Phenquestions
This post is for those who love to geek out with PowerShell. This PowerShell module allows you to change the BIOS settings from a CSV file. It works on a Local computer, as well as a Remote computer, without having to boot into the BIOS. It works well for Dell, Lenovo, and HP computers.
Change BIOS settings from a Local or Remote computer
While it works, be cautious about each step unless you get used to it. Not that it will crash the computer, but setting up correct BIOS settings is essential. The steps involved are:
- Download the Module from PowerShell gallery
- Create a CSV file based on your computers BIOS settings
- Change local BIOS settings
- Change Remote computer BIOS settings.
Before going ahead, make sure to take a backup of your BIOS settings by making a note on paper or notepad.
1] Download the Module from PowerShell Gallery
You need to use PowerShell to install it from the PowerShell gallery. To install it, execute:
install-module SetBIOS
When doing so, you will need to install any dependent module, and also permit to install the modules from an untrusted repository.
2] Create a CSV file based on your computers BIOS settings
The module uses a CSV file. The file contains the BIOS settings name and its value. So the first thing you need to do is make a list of all the BIOS setting's names or the ones you want to change. An appropriate example would be where you want to change the boot device order from HDD to a USB drive.
- Open an Excel file using Google Sheet or Microsoft Excel
- In the first column, note down all the settings name
- The second column should have value. The value should be either which is valid or which is available in the BIOS.
Make sure to use only those settings which you plan to change, and keep a note of what values can be used for each setting.
3] Change local BIOS settings
Type Set-BIOS followed by the path of the CSV file when asked. The command will look like:
Set-BIOS -Path "YourPath.csv"
If you have a setup BIOS password, then add -Password at the end. It will then ask for the password when you execute the command. So the final command would be:
Set-BIOS -Path "YourPath.csv" -Password
4] Change Remote computer BIOS settings
To change the BIOS settings for the remote computer, it should be accessible. Make sure you can access it through the network by accessing a file on it. You will be prompted for username password when accessing the remote computer. So the full command would be
Set-BIOS -Computer "MyComputer" -Path "YourPath.csv" -Password
That said, it also supports multiple computers. You need to another parameter -Vendor “Dell / Lenovo / HP”
We hope the tutorial was easy to follow, and you were able to change the BIOS settings. I recommend you read everything on the homepage before downloading the cmdlet.
