solution 1: Check your computer motherboard documentation
- Solution 2: Check for a default password
- Solution 3: Try common passwords
- Solution 4: Reset UEFI settings using UEFI/BIOS setup utility
- Solution 5: Reset UEFI firmware settings by clearing the CMOS
- Solution 6: Use a password cracking tool
- Solution 7: Contact the manufacturer
- Conclusion
What is a BIOS/UEFI Password?
A BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) password is a security feature that allows you to restrict access to the BIOS/UEFI setup utility on your computer. The BIOS/UEFI setup utility is a program that runs before Windows starts and lets you configure various hardware and system settings, such as boot order, CPU frequency, memory timings, fan speed, etc.
A BIOS/UEFI password can be useful if you want to prevent unauthorized users from modifying your BIOS/UEFI settings or booting from a different device. However, if you forget the password, you will not be able to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility or change any settings. This can be a problem if you need to troubleshoot your computer, update your BIOS/UEFI firmware, or install a new operating system.
How to Reset or Recover Your BIOS/UEFI Password
There are several methods to reset or recover your BIOS/UEFI password, depending on your computer model and the type of password you have set. Some of these methods are easier than others, but they all require some technical knowledge and caution. Before you try any of these methods, make sure you back up your important data and read the instructions carefully. Also, be aware that resetting or recovering your BIOS/UEFI password may void your warranty or damage your computer, so proceed at your own risk.
Solution 1: Check your computer motherboard documentation
Your UEFI password is usually set up by default as blank, or might be listed in your computer’s documentation such as user manual, other documentation or on a sticker attached to your computer. Look for any documentation or manuals that came with your computer or motherboard. Some motherboard manuals provide instructions on how to reset the UEFI password.
Your motherboard manual should have information on how to reset the UEFI password. Look for the “Clear CMOS” or “Reset BIOS” jumper on your motherboard and follow the instructions to reset the UEFI password.
Solution 2: Check for a default password
Some computer manufacturers use default passwords that can be used to access the UEFI setup utility. You can check your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for information on default passwords.
Solution 3: Try common passwords
If you have not set a custom password, you can try some common passwords that are used by default by some computer manufacturers. These passwords can be found online, but they may not work for all models or versions of BIOS/UEFI. Some examples of common passwords are:
- admin
- password
- 1234
- 0000
Solution 4: Reset UEFI settings using UEFI/BIOS setup utility
Another way to reset or recover your BIOS/UEFI password is to reset the BIOS/UEFI settings to their default values. This can be done by entering the BIOS/UEFI setup utility and choosing the option to reset the settings. However, this method requires you to know the current password or to bypass it somehow. Here are the steps to reset the BIOS/UEFI settings to default:
Step 1: Turn on your computer and immediately press the key to enter the UEFI/BIOS setup utility. The key may vary depending on your computer model, but commonly used keys are F2, F10, F12, or Delete. You can check your computer manual or manufacturer’s website for more information.
Step 2: Once you are in the UEFI/BIOS setup utility, look for the option to reset the password. The location and wording of this option may vary depending on your computer model, but it is usually found under the Security or Password section.
Step 3: Follow the instructions to reset the password. This may involve answering security questions, entering a master password provided by the manufacturer, or using a password reset disk. Alternatively, you can find the option to “Reset to Defaults” or “Load Default Settings,” and confirm the changes.
Step 4: After resetting the password, save and exit the UEFI/BIOS setup utility.
Solution 5: Reset UEFI firmware settings by clearing the CMOS
The UEFI password is stored in the CMOS memory of your computer’s motherboard. Clearing the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) can reset the UEFI password, but it should only be attempted by experienced users, as it involves opening up the computer case and manipulating hardware components to locate the CMOS jumper on your motherboard or by finding the CMOS battery on the motherboard, removing it for a few minutes, and then putting it back in. It’s also worth noting that clearing the CMOS will reset all BIOS UEFI settings to their defaults, including the password, so you will need to reconfigure them afterwards. However, this process can be complicated and should be done with caution. Refer to your motherboard manual for instructions on how to clear the CMOS.
Here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Shut down your computer and unplug it from the power source.
Step 2: Open the case of your computer to access the motherboard.
Step 3: Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard. The CMOS battery is usually located on the motherboard and is a small circular battery that is easily removable.
Step 4: Remove the CMOS battery by gently prying it out of its socket and wait for at least 5 minutes.
Step 5: Reinsert the battery and close the case of your computer.
Step 6: Power on your computer and enter the UEFI firmware settings by pressing the key that appears on the screen during the boot process (usually F2, F10, or Del).
Step 7: Once you are in the UEFI firmware settings, you can set a new UEFI password.
Note: Resetting the UEFI firmware settings will also reset any other settings you may have configured, such as the boot order or overclocking settings. So, you will need to reconfigure these settings after resetting the UEFI firmware.
Solution 6: Use a password cracking tool
There are some third-party password cracking tools that claim to be able to recover or bypass UEFI passwords. However, using these tools can be risky and may damage your system or void your warranty.
It’s important to note that UEFI passwords are designed to be secure and difficult to reset, so it’s best to try the other options before resorting to a password cracking tool.
Here are the steps to use a password cracking tool:
Step 1: Download a password cracking tool from a reputable source. Some examples of password cracking tools are CmosPwd, PC CMOS Cleaner, or BIOS Master Password Generator. Make sure the tool is compatible with your computer model and BIOS/UEFI version.
Step 2: Create a bootable device with the password cracking tool. You can use a USB flash drive or a CD/DVD, and follow the instructions provided by the tool or use a third-party software such as Rufus or ISO Burner.
Step 3: Insert the bootable device into your computer and restart it. Press the key to enter the boot menu and select the bootable device as the first boot option. The key may vary depending on your computer model, but commonly used keys are F9, F10, F11, or F12. You can check your computer manual or manufacturer’s website for more information.
Step 4: Run the password cracking tool and follow the instructions. The tool may ask you to enter some information about your computer or BIOS/UEFI, such as the model, the version, or the code displayed on the screen. The tool may also try to generate or guess the password automatically, or give you some options to choose from.
Step 5: Write down the password or the code provided by the tool. You may need to enter it in the BIOS/UEFI setup utility or use it to create a password reset disk.
Step 6: Remove the bootable device from your computer and restart it. Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility and use the password or the code to access the settings. You can then change or remove the password as you wish.
Solution 7: Contact the manufacturer
If you are unable to reset the password using the above method, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard for further assistance. They may be able to provide you with a master password or other solution to guide you through the process of resetting the UEFI password.
Keep in mind that resetting the UEFI password may require technical expertise, and it is recommended to consult with a professional if you are unsure about the process.
You can contact the manufacturer’s customer support and request assistance in resetting the UEFI password. You may need to provide proof of ownership, such as the serial number or proof of purchase. Some manufacturers may not provide assistance with resetting the UEFI password if the computer is out of warranty.
Conclusion
Note that resetting the UEFI password will likely result in the loss of your system settings or any encrypted data on your computer that is protected by BitLocker or other encryption software. Resetting the UEFI password may cause you to lose access to any encrypted data on your computer. Be sure to back up any important data before attempting to reset the password.
It’s also important to remember that the UEFI password is a security feature designed to protect your computer from unauthorized access, so it’s important to keep it secure and not share it with anyone.
It’s important to note that resetting the UEFI password can sometimes cause issues with your computer’s boot process, so it’s best to proceed with caution and refer to your motherboard manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
It’s important to note that attempting to bypass the UEFI password without authorization can be illegal and may void your computer’s warranty. If you are unable to reset the password using the above methods, you may need to seek professional assistance.