My computer keeps asking for the BIOS password when booting after removing a previous BIOS password
Summary: This article discusses the changes that are made in Dell BIOS for computers were released in May 2021 or later. This includes changes in the process to clear a BIOS password.
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This article does not apply to
This article is not tied to any specific product.
Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Symptoms
Dell computers released in 2021 (or later) have an updated BIOS. When users set up a BIOS password on these computers then attempt to remove the password, they are still prompted for the password at boot.
Even after disabling the password, the computer still asks for BIOS password. Resetting the BIOS, resetting defaults and removal of the coin cell battery have no effect.
Affected models include but are not limited to these models: OptiPlex 5090, OptiPlex 7090, Precision 3450, Inspiron 3891, Vostro 3690, Vostro 3890, and Vostro 5890.
Cause
The BIOS password is not cleared because this new BIOS requires different steps to clear a previously set BIOS password. On previous BIOS versions, users did not have to perform any action in the blank new password field. The new Dell Branded BIOS requires the user pressing the enter key in the Blank Password and Confirm Password fields. Click the Apply Changes button to set a blank password.
Resolution
Complete these steps to clear a BIOS or Admin password and disable the password prompt at boot in the new Dell Branded BIOS.
Figure 1. – Entering the existing password to clear the BIOS password.
Figure 2. – Type in a new password or leave the password field blank, then press the Enter key.
Figure 3. – Typing in the Confirm Password or leaving the Confirm Password field blank.
Figure 4 – Valid password confirmation.
Figure 5 – Number of changes indicator.
- In the change password section of the BIOS, type in the existing password, then press the enter key. (Figure 1.)
Figure 1. – Entering the existing password to clear the BIOS password.
- After typing the existing password, the “Enter the new password” field label changes from light gray to dark gray and the new password box is active.
- Click the cursor in the new password field. Then either type the new password, or leave the password field blank to clear the old password, then press the Enter Key. (Figure 2.)
Figure 2. – Type in a new password or leave the password field blank, then press the Enter key.
- Repeat this in the Confirm Password field. Either type the new password, or leave the password field blank, then press the Enter Key. (Figure 3.)
Figure 3. – Typing in the Confirm Password or leaving the Confirm Password field blank.
- A confirmation prompt will appear and indicate that the password change was valid, press the Enter key. (Figure 4.)
Figure 4 – Valid password confirmation.
- At the bottom of the screen, there is an indicator showing the number of changes that have been made. (Figure 5.).
Figure 5 – Number of changes indicator.
- Click the APPLY CHANGES button and then press the ESC key to exit setup menu.
Additional Information
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Affected Products
Inspiron 3891, OptiPlex 5090 Tower, OptiPlex 5090 Micro, OptiPlex 5090 Small Form Factor, OptiPlex 7090 Tower, OptiPlex 7090 Micro, OptiPlex 7090 Small Form Factor, Precision 3450 Small Form Factor, Vostro 3690, Vostro 3890, Vostro 5890Article Properties
Article Number: 000190038
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 30 Sept 2024
Version: 7
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