Learn BIOS settings explained for beginners: fix boot errors, save changes, reset CMOS, update BIOS safely, and solve common start-up problems.

If your PC suddenly won’t boot, keeps opening the BIOS screen, or forgets your settings every time you restart — you’re not alone.

For beginners, BIOS can feel scary and confusing. One wrong option and your computer may stop starting properly.

Most BIOS problems are easy to fix once you know what each setting does and how to change it safely.

In this guide, you’ll get BIOS settings explained for beginners, plus real troubleshooting steps to fix common issues like:

• BIOS not saving settings after reboot
• Boot device errors
• BIOS not detecting SSD, USB, or RAM
• CPU fan errors and beep codes
• Laptop stuck on BIOS screen

This is a problem-solving guide, exactly how we do it at TeksOlvr.com — focused on fixing issues, not just explaining them.

Quick Fix: Try These First

• If your PC is stuck at BIOS or not booting, try these quick checks:
• Press F10 → Save & Exit after changing settings
• Set correct boot order (Windows drive should be first)
• Disable Fast Boot in BIOS
• Check if BIOS date/time resets → replace CMOS battery
• Disconnect USB drives and reboot
• Load Default Settings if things look wrong

If the problem continues, follow the full step-by-step fixes below.

What Is BIOS and How to Configure It for Beginners?

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the first software that runs when you turn on your computer.
It checks hardware and tells the system where to find Windows.

Modern PCs now use UEFI, which is an upgraded version of BIOS with:

This is why many people search “BIOS vs UEFI differences explained” — because settings look different but work similarly.

Why BIOS Problems Happen

Common reasons BIOS issues appear:

• Dead or weak CMOS battery
• Power failure during BIOS update
• Wrong boot order
• Corrupt Windows boot files
• Loose SSD or RAM
• Wrong UEFI / Legacy mode selected

That’s why people often ask:
“Why does BIOS reset to default on shutdown?”
or
“Why BIOS shows boot device error?”
Now let’s fix them properly.

Step-by-Step Solutions (Beginner Friendly)

Fix 1: BIOS Settings Not Saving After Reboot

Symptoms:

• BIOS changes revert to defaults on restart
• BIOS date/time resets every reboot

Solution: Replace CMOS Battery

This is the most common fix for:

• BIOS settings not saved after power off
• BIOS settings not retaining changes solution

Steps to replace CMOS battery:

1. Turn off PC and unplug power
2. Open CPU cabinet
3. Find coin-shaped battery on motherboard
4. Remove it carefully
5. Insert new CR2032 battery
6. Boot and reconfigure BIOS

This also fixes “BIOS date/time resets every reboot”

Fix 2: Reset BIOS to Default Settings Safely

If BIOS settings freeze PC or BIOS not allowing changes:

Method 1: From BIOS Menu

• Enter BIOS (F2 / DEL / ESC)
• Find Load Optimized Defaults
• Save and Exit

Method 2: Clear CMOS Battery

Use this if PC won’t even open BIOS:

• Remove CMOS battery for 5 minutes
• Reinsert and reboot

This solves:

• Steps to reset BIOS to default settings
• How to clear BIOS CMOS settings
• Clear CMOS without jumper

Fix 3: BIOS Not Detecting SSD or Hard Drive

Common searches:

• BIOS not detecting new SSD fix
• Why BIOS not detecting hard drive

Check these:

• Turn off PC
• Reconnect SATA and power cables
• Try another SATA port
• In BIOS, check Storage Devices

If using new SSD:

• Set UEFI mode
• Disable Legacy Boot

Fix 4: BIOS Boot Device Error

Error examples:

• BIOS cannot boot with correct drive
• BIOS boot device error fix

Steps to fix BIOS boot order:

• Enter BIOS
• Open Boot tab
• Set Windows Boot Manager / SSD as first option
• Save and Exit

Also try:

• Disable Fast Boot in BIOS
• Enable Legacy Boot in BIOS (older PCs)

This fixes many BIOS UEFI boot issues solution cases.

Fix 5: PC Only Boots to BIOS Screen

Seen after updates:

• PC only boots to BIOS after Windows update
• Laptop only boots to BIOS fix

What to do:

• Check if Windows drive is detected
• Set correct boot order
• Disable Secure Boot temporarily
• Run Windows Startup Repair if needed

Often caused by corrupted boot files, not BIOS itself.

Fix 6: BIOS Not Detecting USB Boot Drive

Search problems:

• BIOS not booting from USB error fix
• Why BIOS not recognizing USB drive

Fix checklist:

• USB must be formatted in FAT32
• Use UEFI-compatible boot media
• Disable Secure Boot
• Enable USB Boot in BIOS

If still not detected, recreate bootable USB using official tools. https://rufus.ie/en

Fix 7: BIOS CPU Fan Error

Common error at start-up:

• BIOS CPU fan error fix

Causes:

• Fan cable loose
• Dust blocking fan
• Faulty fan

Fix:

• Check CPU fan connection
• Clean dust
• Replace fan if needed

Never ignore this error — it prevents overheating damage.

Fix 8: BIOS Beep Codes Explained

If PC beeps but no display:

• BIOS beep code error fix needed

Examples:

Fix 9: BIOS Not Detecting New RAM

Problems:

• Fix BIOS not detecting new RAM
• Why BIOS not recognizing new memory

Fix steps:

1. Power off PC
2. Remove RAM sticks
3. Clean slots
4. Reinsert firmly
5. Use correct slots (A2/B2)

Also check if motherboard supports that RAM speed.

Advanced BIOS Troubleshooting

Forgot BIOS Password Solution

If locked out:

• Remove forgotten BIOS password fix
• Clear CMOS battery resets password in most cases

Some laptops require service center unlock.

Fix BIOS Update Failure

Issues:

• BIOS update stuck fix
• Fix BIOS update failure

Never power off during update.

If failed:

• Use motherboard BIOS Recovery mode
• Reflash using USB (check motherboard website)

BIOS Virtualization Not Working

Needed for emulators and VMs.

Fix:

1. Enter BIOS
2. Find Advanced CPU Settings
3. Enable:

• Intel VT-x
• AMD-V

Solves:

• Why BIOS virtualization is disabled
• How to enable virtualization in BIOS

BIOS Keyboard Not Working

If you can’t press keys:

Fix keyboard not detected in BIOS

Try:

• USB 2.0 ports instead of USB 3.0
• Wired keyboard only
• Enable USB Legacy Support

Cannot Access BIOS Menu After Restart

If BIOS entry key not working:

• Restart and spam key before logo
• Disable Fast Startup in Windows
• Use Windows Advanced Startup → UEFI Settings

Fixes:

• Cannot access BIOS menu after restart
• BIOS entry key not working

FAQs – BIOS Settings Explained for Beginners

Q1. Why does BIOS reset to default on shutdown?
Usually due to a dead CMOS battery. Replace it to keep BIOS settings saved.

Q2. Is it safe to update BIOS?
Yes, if done carefully using official tools and uninterrupted power.

Q3. Why does my laptop always boot to BIOS?
Often caused by missing boot device, wrong boot order, or corrupt Windows files.

Q4. Can wrong BIOS settings damage my PC?
Yes, overclocking and voltage changes can damage hardware if misused.

Q5. What happens if I reset BIOS?
It returns everything to factory defaults and fixes many boot issues safely.

At TeksOlvr.com, our goal is simple:

Problem solving, troubleshooting, fixing issues — not just theory.
If your PC shows a BIOS error, don’t panic. Follow the steps, fix the root cause, and your system will be back to normal.