Fix "BIOS screen loop" on Windows PCs Using Simple Steps
If your PC is stuck in a "BIOS screen loop" and you don’t know what to do, don’t panic. This frustrating issue often appears after BIOS updates, hardware changes, or failed boots. Luckily, there are several simple solutions that you can try at home without needing a technician.
This guide explains how to fix a "BIOS screen loop" and other related problems like "PC keeps restarting to BIOS" or "computer boots to BIOS every time". I’ll walk you through the possible causes and step-by-step fixes. At the end, I’ll also share what worked for me personally in the My Experience section.
What Is a "BIOS screen loop"?
A "BIOS screen loop" is when your computer powers on but instead of loading the operating system (like Windows), it keeps opening the BIOS screen. This can happen repeatedly, preventing you from using your PC normally.
Common Causes of a "BIOS screen loop"
- Boot device not detected
- Wrong boot order in BIOS
- Loose or damaged SATA/SSD cable
- Corrupted BIOS or failed update
- Damaged or missing OS boot files
- Dead or faulty storage drive
How to Fix a "BIOS screen loop" in Windows
1. Check if the Drive is Detected
Go into your BIOS settings and look under the "Boot" or "Storage" tab. If your SSD or HDD is not listed, your system can’t find a bootable drive. Re-seat the cables or try a different port.
2. Set the Correct Boot Order
Ensure the drive with Windows is listed first. Sometimes, the boot priority gets reset after a power cut or BIOS update, causing a "computer boots to BIOS every time" issue.
3. Disconnect External Drives or USBs
External storage devices might confuse the boot process. Remove all USB drives and try restarting. This simple fix can stop your system from "looping back to BIOS on restart".
4. Load Optimized Defaults in BIOS
Sometimes incorrect BIOS settings can trigger a "boot loop BIOS error". Inside the BIOS, look for "Load Optimized Defaults" or "Reset to Default Settings" and save changes.
5. Reflash or Update BIOS (Advanced)
If your system started having issues after a failed update, you might need to reflash the BIOS using a USB with the correct firmware. Go to your motherboard’s official website and follow their update instructions.
6. Reinstall Windows Bootloader
If the BIOS can detect the drive but still fails to boot, your Windows bootloader may be corrupted. Boot into a Windows installation USB, select "Repair your computer" > "Startup Repair". This helps fix problems when your "PC keeps restarting to BIOS" instead of Windows.
7. Replace the Storage Drive
If the drive is dead, no fix will work until it's replaced. Use another PC to test your drive or try a spare if you have one. Faulty drives are one of the top causes of "endless BIOS loop" issues.
Extra Tips to Avoid a "BIOS screen loop" in Future
- Always update BIOS carefully—never interrupt the process.
- Use a UPS to prevent power failure during updates.
- Backup important files in case you need to reset the OS.
- Do not change BIOS settings unless necessary.
My Experience: Fixing My Own "BIOS screen loop"
Last year, I ran into the dreaded "BIOS screen loop" issue after a failed Windows update. Every time I powered on my PC, it kept opening the BIOS screen. I panicked, thinking the motherboard was dead.
First, I checked the cables — the SSD was a bit loose. After securing it, I booted again, but it still went straight to BIOS. Then I realized the boot priority was reset. I changed the boot device to my Windows drive, and finally, my system started normally.
It was a frustrating night, but I learned a lot. That’s why I created this guide—to help others avoid the stress I faced during that "BIOS boot loop".
Conclusion
A "BIOS screen loop" may seem like a major problem, but most of the time, it’s caused by minor things like a disconnected drive or incorrect boot settings. Follow the steps above to diagnose and fix your issue quickly.
If this guide helped you, feel free to share it or bookmark it for future reference. If you're still stuck, leave a comment or reach out for help—you're not alone!