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How to Restore the BIOS or UEFI (System Setup) to Factory Defaults on a Dell Computer

Summary: Learn how to reset the BIOS or UEFI to factory default settings on a Dell laptop. Follow step-by-step instructions for UEFI BIOS utility factory reset, resetting BIOS without display, and restoring BIOS in Windows 10 and Windows 11. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

The information that is stored in the BIOS or UEFI, known as Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) can occasionally become corrupt due to various reasons such as power events, incorrect settings, and hardware incompatibility due to a specific setting. In these cases, it is sometimes necessary to reset the BIOS or UEFI to factory default settings.

WARNING: The BIOS interface is designed for advanced users. Be sure about what changes you are making in the BIOS. Accidentally changing an unknown setting can prevent the computer from turning on, booting into the operating, or can cause potential loss of data.

To access the BIOS or UEFI interface on your Dell computer:

  1. Turn on or restart the computer.
  2. At the Dell logo, press the F2 key several times until Entering System Setup appears.
    NOTE: If the computer boots into the operating system, restart the computer and try again.

The BIOS or UEFI interface may vary across different Dell computers. See the images below and match the one on your Dell computer for information about how to reset the BIOS or UEFI to factory default settings. If the image does not match, see the user manual of your Dell computer for product-specific information.

BIOS with UEFI support
Figure 1: BIOS with UEFI support.

  1. On the BIOS (System Setup) screen, click Load Defaults.
  2. Ensure that BIOS Defaults is selected. Click OK (Figure 2).
    Ensure that BIOS Defaults is selected
    Figure 2. Ensure that BIOS Defaults is selected
  3. A warning message appears. Click OK (Figure 3 and 4).
    First warning message
    Figure 3. First warning message
    Second warning message
    Figure 4.; Second warning message

Restart the computer.

Screenshot of UEFI BIOS interface on a Dell computer
Figure 5. UEFI BIOS interface on a Dell computer.

  1. On the BIOS (System Setup) screen, click Restore Settings or Load Defaults (whichever is listed).
  2. Ensure that BIOS Defaults is selected, or confirm to load the defaults when offered. Click OK.
  3. Click Exit.
  4. Confirm to exit the BIOS (System Setup) screen, when offered.

Restart the computer.

Screenshot of legacy BIOS interface on a Dell computer
Figure 6. Legacy BIOS interface on a Dell computer.

  1. On the BIOS screen, press the Right Arrow key until the Exit option is highlighted.
  2. Press the Down Arrow key until Restore Defaults or Load Optimal Defaults is highlighted (whichever is listed), and then press the Enter key.
  3. Press the Enter key on Yes to Load Optimized Defaults or Load Optimal Defaults (whichever is listed).

Restart the computer.

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro , Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000125291
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 14 May 2025
Version:  18
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