How to Reset, Remove, or Recover BIOS Passwords

Can't remember your BIOS password or need help to remove it? This guide explains your options-whether you set a System, Admin, or Hard Drive password.

Understanding Types of BIOS passwords

Your Dell computer can have three types of BIOS passwords:

• System Password: Stops the computer from booting
• Setup Password: Prevents unauthorized users from changing BIOS settings
• Hard Drive Password: Locks the drive and data

All three types can be cleared using the same methods below.

If You Know the Password

If you remember your BIOS password, you can easily remove or change it yourself through the BIOS setup:

1. Turn on your computer
2. Press F2 repeatedly when you see the Dell logo
3. Enter your current password
4. Go to the Security section
5. Select the password you want to remove
6. Press Enter and leave the new password field blank
7. Press Enter again to confirm
8. Save changes and exit

Your password is now removed.

If You Forgot the Password 

If you've forgotten your BIOS password, you have two recovery options depending on your computer model:

Option 1: How to Clear Via Jumper (desktops)

This works on most Dell desktops. Laptops don't have jumpers.

What you need:

• Screwdriver
• Your computer's service manual

Steps:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug all cables
2. Download your service manual from Dell Support
3. Find the password jumper location in your manual (labeled "PSWD" or "PASSWORD")
4. Open your computer case
5. Remove the small plastic cap from the password jumper
6. Turn on the computer without the jumper cap
7. Let it boot completely, then turn it off
8. Replace the jumper cap
9. Close the case and reconnect cables

Option 2: Getting a Dell Password Release Code

This works on all Dell computers and is your only option for laptops or computers without jumpers.

Steps:

1. Turn on your computer
2. Enter a wrong password 3-5 times until you see an error code
3. Write down the exact error code
4. Contact Dell Technical Support
5. Provide the error code and proof of ownership
6. Dell will give you a release code to unlock your computer

Using the password release code

1. Dell will provide a release code after verification
2. Write down the code exactly as given
3. Enter the password release code at your computer's password prompt
4. Your computer should unlock and boot normally
5. Access BIOS setup (F2 during startup) to set a new password if desired

When to use your service manual

Always check your service manual if:

• You can't find the password jumper
• The steps don't match your computer
• You need specific instructions for your model

Download your manual at Dell Support using your computer's Service Tag or Express Service Code.

Need More Help?

• Ready to protect your computer? Learn: Understanding BIOS Password Types
• To create new passwords: see guides for Admin Password, System Password, or Hard Drive Password Setup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I reset any BIOS password myself?

Answer: Some desktop models allow jumper reset, but many laptops need a password release code from Dell Support.

2. Will clearing a password erase my files?

Answer: No. It only affects the password in the BIOS.

3. Can Dell always reset HDD passwords?

Answer: Not always, especially on NVMe SSDs, Dell cannot create a password release code for NVMe SSDs.