Final answer:
The BIOS password that controls computer access before the Windows login is the Supervisor password. This password restricts who can boot the machine and change BIOS settings. There is also a User password, but it only restricts access to the system after the POST phase.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which BIOS Password Controls Pre-Windows Access?
The BIOS password that controls access to the computer before the Windows login is known as the Supervisor password (also called Administrator password in some systems). This password is set within the BIOS configuration settings and effectively limits who can boot the machine or make changes to the BIOS settings. On the other hand, a second password, often referred to as the User password, typically only restricts access to the system once it has passed the POST (Power-On Self-Test) phase and before the operating system loads.
The Supervisor password is crucial for maintaining system security, as it provides a strong layer of protection against unauthorized access. When it is set, it must be entered before any access to BIOS settings is allowed. In contrast, without the Supervisor password, the User password will only require input to continue with the system boot. For those who need more then 100 words on BIOS passwords, it's important to remember that forgetting the Supervisor password can seriously limit your ability to work with your system, as you may not be able to change boot settings or other critical BIOS configurations