How to Check What BIOS Version You Have

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 working, and hands control over to Windows, Linux, or whatever OS you're running. Knowing your current BIOS version matters more than most people realize — especially when troubleshooting stability issues, preparing for a CPU upgrade, or deciding whether to apply a manufacturer firmware update.

The good news: checking your BIOS version takes under a minute and requires no technical expertise.

What Is a BIOS Version, Exactly?

Every motherboard ships with a specific BIOS version installed at the factory. Manufacturers release updated versions over time to fix bugs, add hardware compatibility (like support for newer CPUs or RAM speeds), patch security vulnerabilities, and improve system stability.

Your BIOS version is typically a string of numbers and letters — something like F10, 3602, or 1.40 — that identifies which firmware build your motherboard is running. The format varies by manufacturer: AMI, Award, Phoenix, and modern UEFI implementations all display version strings differently.

Modern systems use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which is essentially a more advanced, graphical successor to traditional BIOS. You'll still hear both terms used interchangeably, and for the purpose of checking your version, the process is the same.

Method 1: Check via System Information (Windows) 🖥️

This is the fastest method and works on virtually every Windows PC without opening a single settings menu.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter
3. The System Information window opens — look for BIOS Version/Date in the right-hand panel

You'll see the manufacturer name, version string, and the date the BIOS was released. No admin privileges required.

Alternatively, you can use the search bar:

• Click the Start menu and search for "System Information"
• Open the app and find BIOS Version/Date under System Summary

Method 2: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

If you prefer working in a terminal, two commands will pull your BIOS version instantly.

Command Prompt:

wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion 

PowerShell:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SMBIOSBIOSVersion, Manufacturer, ReleaseDate 

The PowerShell command is more detailed — it returns the manufacturer and release date alongside the version string, which is useful when cross-referencing against your motherboard maker's support page.

Method 3: Check During Boot (POST Screen)

When you power on your computer, it briefly displays a POST (Power-On Self-Test) screen before the OS loads. On many systems, the BIOS version is printed in small text at the bottom or top of this screen — though it flashes by quickly.

This method is less practical than the software options above, but it's useful if your system won't boot into Windows and you need to identify the version before deciding on a recovery approach.

Method 4: Inside the BIOS/UEFI Interface

You can also find the version by entering the BIOS setup itself:

1. Restart your PC and press the designated key during boot — commonly Delete, F2, F10, or Esc depending on your motherboard brand
2. Once inside the BIOS/UEFI interface, look for a Main, Info, or System Summary tab
3. The firmware version is usually displayed prominently on the first screen

Method 5: Check on Linux

On Linux systems, the dmidecode tool reads firmware data directly from system memory.

sudo dmidecode -s bios-version 

For a fuller output including release date and vendor:

sudo dmidecode -t bios 

This works across most major distributions without additional software installation.

Why the Version You Have Actually Matters

Identifying your BIOS version is rarely the end goal — it's a stepping stone. What you do with that information depends heavily on your situation. 🔍

Hardware compatibility is one common driver. Newer CPUs sometimes require a BIOS update before the motherboard will recognize them. If you're upgrading a processor on an existing board, knowing your current version tells you whether you're already on a compatible firmware or need to update first.

Stability and bug fixes are another. If you're experiencing random crashes, memory instability, or sleep/wake issues, checking whether a newer BIOS version addresses those specific problems is a legitimate troubleshooting step.

Security patches matter more than they used to. Modern UEFI firmware can contain vulnerabilities, and manufacturers do issue security-related updates. Running an outdated BIOS on a business machine or a system handling sensitive data carries more risk than most users appreciate.

Overclocking and advanced features also evolve through BIOS updates — memory XMP/EXPO profile support, power delivery tuning, and PCIe settings can all change between versions.

The Variables That Shape What "Checking" Actually Means for You

Knowing your version is straightforward. What comes next is where individual setups diverge significantly.

Whether a BIOS update is appropriate — or even safe — depends on your motherboard model and revision, your current OS and hardware configuration, your reason for considering an update, and your comfort level with the process itself. BIOS updates carry a small but real risk: a failed flash can leave a system unbootable, and not every update offers improvements relevant to every user's hardware.

Someone running a five-year-old stable system with no hardware changes has a very different calculus than someone prepping a platform for a new CPU drop or chasing a fix for a documented bug their system actually exhibits.

The version check itself is the easy part — what it reveals about your specific setup is where the real decision-making begins.