How to Fix CPU Not Detected/Found?

CPU Not Detected

It is easy to assemble a computer. However, if you don’t excel in computers, mistakes might crop up. CPU not detected or found is one of the issues that you might receive after building a computer. Why is your CPU not detected? The reasons behind the issue are various including:

• Outdated BIOS.
• Incorrect BIOS settings.
• Improper connection.
• Dead CPU.
• Incompatibility with the motherboard.

How to Fix CPU Not Detected?

Fix 1: Reset BIOS

Chances are that the BIOS is not compatible with CPU, causing CPU not detected. Resetting the BIOS can fix this issue easily. To do so:

Step 1. Power off your computer and turn off the PSU.

Step 2. Remove the case side panel.

Step 3. Find a circular silver battery (this is the CMOS BIOS battery) and then press the metal tab on the side to remove it.

Step 4. Leave the battery out for a few minutes to make the power drain out.

Step 5. After that, put the battery back and the BIOS will be reset.

Fix 2: Reseat CPU

Make sure if the CPU fits into its socket, or else CPU not detected might occur. Here’s how to reseat your CPU:

Step 1. Unplug the CPU cooler.

Step 2. Unscrew the cooler and then remove it.

Step 3. Press the metal handle slightly on the socket and pull it upwards to release the CPU.

Step 4. Examine if there are any bent pins on the socket. If not, align a small golden triangle on the CPU’S corner with the triangle on the socket.

Step 5. After the CPU is in place, push the metal handle back into place.

Step 6. Reboot your Windows machine to check if CPU not detected is gone.

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Fix 3: Update BIOS

To detect older or newer CPUs, the motherboard needs a proper BIOS. Luckily, some motherboards come with BIOS Flashback that enables you to update the BIOS through a USB flash drive without a CPU installed. Here, we list 2 cases for you:

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# With BIOS Flashback

Step 1. Go to the motherboard’s official support site to download the right BIOS files on another computer.

Step 2. After downloading, prepare an empty USB flash drive > go to This PC > right-click on this USB flash drive to choose Format > format it into FAT32.

Step 3. Extract the downloaded files and add them to the USB flash drive.

Step 4. Then, add the USB to the PC’s Flashback port.

Step 5. Ensure your computer is powered off and then press & hold the BIOS Flashback button for several seconds.

Step 5. Now, reboot the computer to see if CPU detection issues still persist.

# Without BIOS Flashback

Things will be more complicated if your motherboard doesn’t have the BIOS Flashback feature. You need to find an older processor that is compatible with the motherboard to access the BIOS.

Also see:

How to Update BIOS MSI? – Here’s Your Complete Guide

How to Update Intel BIOS? See a Step-by-Step Guide

Perform ASUS BIOS Update with Four Methods

Fix 4: Replace the CPU

If the motherboard socket pins or CPU are damaged, you will fail to boot your computer. You can consider fixing the bent pins by yourself or replacing the CPU altogether.

Final Words

 Here’s an end of CPU not detected on Windows 10/11. If permitted, follow the instructions mentioned above carefully with the help of a computer expert. Hope this guide can help you a lot!