How do I bypass Aptio setup utility?

Different PC manufacturers put different bloatware on their PCs. Some of these programs are utterly useless, while some actually end up coming in handy. Of course, it’s ideal to have a fresh installation of Windows without any bloatware whatsoever, but these new programs can sometimes end up being useful. 

In this article, we’re talking about the Aptio setup utility usually found on Asus computers and why your computer might get stuck because of this tool. 

Also read: Scanning and repairing drive stuck at 100: 7 Fixes

Aptio is a BIOS setup utility that is called every time you start your computer and can actually be a great way to control how your computer’s internal devices communicate with each other. Outside of Asus computers, you’ll also find Aptio on the following brands:

• Acer
• Alienware
• Dell
• MSI
• Razer
• Samsung

Why does Aptio setup utility keep popping up?

A common issue with the Aptio setup utility is a bug that instead of booting the computer into the OS, automatically boots it in the BIOS instead. This results in a boot loop that always ends with the user in the BIOS (Aptio Setup utility) without explicitly trying to open the BIOS. 

Here are five fixes you can try out to resolve the issue. 

Force restart your PC

Since regular restarting will just repeat the boot loop you’re already experiencing, the best way to get out of this rut is to press and hold down the power button for around 15-20 seconds until your computer shuts down. Then wait a couple of minutes before restarting your computer and the error should be resolved. 

Check if your boot drive is properly attached

Another reason why your computer is going straight to the BIOS could be the fact that your boot drive whether HDD or SSD has come off or is not being detected by the computer. Access your drive bay to see if that’s the case and make sure that boot drive is properly connected to your PC.

Check the drive with another computer

To isolate the issue between the drive and the BIOS, try using the drive on another computer to see if the drive is alright. If the second computer detects the drive and boots up just fine, the issue is with your computer, otherwise, the drive is dead and you’re better off with a new one. 

Disable secure boot

Although not recommended, disabling secure boot is sometimes required by legacy operating systems to boot.

Step 1: In the Aptio Setup Utility, head over to the Security menu.

Step 2: Expand the Secure Boot menu and make sure that the Secure Boot option is disabled.

Step 3: Save the changes and wait for the utility to restart. Once it does, head over to the Boot menu and disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot.

Now restart your PC and the operating system should launch. Additionally, you can also try enabling CSM (Compatible Support Module) to see if that gets your OS working. 

Reset BIOS defaults

If nothing else works, you can try resetting your BIOS to the default settings to see if that gets the PC going. You can either reset the settings from inside the BIOS or you can just take out the CMOS battery from your motherboard and leave it like that for a couple of minutes while holding down the power button to drain the board of all residual charges and then put the battery back in before restarting the PC.

Also read: How to access BIOS in Windows 11?

Someone who writes/edits/shoots/hosts all things tech and when he’s not, streams himself racing virtual cars. You can reach out to Yadullah at [email protected], or follow him on Instagram or Twitter.