How to Identify Your BIOS Version (Windows, Mac & More)
Your BIOS — or its modern replacement, UEFI — is the firmware that initializes your hardware before your operating system loads. Knowing which version you're running matters more than most people realize: it determines whether your system supports certain processors, how security features behave, and whether a firmware update is needed to fix a known bug or stability issue.
The good news is that finding your BIOS version takes less than a minute once you know where to look.
What Is a BIOS Version, Exactly?
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. Modern systems use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which is its functional successor — but the term "BIOS" is still widely used to refer to both. Each version is identified by a string that typically includes:
- A manufacturer code (e.g., AMI, Phoenix, Award, or the OEM brand like Dell or Lenovo)
- A version number (e.g., F.70, 1.14.0, or a date-based string like 20230401)
- A release date
This version string tells you exactly which firmware build is installed, which you can then compare against the latest release on your motherboard or PC manufacturer's support page.
How to Check Your BIOS Version on Windows 🖥️
Windows offers several ways to retrieve this information without ever restarting your computer.
Method 1: System Information Tool
- Press Windows + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter - In the System Information window, look for BIOS Version/Date in the right-hand panel
- The value shown includes the manufacturer name, version string, and release date
This is the most reliable method for most users — no command line required.
Method 2: Command Prompt or PowerShell
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion Or in PowerShell:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SMBIOSBIOSVersion, Manufacturer, ReleaseDate This outputs the version string directly. It's fast and scriptable if you're checking multiple machines.
Method 3: Windows Registry
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEHARDWAREDESCRIPTIONSystemBIOS Here you'll find fields including BIOSVersion, BIOSReleaseDate, and SystemManufacturer. This is read-only and safe to browse — no editing needed.
How to Check BIOS Version on a Mac 🍎
Macs don't use traditional BIOS or UEFI in the same way — Apple uses its own firmware tied to the hardware platform. To find firmware information:
- Click the Apple menu → About This Mac
- Click System Report
- Under Hardware Overview, look for Boot ROM Version
On Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3 series), firmware is deeply integrated with the chip itself and updated automatically through macOS updates. On Intel Macs, the Boot ROM version is similarly tied to macOS updates but is a distinct firmware layer.
How to Check During Boot (BIOS/UEFI Screen)
On most systems, you can view the BIOS version by entering the firmware setup screen directly:
- Restart your computer and press the appropriate key during POST — commonly Delete, F2, F10, or Esc depending on the manufacturer
- The BIOS version is usually displayed on the main or home screen of the setup utility
- Some boards show it in a System Information or Advanced tab
This method works even if your OS won't boot, making it useful for diagnosing systems that fail to start.
Key Variables That Affect What You'll Find
Not all BIOS version strings look the same, and how you interpret them depends on a few factors:
| Variable | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Motherboard manufacturer | AMI, Phoenix, and UEFI-native firmware all display version strings differently |
| OEM vs. custom build | Pre-built systems (Dell, HP, Lenovo) use vendor-specific versioning; DIY builds use the motherboard maker's scheme |
| System age | Older systems may show a simple date-based version; newer UEFI firmware often uses semantic versioning |
| Platform (desktop vs. laptop) | Laptops from major brands tie BIOS updates to device-specific drivers and may use internal build codes |
What to Do Once You Have the Version Number
Once you've identified your current version, the logical next step is comparing it against the latest available firmware on your manufacturer's support page. When checking:
- Match your exact motherboard model or PC model number — not just the brand
- Read the release notes for each version between yours and the current one
- Note whether updates list critical fixes (security patches, CPU compatibility, memory support) versus optional improvements
BIOS updates carry a small but real risk — a failed flash can brick a system. Manufacturers typically recommend updating only when you have a specific reason to do so, such as adding a new CPU, addressing a known bug, or applying a security patch like those related to Spectre/Meltdown mitigations.
The Version Number Is Just the Starting Point
Identifying your BIOS version is straightforward — the tools are built into every major operating system and take seconds to use. What becomes more nuanced is deciding what to do with that information.
Whether an update is worth applying, how urgently, and through which method depends on your specific hardware, what you're using the system for, and how risk-tolerant you are with firmware-level changes. Two users running the same version number on the same board can have very different reasons to act — or not act — on what they find.