How to Use the Dell BIOS Recovery Tool: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents:

Learn how to access, navigate, and update the BIOS on a Dell computer.

Understanding the BIOS Recovery Tool

The BIOS Recovery tool is a vital utility designed to rescue a corrupted BIOS, a common cause of computer startup problems like failing to POST (Power-On Self-Test) or boot correctly. Built upon Boot Block Technology, Dell offers BIOS Recovery 2 (BR2) and BIOS Recovery 3 (BR3) software. The key advantage of BIOS Recovery 2 is its ability to use a BIOS recovery file from either the computer’s primary hard drive or an external USB drive, offering flexibility in recovery options. BIOS Recovery 3 enhances this by adding a startup check (which can be enabled in BIOS settings) to automatically initiate recovery if BIOS corruption is detected, streamlining the recovery process.

Resolving Booting Issues with the BIOS Recovery Tool

<figcaption>Watch a video tutorial on how to use the BIOS Recovery Tool.</figcaption>

A corrupted BIOS can prevent your computer from completing POST or booting into the operating system. If your Dell computer or tablet is equipped with BIOS Recovery 2 or 3, you can utilize the appropriate recovery method outlined below to restore your system.

NOTE: It’s important to note that BIOS recovery is not available on all Dell models. Refer to the FAQ section for a detailed list of Dell computers and tablets that support BIOS recovery.

While both BIOS Recovery 2 (BR2) and BIOS Recovery 3 (BR3) are implemented across Dell desktops, all-in-one PCs, laptops, 2-in-1 convertible devices (like the Dell XPS 12), and Dell tablets, the initiation methods can differ. BIOS recovery can be triggered through:

• Key sequences
• Button sequences

BIOS Recovery 2: Key Features

• Recovery Sources: Supports BIOS recovery from the primary hard drive and external USB drives.
• Hard Drive Recovery (Default): Recovery from the primary hard drive is enabled by default in the BIOS Setup. While it can be disabled, it’s generally recommended to keep it enabled.
• USB Drive Recovery (Always Enabled): Recovery from an external USB drive is permanently enabled and cannot be disabled in BIOS Setup.
• Search Logic: The system prioritizes searching for the BIOS recovery image on an external USB drive if one is connected. If no image is found on the USB drive, or if no USB drive is present, the system then searches the primary hard drive. The recovery process terminates if no recovery image is found in either location. Consult the FAQ for troubleshooting unsuccessful BIOS recovery attempts.

NOTE:

• BIOS Recovery 2 on Dell laptops is initiated using the integrated keyboard only. External keyboards are not supported for laptops during BIOS recovery.
• On Dell desktops, BIOS Recovery 2 can be initiated with a standard USB keyboard. Bluetooth keyboards might work if the BIOS provides POST support for specific Bluetooth models, but USB keyboards are recommended for reliability during BIOS recovery.
• Dell tablets use physical buttons for initiating BIOS recovery.
• Convertible and detachable Dell computers can use either external keyboards or physical buttons for BIOS recovery.
• Touchscreen input cannot be used to initiate BIOS recovery on any device.

BIOS Recovery 3: Enhanced Recovery

• BIOS Recovery 3 builds upon BIOS Recovery 2, incorporating all its features with an added auto-recovery capability. If enabled in the BIOS (disabled by default), BIOS Recovery 3 can automatically start during boot if a BIOS integrity check fails and a recovery image is present on the hard drive. Auto-recovery is exclusively available from the hard drive and not from other media.

The BIOS recovery feature is a valuable tool available on select Dell desktops, laptops, all-in-one computers, tablets, and convertible/detachable devices. It’s designed to help users recover from POST or boot failures caused by BIOS corruption.

Back to Top

Step-by-Step Guide to Start BIOS Recovery on a Dell Computer

NOTE: The BIOS recovery process is independent of the operating system installed on your computer. This feature is available on select Dell desktops, all-in-ones, laptops, tablets, and convertibles. Refer to the table in the Frequently Asked Questions section for model-specific details.

Initiating BIOS Recovery on Dell Desktops and All-in-One Computers

1. Restart your Dell desktop or all-in-one computer.
2. Press and hold the CTRL + ESC keys on the keyboard. Keep holding until the keyboard backlight illuminates. (If your keyboard is not backlit, observe the Caps Lock key light instead.)
3. When the keyboard backlight turns on, release the CTRL + ESC keys.
4. On the BIOS Recovery screen, if available, use the arrow keys to select Reset NVRAM and press Enter. Choose Disabled and press Enter again to preserve your current BIOS settings.
5. If Reset NVRAM is not an option, proceed directly to step 5.
6. Select Recover BIOS and press Enter to initiate the BIOS recovery process.

NOTE:

• Your Dell computer may restart multiple times during the BIOS recovery process.
• Depending on your specific BIOS version, the options presented may be Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults.

The CTRL + ESC key combination is the primary method for triggering BIOS recovery on Dell desktops, all-in-one computers, and laptops that rely on an external keyboard. Supported keyboard types include:

• PS/2 keyboard
• USB keyboard
• Bluetooth keyboard (if BIOS supports system-specific Bluetooth keyboards for POST). Dell Technologies recommends using a USB keyboard for BIOS recovery for optimal reliability.

Initiating BIOS Recovery on Dell Laptops

Before starting BIOS Recovery on a Dell laptop, ensure the battery is charged to at least 10%.

1. Power off your Dell laptop completely and disconnect the AC adapter.
2. Press and hold the CTRL + ESC keys on the keyboard.
3. While holding the keys, connect the AC adapter to the laptop.
4. Continue holding the CTRL + ESC keys until the keyboard backlight illuminates. (For non-backlit keyboards, observe the Caps Lock key light.)
5. Release the CTRL + ESC keys once the backlight is on.
6. On the BIOS Recovery screen, if available, select Reset NVRAM and press Enter. Choose Disabled and press Enter to save your current BIOS settings.
7. If Reset NVRAM is not available, proceed to step 7.
8. Select either Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults and press Enter to start the BIOS recovery.

NOTE:

• Your Dell laptop may restart several times during the BIOS recovery process.
• The options presented on the BIOS Recovery screen (Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults) may vary depending on your laptop’s BIOS.

NOTE: For Alienware laptops, the process is slightly different. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the Alienware laptop and disconnect the AC adapter.
2. Press and hold the CTRL and ESC keys simultaneously.
3. While holding the keys, connect the AC adapter cable and then press the power button on the laptop.
4. Keep holding the CTRL + ESC keys until the keyboard backlight illuminates. (For non-backlit keyboards, observe the Caps Lock key light.)
5. Release the CTRL + ESC keys once the backlight is on.
6. Select either Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults and press Enter to begin the recovery process.

NOTE:

• Your Alienware laptop may restart a few times during BIOS recovery.
• The available options (Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults) may vary based on your specific BIOS.

Initiating BIOS Recovery on Dell Tablets

Before beginning BIOS Recovery on a Dell tablet, ensure the battery is charged to at least 50%.

1. Power off the Dell tablet and disconnect the AC adapter.
2. Press and hold the Volume down button.
3. While holding the button, connect the AC adapter to the tablet.
4. Release the Volume down button.
5. On the BIOS Recovery screen, if available, select Reset NVRAM and press Enter. Choose Disabled and press Enter to save your current BIOS settings.
6. If Reset NVRAM is not an option, proceed to step 6.
7. Select either Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults and press Enter to start the BIOS recovery.

NOTE:

• Your Dell tablet might restart a few times during the recovery process.
• The options presented (Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults) might vary depending on your tablet’s BIOS.

Initiating BIOS Recovery on Convertible or Detachable Dell Computers

Convertible and detachable Dell computers support two methods for BIOS recovery, especially useful when touch is the primary input.

Method 1: Key Sequence

1. Ensure the device is powered off and disconnect the AC adapter.
2. Press and hold the CTRL + ESC keys on the keyboard.
3. Connect the AC adapter to the device while holding the keys.
4. Keep holding CTRL + ESC until the keyboard backlight turns on. (For non-backlit keyboards, observe the Caps Lock key light.)
5. Release the CTRL + ESC keys once the backlight is illuminated.
6. On the BIOS Recovery screen, if available, select Reset NVRAM and press Enter. Choose Disabled and press Enter to keep your current BIOS settings.
7. If Reset NVRAM is not available, proceed to step 7.
8. Select either Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults and press Enter to begin the BIOS recovery.

NOTE:

• Your Dell convertible or detachable computer may restart multiple times during BIOS recovery.
• The presented options (Recover BIOS or Load BIOS Defaults) might vary based on your device’s BIOS.

Method 2: Button Sequence

1. Verify that the tablet is powered off and disconnect the AC adapter.
2. Press and hold the Volume down button.
3. Connect the AC adapter to the tablet while holding the button.
4. Release the Volume down button.
5. On the BIOS Recovery screen, if available, select Reset NVRAM and press Enter. Select Disabled and press Enter to save current BIOS settings.
6. Select Recover BIOS and press Enter to start the recovery process.

NOTE: Your Dell computer may restart several times during the BIOS recovery process.

NOTE: BIOS Recovery cannot be initiated using the touchscreen on convertible or detachable Dell computers.

Back to top

Additional Information: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about Dell BIOS recovery.

NOTE: Click on a question below to reveal the answer.

Show all | Hide all

Which Dell computers and tablets support BIOS Recovery?

The following table helps you determine the BIOS Recovery version supported by your Dell computer or tablet:

NOTE: Expect future updates with further enhancements to these recovery options as technology advances.

How do I identify if my Dell computer supports BIOS recovery?

If your computer is functioning, follow these steps to check for BIOS recovery support:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press the F2 key repeatedly until the computer enters the BIOS setup.
3. Look for the option BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive in the BIOS setup. If you find it, your Dell computer supports BIOS recovery 2.
4. If BIOS Recovery from hard drive is enabled and you see a BIOS Auto-Recovery setting that can be configured in the BIOS setup, your Dell computer supports BIOS recovery 3.

If your computer is not working, check if it’s listed in the table above, or if it was manufactured after December 2015 with an Intel Skylake chipset (for BIOS Recovery 2) or after August 2016 or with an Intel Kaby Lake chipset (for BIOS Recovery 3). If it meets these criteria, BIOS recovery is likely supported and can be attempted.

NOTE: The description of the BIOS recovery option might slightly vary depending on the specific BIOS implementation on your Dell computer. The presence of BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive confirms BIOS recovery support.

How do I set up Auto-Recovery if it is available?

Auto-Recovery is exclusive to computers supporting BIOS Recovery 3. It’s disabled by default. To enable it, follow these steps:

NOTE:

• Auto-Recovery only works with BIOS Recovery from the hard drive.
  • It’s not available for BIOS Recovery from a USB drive. Auto-Recovery will not search for a recovery image on a USB drive.
  • Auto-Recovery is disabled if BIOS Recovery from hard drive is disabled. It only searches for a recovery image on the hard drive.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press the F2 key repeatedly to enter BIOS setup.
3. Navigate to the Maintenance group and then the BIOS Recovery page within the BIOS setup.
4. Find the BIOS Recovery from hard drive setting and ensure it is enabled. (If not, enable it.)
5. Change the BIOS Auto-Recovery setting from Disabled (default) to Enabled.
6. Locate the Always perform Integrity check setting and change it from Disabled (default) to Enabled.

With these settings configured, BIOS auto-recovery will automatically attempt to recover the BIOS without user intervention if a startup issue occurs.

Where is the BIOS Recovery File Located?

1. For computers supporting BIOS recovery, the BIOS Recovery file is located on the computer’s hard drive within the ESP/EFI Partition.
2. If the BIOS Recovery file is not found, possible reasons include:
   1. The hard drive has been replaced since factory shipment.
   2. The BIOS boot mode has been changed from UEFI to Legacy.
   3. The computer has been reimaged after factory delivery.
   4. The operating system has been reinstalled, and the hard drive was formatted.
3. If your computer is working, you can restore the BIOS Recovery file by reflashing the BIOS, even if you are reinstalling the same BIOS version. This requires the BIOS to be set to UEFI and the operating system to be at least Windows 7 64-bit or newer.
4. If your computer is not working (e.g., no POST or no boot) and the BIOS Recovery file is missing from the hard drive, flashing the BIOS to restore the file is not possible. However, you can use a recovery file on an external USB drive. For Dell BIOS, follow the instructions below. For BIOS from other manufacturers, contact Dell Technical Support for a recovery file. (Dell BIOS interfaces typically have a touchpad/mouse pointer and a tree-like menu on the left. Non-Dell BIOS often use a menu bar at the top navigated with the keyboard.)
   1. To get a Dell BIOS recovery file, use the Service Tag of your Dell computer to download the BIOS.exe file from the Dell Drivers & Downloads website. Use another working computer for this download, ensuring you use the Service Tag of the affected computer.
   2. Save the BIOS.exe file to your desktop.
   3. Rename the file to BIOS_IMG.rcv, changing both the filename and extension.
      1. If file extensions are not visible, go to the Windows Start menu and search for Folder Options.
      2. Click View and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types, then click OK.
      3. Right-click the saved file on the desktop. The .exe extension should now be visible and editable.

How do I create an external USB drive for BIOS Recovery on my Dell computer or tablet?

To create a bootable USB drive for BIOS recovery, you will need:

• A working computer
• An empty USB drive
• The latest BIOS version for your Dell computer or tablet, downloadable from the Dell Drivers & Downloads website.

WARNING: All data on the USB drive will be erased. Back up any important files before creating a USB recovery drive.

Steps to create a USB recovery drive:

1. Insert the USB drive into a working computer.
2. Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer (Windows Explorer).
3. Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
4. Set the File system to FAT32.
5. Check the box next to Quick Format.
6. Click Start to format the USB drive.
7. Copy the downloaded BIOS file to the formatted USB drive.
8. Open Command Prompt as administrator:
   • In Windows 10, 8.1, or 8: Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   • In Windows 7 or Vista: Click Start, type command prompt in the search box, right-click cmd, and select Run as administrator.
9. In the Command Prompt window, type cd x: (replace x with the drive letter of your USB drive) and press Enter. Find the drive letter in File Explorer.
10. Type dir and press Enter to verify the BIOS file is present.
11. Type ren xxxxx.exe BIOS_IMG.rcv and press Enter. Replace xxxxx.exe with the actual BIOS filename. Ensure there is a space between the original filename and BIOS_IMG.rcv.

NOTE: Using a USB recovery drive is highly recommended for Alienware and XPS systems, especially for users experiencing 3, 6 or 3, 7 LED blink error codes during startup on Alienware R5, R6, R7, R8, or XPS 8910, 8920, 8930 desktops. For detailed troubleshooting, refer to Dell Knowledge Base article BIOS Recovery Steps for a No Post issue on OptiPlex, Alienware, XPS, Vostro and Inspiron Desktop PCs.

How do I prevent BIOS settings from resetting to factory defaults during BIOS recovery?

Some Dell computers and tablets offer an option to retain existing BIOS settings during recovery. If you see the Reset NVRAM option after initiating BIOS Recovery 2, and you wish to keep your current settings, select the option to disable NVRAM reset.

Warning: The default setting for Reset NVRAM is Enabled, which will clear all BIOS settings. Some Dell models may not offer the Reset NVRAM feature.

How do I perform BIOS Recovery without an external USB drive?

By default, the BIOS recovery process first searches for a recovery image on an external USB drive (if connected). If no USB drive is detected, it will then look for the recovery image on the primary hard drive.

NOTE: If the recovery image is missing from the primary hard drive, or if the computer is experiencing a No POST or No Boot issue preventing hard drive access, creating a USB recovery drive is the only available recovery method.

How do I recreate the EFI partition for BIOS Recovery on a replacement hard drive?

If you have replaced the hard drive, to restore BIOS Recovery functionality, ensure the following:

1. The BIOS is set to UEFI boot mode, not Legacy Boot.
2. Reinstall the operating system. It must be Windows 7 64-bit or a newer version of Windows.
3. Reflash the BIOS to the latest version available, even if it’s already the latest. This process recreates the Recovery File within the EFI partition.

NOTE: Some older Dell computers might not support BIOS recovery even with the latest BIOS version.

How do I recover the BIOS if the hard drive is encrypted or password protected in BIOS?

BIOS Recovery 2 and 3 are not compatible with encrypted hard drives or hard drives protected by a BIOS password. The recovery process will attempt to find the recovery image on the hard drive but will ultimately fail. If you can access BIOS setup, try disabling the hard drive password before attempting BIOS recovery.

How do I recover the BIOS if the hard drive was replaced or the recovery image is missing?

To restore BIOS Recovery capability after a hard drive replacement, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the BIOS is set to UEFI, not Legacy Boot.
2. Reinstall the operating system. It must be Windows 7 64-bit or newer.
3. Reflash the BIOS to the latest revision, even if it is already installed. This will recreate the Recovery File in the EFI partition.

NOTE: Some older Dell computers may not support BIOS recovery, even with the latest BIOS version installed.

What should I do if I hear beeps or see LED blinking patterns during BIOS recovery?

Beeps or blinking LEDs during BIOS recovery indicate errors. If this occurs:

1. Power off your Dell computer or tablet.
2. Restart the BIOS recovery process.
3. If the beeping or LED patterns persist, try creating and using a USB recovery drive.
4. If recovery still fails, contact Dell Technical Support for further assistance.

Back to top

Recommended Support Articles

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful.

Out of warranty? No problem. Visit the Dell.com/support website, enter your Dell Service Tag to explore available offers.

NOTE: Offers are currently available for personal computer customers in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and China. Not applicable to Server and Storage products.

Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Latitude Tablets, Venue, XPS Tablets, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations