How to Check and Update Your BIOS: A Complete Guide

Your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system even loads. It initializes your hardware, checks that everything is connected, and hands control over to Windows, Linux, or macOS. Because it operates at such a fundamental level, keeping it current — or at least knowing what version you're running — matters more than most people realize.

What the BIOS Actually Does

Every time you power on a PC, the BIOS performs a POST (Power-On Self-Test), checking that your CPU, RAM, storage drives, and other components are functional. It also stores low-level settings like boot order, CPU voltage, fan curves, and hardware clock speed.

Modern systems use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) — the successor to traditional BIOS. Despite the technical difference, most people (and even manufacturers) still call it "BIOS." UEFI offers a graphical interface, mouse support, support for drives larger than 2TB, and faster boot times via Secure Boot.

How to Check Your Current BIOS Version

Before updating anything, you need to know what version you're already running.

On Windows

Method 1 – System Information:

1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, press Enter
2. Look for BIOS Version/Date in the System Summary panel

Method 2 – Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt and type: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
2. The version string appears immediately

Method 3 – Task Manager / Settings: On some systems, Settings → System → About → Device Specifications will show firmware version details.

On Linux

Open a terminal and run:

sudo dmidecode -s bios-version 

Or check:

cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version 

During Boot (UEFI/BIOS Screen)

Restart your PC and press the BIOS entry key during startup — commonly Del, F2, F10, or Esc depending on your motherboard manufacturer. The version is usually displayed in the main screen or About tab.

Why You Might Need a BIOS Update 🔧

BIOS updates aren't like app updates — you don't need them regularly. Valid reasons to update include:

• New CPU support — Adding a newer-generation processor to an existing motherboard often requires a BIOS update
• Security patches — Vulnerabilities like Spectre/Meltdown have historically required firmware-level fixes
• Stability and compatibility fixes — Resolving issues with specific RAM configurations, storage controllers, or peripherals
• Feature additions — Some updates enable new settings like Resizable BAR (used for GPU performance)

If your system is stable and you're not adding new hardware, updating the BIOS carries real risk with little benefit. A failed update can render a motherboard non-functional.

How to Update Your BIOS

The process varies significantly depending on your hardware.

Desktop Motherboards (Most Common Method)

1. Identify your exact motherboard model — Found in msinfo32 under "BaseBoard Product" or printed on the board itself
2. Visit the manufacturer's support page — Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock each host BIOS files for every board model
3. Download the correct version — Never download a file from a third-party site
4. Read the release notes — Confirm the update addresses something relevant to your situation
5. Follow the manufacturer's flashing method, which typically falls into one of these:

BIOS Flashback (Asus) and Q-Flash Plus (Gigabyte) are particularly useful because they can update the firmware even before a compatible CPU is installed — helpful when upgrading processors.

Laptops

Laptop BIOS updates typically come through:

• Windows Update — Dell, Lenovo, and HP frequently deliver BIOS updates through Windows Update or their own software suites (Dell Update, Lenovo System Update, HP Support Assistant)
• Manufacturer support portal — Enter your service tag or model number to find the exact firmware for your unit

⚠️ Always run a laptop BIOS update while plugged into AC power. A power interruption mid-flash can brick the device.

Servers and Workstations

Enterprise hardware from Dell (iDRAC), HP (iLO), and Lenovo (XClarity) has dedicated remote management interfaces that handle BIOS updates separately from the OS — often with rollback support.

Key Variables That Affect Your Situation

No two BIOS update scenarios are identical. The factors that shape what you should do include:

• Motherboard manufacturer and model — Each has its own tools, update file formats (.CAP, .ROM, .BIN, etc.), and update procedures
• Current vs. available version — Sometimes skipping versions requires intermediate steps; other times you can jump directly
• Hardware changes planned — If you're upgrading your CPU, the required BIOS version may differ from what you need for a RAM fix
• Operating system — Some update utilities are Windows-only; Linux users often need to use the BIOS-native tool or a bootable USB
• Laptop vs. desktop — Laptops have tighter integration between firmware and hardware, making the update path more manufacturer-specific
• Technical comfort level — The in-BIOS flash utilities are generally the safest path for less experienced users; command-line and DOS methods carry more room for error

What Can Go Wrong

A BIOS update that fails mid-process — due to a power outage, corrupted file, or wrong version — can leave a system unable to boot. This is called bricking the motherboard. Recovery options depend on whether your board has:

• Dual BIOS (some Gigabyte boards store a backup copy)
• BIOS Flashback support without needing POST
• A BIOS chip that can be physically replaced or re-flashed by a technician

The version you need, the method available to you, and whether any update is even warranted all depend on your specific hardware configuration and what problem — if any — you're actually trying to solve. 🖥️