PC won’t start out of BIOS, stuck there indefinitely

Troubleshooting a PC That Gets Stuck in BIOS on Startup

Experiencing startup issues with a relatively new PC can be frustrating, especially when the system fails to progress beyond the BIOS screen. Recently, a user shared their experience of a pre-built PC that became unresponsive during boot, prompting a series of troubleshooting efforts. If you’re facing a similar situation where your computer is stuck in BIOS and won’t move to the operating system, consider the following guidance to help diagnose and resolve the problem.

Understanding the Issue

In this scenario, the user reported leaving their PC unattended, only to find it stuck in BIOS upon their return. Common symptoms include the system not progressing past the BIOS screen, despite efforts to modify boot settings or hardware configurations.

Key Steps in Troubleshooting

Verify Boot Order Settings
Ensure that the primary boot device is correctly configured. Incorrect boot order can prevent your system from loading the OS. Access BIOS settings and set the appropriate drive (SSD or HDD containing your OS) as the first boot device.
Check Hardware Connections
Re-seat or reconnect components like the graphics card (GPU) and storage drives. Removing and reinserting these components can resolve connectivity issues that hinder booting.
Disable Secure Boot & Reset Settings
Secure Boot can sometimes interfere with booting, especially if system settings or hardware configurations have changed. Temporarily disable Secure Boot to see if this allows the system to boot normally.
Perform a Full System Restart
After making changes, perform a complete power cycle: shut down the PC, unplug it from the power source, wait a few minutes, and then start it again.
Update BIOS Firmware
An outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware updates and follow their instructions for updating BIOS.

Additional Recommendations

Test with Minimal Hardware Configuration

Disconnect all non-essential peripherals and hardware components, leaving only the CPU, one stick of RAM, and storage drive connected. This can help identify if a specific component is causing the issue.

Clear CMOS

Resetting BIOS settings to defaults can resolve misconfigurations. This usually involves removing the CMOS battery for several minutes or using a motherboard jumper.