What Is a POST or BIOS Error Message? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows 63 63 people found this article helpful

What Is a POST Error Message?

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 16, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide A POST error message is an error displayed on the monitor during the power-on self test if the BIOS encounters some kind of problem while starting the PC. It will only display on screen if the computer is capable of booting this far. If the POST detects an error before this point, a beep code or POST code will be generated instead. POST screen with BIOS version. POST error messages are usually fairly descriptive and should give you enough information to begin troubleshooting whatever problem the POST found. A POST error message is sometimes called a BIOS error message, POST message, or POST screen message. Although completely unrelated to hardware and therefore not covered in this article, a "post error message" can also refer to problems that come up while trying to upload/post information online, such as to a social media account.

Resources on POST Errors

If you're seeing POST error messages, then the problem is very likely related to some sort of hardware malfunction. A stop at this step in the boot-up process means the computer hasn't even loaded the operating system, so POST errors aren't related to Windows, macOS, or Linux. See How to Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During the POST for a troubleshooting guide on what to do when your computer hangs during the post. A POST test card displays errors during the POST, and is useful if the hardware issue occurs before the monitor can show the error. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is a Power on Self Test Card? What Is POST? (Power On Self Test Definition) What Are Beep Codes? (BIOS Beep Code Definition) CMOS: What It Is and What It's For How to Fix Problems that Occur During the POST Phoenix Beep Code Error Troubleshooting What Is a POST Code? (Power on Self Test Code) How to Fix a Computer That Won't Turn On How to Access BIOS Setup Utility for Major BIOS Manufacturers What Does It Mean to 'Boot' a Computer? How to Fix a Computer That Turns on but Displays Nothing How to Fix 'BOOTMGR Is Missing' in Windows How to Fix NTLDR Is Missing and Related NTLDR Errors How to Fix a Computer That Turns On and Then Off How to Fix Freezing & Other Issues During Windows Startup How to Figure Out Why Your PC Is Beeping (Beep Codes) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies