BIOS is the first thing that arises when you power on your PC.
Without BIOS, your Windows or any other OS wont be able to boot up.
Due to many reasons, the BIOS can crash.
And clearing the CMOS is the best way to restore the BIOS.
In this article, I will explain several effortless methods to clear CMOS.
So, tag along.
What is CMOS and Why Should You Clear CMOS?
CMOS stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor.
BIOS uses those memories for the boot of your PC.
CMOS mainly uses for troubleshooting hardware incompatibility & BIOS issues.
In that case, cleaning the CMOS can fix your PCs BIOS issues and other hardware problems.
Therefore, to restore your PCs BIOS, you must reset your mobo by erasing the CMOS.
Are you wondering how to reset the motherboard by clearing CMOS?
In the following section, I have explained that in reasonable detail.
Have some time to spare?
Check our epic guide on whetheryou can flash bios with CPU installed.
Open up the case and find the CMOS battery on your motherboard.
Remove the battery from the motherboard using a flat screwdriver or a toothpick.
Wait for about 2 to 5 minutes.
Place the battery back in its place and terminate the case.
You should take as much time as you need and take proper precautions to do all this.
Lets go on to see this and the other three methods step-by-step.
Here are the methods to clear CMOS to reset the BIOS:
1.
Use the CMOS Battery
By taking out & putting back the CMOS battery, you could clear CMOS.
You will find the battery on the motherboard, which is almost about the size of a quarter.
Its a 3V C2032 battery and can last approximately ten years.
Of course, it also depends on the amount of usage.
The battery keeps the CMOS volatile memory of the BIOS intact.
Even when you shut down your PC, the memory stays there.
The memory gets erased when you remove the battery and place it back.
Now lets see how you should remove the CMOS battery.
You should also read how tofix the CMOS battery failureissue.
you’re able to use that clear CMOS if your motherboard comes with a jumper.
The CMOS cleaning process is complete.
The CMOS will clear.
For additional information, see the articleare motherboard batteries rechargeable?
Use the CMOS Button or the Power Button
Some motherboards come with a default CMOS button.
it’s possible for you to use that button to clear CMOS.
Dont worry if there is no CMOS button on your motherboard.
Possibly, the CMOS button should be on the motherboards body with a CMOS label on it.
you gotta follow some steps to clear CMOS using the power button.
Connect the power switch cable to the CMOS pins.
Go to the power button on your PC and hold that button for around ten to fifteen seconds.
Unplug the cable from the CMOS pins, and plug it back where it was.
Once the reset is complete, all the data will erase from the CMOS.
You should know about your BIOS key to get into the BIOS options.
It can be F2, F8, Esc, Delete, etc.
Ensure you know the correct key that your PC manufacturer sets.
Nevertheless, you should see our most recent piece on how toenter BIOS or UEFI in Windows 11.
FAQs
What is the clear CMOS button on the motherboard?
Does removing the CMOS battery reset BIOS?
Yes, it does.
Can I start the PC without a CMOS battery?
Yes, you might start your PC without the CMOS battery.
It wont cause any technical issues on your PC and motherboard.
Only the BIOS prefs will reset, and changes you will make in the BIOS prefs wont save.
What happens if I reset my CMOS?
When you reset the CMOS, all the BIOS tweaks will reset to factory defaults.
All the problems that are on BIOS will clear up with a reset.
Is resetting the CMOS safe?
Yes, it is safe to reset the CMOS.
But dont take a stab at remove the CMOS battery while the PC is running.
This action will hurt both you and your PC.
How long does CMOS take to clear?
It takes possibly 2 to 5 minutes to flush the CMOS.
Final Thought
Take proper precautions when you take action to clear CMOS.
While removing the battery from the motherboard, or using the pins, double-check you dont bend them.
I hope you successfully erase the CMOS from your PC.
Let me know in the comment which method you have used to clear CMOS.
you’re free to also comment if you have any queries.
I will be glad to help you with my expertise.
