Dell: Forgot / reset master password - how it works
For used Dell notebooks, buyers have to enter a master password after a while. But what is that? We'll show you how to reset the password if you forget it or the previous owner can't tell you.
Dell Master Password: What Is It?
- The master password is used to protect Dell notebooks from unlawful owners. It must be re-entered after a BIOS reset or after replacing the BIOS battery.
- The password is anchored in the BIOS and is difficult to change or bypass.
- Dell requires ownership transfer for support.
- If you bought the used notebook from an intermediary, it is usually not possible to get this confirmation later.
Dell Master Password: How To Reset It
There are a few tools on the Internet for resetting the master password. However, only a few of them work.
- The master password can be reset using the tool of a Russian blogger. You can download it to another computer here. However, CHIP does not guarantee this.
- If you start your Dell notebook, your BIOS version will be displayed. Enter this in the tool and confirm with [Enter]. You will be shown a Super Admin password that you can use to unlock your Dell notebook.
- Enter the password and confirm with the key combination [Ctrl] + [Enter]. You can then set a new master password or delete it.
Tip: How to choose a really secure password
On the next page we will show you how to charge your laptop with a power bank.