Windows 10: Had to reset bios settings with cmos battery and now can’t login with pin or password.

Hi,I was upgrading my ram yesterday and I changed it out then booted my computer and it worked fine. Then I turned on the xmp profile for the new ram and it didn’t boot so I had to take out the cmos battery to reset the settings. When I did that I guess the tpm got cleared and it reset my pin. So it is trying to make me login with some local password or something because my Microsoft account password does not work I’ve tried changing it online, still no luck. I can press reset password below the field however it asks me security questions that I don’t know. So I have no way of accessing my c

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How to reset the BIOS settings if there's no CMOS battery or jumper?

Many laptops/tablets hide or eliminate the BIOS reset jumper. It's not there or not marked as such. Not like it is on a desktop PC. Mainly to prevent a thief from easily resetting the BIOS/Boot password and getting access. Even removing the BIOS battery will prevent those settings from being reset. Other settings like boot order etc will be returned to defaults though when you remove the CMOS battery. Every laptop I've disassembled has had a CMOS battery, Usually its several batteries in a pack to prolong their effective life. Replacing them can be a real PITA.

 

Resetting Bios Password

Follow these steps.

1. Power off the system & unplug the power cord, flip the power switch, hard reset the cmos by removing the battery for a couple of minutes (1-2 minutes).
2. Flip the switch & power it back on for a little bit then shut it back down (give it the amount of time you normally would allow it to boot up to windows login).
3. Reseat the cmos battery & power on the system.

After you've finished them all, reseat the battery & start it up. I've done this countless times. To unlatch & grab the battery, tweezers work good.

 

Resetting Bios Password

Thank you for providing the official documentation and then summarizing the difference between my initial approach and it. Now, I can easily modify my approach. Thank you.

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Given that you've done this successfully numerous times, I know this approach works. I am inclined to try the "pin" solution first. It looks easier to me than having to dig the battery out. That said, perhaps the pin method is more difficult. If it doesn't work for me, I will then use your approach.

Thank you!