What to Do If PC Is Stuck on BIOS Screen?

Published 2023-11-27

In the realm of personal computers, the BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, serves as the gatekeeper, orchestrating the intricate startup process. However, when this crucial component encounters a glitch, it can leave your PC indefinitely stuck in the BIOS, preventing access to the operating system and rendering your machine virtually useless. This frustrating predicament, often referred to as a “boot loop” or a “computer stuck in BIOS,” can stem from a multitude of factors, ranging from hardware malfunctions to software conflicts.

If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t lose hope. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue and get your PC back up and running in no time.

Understanding the BIOS

Before diving into the troubleshooting solutions, it’s essential to grasp the role of the BIOS. The BIOS is a low-level firmware program that acts as the bridge between the computer’s hardware and the operating system. It’s responsible for initializing the hardware components, performing self-tests, and providing basic settings for system configuration.

When a PC gets stuck in the BIOS, it indicates a problem during the startup process, preventing the handover to the operating system. This can be caused by various factors, ranging from hardware malfunctions to software glitches.

Exploring the Causes of PC Stuck in BIOS

To effectively address this troublesome issue, it’s essential to delve into its underlying causes. Here’s a breakdown of the potential culprits:

1. Hardware Issues:

Faulty CMOS Battery: The CMOS battery, responsible for maintaining BIOS settings, can lose its charge over time, leading to BIOS corruption and boot issues.
RAM Problems: Defective or incompatible RAM modules can disrupt the communication between the BIOS and the operating system, causing the PC to get stuck in BIOS.
Hard Drive Failure: A damaged or malfunctioning hard drive can prevent the BIOS from locating and loading the operating system files.

2. Software Conflicts:

Incorrect Boot Order: An improper boot order, where the BIOS attempts to boot from an incompatible or non-existent device, can lead to a boot loop.
Corrupted BIOS Settings: Improperly configured BIOS settings, often caused by user modifications or software conflicts, can hinder the boot process.
Outdated BIOS Firmware: Outdated BIOS firmware can contain bugs or compatibility issues that prevent the system from booting correctly.

Step-by-Step Solutions for a PC Stuck On BIOS Screen

Now that we’ve dissected the potential causes of a PC stuck in BIOS, let’s embark on the journey to resolution. Follow these step-by-step solutions to regain control of your computer and bid farewell to the frustrating boot loop.

Here’s a rundown of swift tasks you should complete before moving ahead.

Occasionally, minor glitches or transient POST errors might be the culprits behind your computer getting stuck in BIOS. Attempt to resolve this matter by performing a hard reboot on your PC.
Devices such as speakers, mice, printers, and the like have the potential to clash with system files, leading to errors and complications. To troubleshoot, disconnect all peripherals and restart your computer. Once the BIOS page has successfully navigated, reconnect each device individually to identify which one is causing issues.

1. Hard Reset and Peripheral Disconnect

Sometimes, a simple hard reset can clear temporary glitches and allow the system to boot normally. To perform a hard reset, completely power down your PC, unplug it from the power source and wait for a minute or two before plugging it back in and restarting.

Additionally, disconnect all external peripherals, such as printers, external drives, or additional monitors, as these can sometimes interfere with the booting process.

2. Boot in Safe Mode

Safe mode provides an adaptable fix for a wide range of issues, from slow startup times to failed restart attempts and all points in between. Do try it out.

Perform a forced manual shutdown on your PC. Press the Power button three times in a row to prompt the Choose an option From there, click on the Troubleshoot option.

Choose Advanced options.

Now click on Startup Settings.

Now hit the Restart

Once your PC has rebooted, a range of options will appear. Opt for choice 4 or press F4 to initiate safe mode.

Should it successfully boot, initiate a system restore to revert your computer settings to a previously functional state.

3. Clear CMOS

Resetting the CMOS battery typically restores the BIOS settings to their factory defaults. This action eliminates any existing corruptions and misconfigurations, creating a clear path for the PC to successfully boot.

The CMOS, a battery-operated chip storing essential system details such as time, date, and hardware configuration, might be the key to resolving your PC’s BIOS problem. If your computer is stuck on the BIOS screen, consider clearing the CMOS. This tiny, coin-shaped battery sustains the chip’s power even when the computer is unplugged from the power source.

Note – If you are not sure of following the process completely, we would advise you to contact an authorized computer expert or tech support team.

Switch off all peripheral devices connected to your computer. Unplug the system’s power cord from the power source and take off the cover of the computer case. In case you have a laptop, switch it off and open the back panel of it.
Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard. Usually situated in either a vertical or horizontal battery holder.
Take out the CMOS battery. Pay attention to the + and – positions if the CMOS battery is in a holder. Lastly, delicately detach the battery from the socket.
Hold off for a period of 3-5 minutes. Next, put the battery back in.
Reinstall the PC cover. Reconnect all the peripherals/devices along with the computer.
Switch on your PC/laptop.

Remember that these are broad instructions and that the steps may alter slightly depending on your particular system. If you’re unsure, see the manufacturer’s website or the handbook that came with your computer.

4. Verify the Boot Order

In the event that you’ve modified the boot order, your PC might face difficulty determining the correct boot location. To address this, it’s essential to change the boot sequence.

Turn on the PC/laptop and access its BIOS by pressing the appropriate key at startup, such as F9, F8, ESC, F2, etc.
Navigate to the boot order section and confirm that your hard drive is designated as the primary booting device.

Now restart the PC/laptop.

5. Replace the Infected Boot Drive

If you encounter issues changing the boot sequence and notice that the bootable drive is missing, it could indicate a boot drive issue. In such instances, attempt connecting the storage device to a different computer to see if it appears. Alternatively, consider replacing the problematic drive with another storage drive for Windows installation.

6. RAM Check

Faulty RAM modules can significantly impact the booting process. To check for RAM issues, you can use a specialized memory diagnostic tool or remove and reinsert the RAM modules to ensure proper seating.

7. Reinstall Windows

In extreme cases, the final resort may be to reinstall the questionable configurations. This could entail reinstalling Windows, acquiring a new hard drive, or even replacing the motherboard. However, it’s crucial to consider this option only as a last resort when all other attempts to resolve the PC stuck in the BIOS screen issue prove unsuccessful. Also make sure you have a data backup in case the files are deleted.

8. Seek Professional Assistance

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified computer technician. They can perform more in-depth diagnostics and identify any underlying hardware or software problems.

Fixed: PC Stuck on BIOS Screen Issue

Getting stuck in the BIOS can be a daunting experience, but with the right approach, you can often resolve the issue and get your PC back in working order. The troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide provide a structured approach to identify and fix the underlying cause. Remember, if you’re not comfortable with hardware troubleshooting or lack the necessary tools, it’s always advisable to seek assistance from a qualified technician to ensure your computer is repaired safely and effectively.

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