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How to Set a Dell System BIOS Password

Summary: Steps on configuring a system BIOS password for a Dell computer.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

What is a system BIOS password?

The system password provides security by preventing the User from booting the computer. The User cannot see the boot menu (F2 or F12) unless the correct system password is provided. Once the password is provided to the computer, the BIOS setup options can be modified.

Note: In the case where the Admin password is also set on the computer, the Admin password must also be provided to modify the BIOS settings.

Assigning a System BIOS Password Information

Setting up a system password is model-specific. The steps listed below address the two common paths to setting the System BIOS Password.

Note:
  1. If the Admin Password is set, then this password may need to be provided, prior to setting the system BIOS password.
  2. If a Strong Password is set, then there will be the requirement for the password to be at least 8 characters and at least one upper case character and one lower case character.
  3. A new System BIOS Password can only be set when the status is Not Set.

Steps for Setting a System BIOS Password

Method 1

  1. To enter the system setup, press F12 immediately after turning on or rebooting the computer. Then select BIOS Setup.
  2. In the BIOS Setup screen, select Security and press Enter. The Security screen is displayed.
  3. Select System Password and create a password in the Enter the New Password field.
  4. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm New Password field and click Ok.
  5. Press the Esc key and save the changes as prompted by the pop-up message.
  6. Press Y to save the changes. The computer will restart.

An example of the BIOS Security Menu on an OptiPlex 3090 (some Dell models look different):
Dell OptiPlex 3090 BIOS Security Menu Example
Figure 1

 

Method 2

  1. To enter the system setup, press F12 immediately after turning on or rebooting the computer. Then select BIOS Setup.
  2. In the BIOS Setup screen, select Passwords and press Enter. The Passwords screen is displayed.
  3. Select System Password and create a password in the Enter the New Password field.
  4. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm New Password field and click Ok.
  5. Press the Esc key and save the changes as prompted by the pop-up message.
  6. Press Y to save the changes. The computer will restart.

An example of the BIOS Security Menu on an Inspiron 15 3511 (some Dell models look different):
Dell Inspiron 15 3511 BIOS Security Menu Example
Figure 2

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Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000219524
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 29 Sep 2024
Version:  2
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