Using BIOSConnect to Boot to SupportAssist OS Recovery

What is BIOSConnect?

BIOSConnect is a recovery feature built into your Dell computer that can download Service Operating System (SOS) directly from Dell's servers when your computer won't start.

How it helps you: When your computer can't boot into Windows, BIOSConnect helps connect to the internet and downloads the recovery program from Dell. This works even if:

• Your hard drive has corrupt sectors
• Recovery files on your computer are corrupted or missing
• You've replaced your hard drive with a new one

Think of it this way: It's like having a backup Windows repair kit stored safely in the cloud that you can access anytime you need it, no USB drives or recovery discs required.

How BIOSConnect works

Think of BIOSConnect as a safety net for your computer. When your computer can't start:

1. It first tries to use SupportAssist OS Recovery stored on your hard drive
2. If that doesn't work, BIOSConnect automatically connects to Dell's servers
3. It downloads a fresh copy of the service operating system (SOS)
4. You can then use SupportAssist OS Recovery to repair or restore Windows.

The benefit: You don't need recovery discs or USB drives. Everything downloads directly from Dell when you need it.

Need help to recover Ubuntu? Check out our Ubuntu recovery guide.

Turn on BIOSConnect (one-time setup)

BIOSConnect might already be turned on. If not, here's how to enable it:

Step 1: Open your computer's BIOS settings

1. Turn on your computer
2. Press the F12 key repeatedly
3. When a menu appears, select BIOS Setup or System Setup

Step 2: Enable BIOSConnect

1. In the BIOS menu, look for SupportAssist (it might be under a section called "Update, Recovery" or "Maintenance")
2. Find the option called BIOSConnect
3. Change the setting to On or Enabled
4. Look for a similar option called SupportAssist OS Recovery and make sure it's also enabled
5. Save your changes
6. Your computer will restart

Note: The BIOS screens look different on various Dell models, but the setting names are usually similar. Look for anything with "BIOSConnect" or "SupportAssist OS Recovery" in the name.

Use BIOSConnect to recover your computer

Once BIOSConnect is enabled, you can use it to fix startup problems.

Option 1: Automatic start (no action needed)

If your computer fails to boot into Windows several times in a row, SupportAssist OS Recovery will launch automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to repair or reset your device.

Option 2: Manual start (you choose when)

1. Turn on your computer
2. Immediately start tapping the F12 key repeatedly
3. When the menu appears, select SupportAssist OS Recovery
4. BIOSConnect will start and look for an internet connection

Connect to the internet

For Wi-Fi:

1. You'll see a list of available wireless networks
2. Click your network name
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted
4. Click Connect

For wired connection: If you have an Ethernet cable plugged in, BIOSConnect will automatically detect and use that connection. You'll see your network information displayed.

Download and run the recovery program

1. After connecting to the internet, BIOSConnect will automatically download the recovery program (this takes 5-10 minutes depending on your internet speed)
2. Once downloaded, the SupportAssist OS Recovery tool will start
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and repair your computer using SupportAssist OS Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

My computer keeps asking for a BIOS password

Answer: If your computer was set up by your company or school, it might have a BIOS password. Contact your IT department for assistance, they can provide the password or help you unlock it.

I can't connect to Wi-Fi

Answer: Try these steps:

• Make sure you're entering the correct Wi-Fi password (passwords are case-sensitive)
• Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router
• If using a wired connection, check that the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into both your computer and router
• Restart your router and try again

The download is taking a long time

Answer: The recovery program is about 1-2 GB in size. On slower internet connections, this can take 20-30 minutes. If you see progress, let it continue.

I'm giving this laptop to another employee

Answer: If you're reassigning a company laptop:

• Contact your IT department for assistance
• Use SupportAssist OS Recovery to restore the computer to factory settings.

This erases all personal files and reinstalls Windows. The new user can then set up the computer with their own account

Warning: Make sure the previous user has backed up any important files before starting the recovery process.

BIOSConnect isn't available in the F12 menu

Answer: The F12 menu option is SupportAssist OS Recovery. There is no menu option called BIOSConnect. BIOSConnect is a built-in feature of modern Dell systems that helps connect to Dell’s servers to download the recovery operating system. To ensure BIOSConnect is supported (most models from 2018 and modern systems do) on your system and works correctly:

• Make sure BIOSConnect is enabled in BIOS (see the "Enable BIOSConnect" section above)
• Update your BIOS to the latest version from Dell's support website

The recovery process found hardware problems

Answer: If the diagnostic tool detects hardware issues:

1. Note the error code or message displayed
2. Look up the diagnostic error code for repair options

My computer wasn't shipped with Windows

SupportAssist OS Recovery allows you to repair or reset Windows that was preinstalled on your device. It does not work with Ubuntu or other Linux versions even if it was shipped with your computer. Check out our guide to reinstall Ubuntu on your Dell.