How to Find Your BIOS Version on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The fastest way to check your BIOS version depends on your operating system

Your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system loads. Checking its version tells you whether you have the latest security patches and bug fixes for your motherboard. On Windows, the quickest method is the System Information tool. On Mac, you use System Report. On Linux, you can check through the command line or your system settings, depending on your distribution.

The version number matters most when you're troubleshooting hardware problems, preparing for a major operating system upgrade, or installing new components that need firmware support. Most people never need to check it, but when you do, the process takes under a minute.

Key Takeaways

Windows users can open System Information by pressing Windows key + R, typing msinfo32, and looking for the BIOS Version field.
Mac users should click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click System Report and look under Hardware Overview.
Linux users can run sudo dmidecode -s system-version in the terminal or check UEFI settings by restarting and pressing Delete or F2 during boot.
Your motherboard manufacturer's website lists what BIOS updates are available for your specific model.

Checking BIOS version on Windows

Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key and R together. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. The System Information window will open. Look for the field labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows both your BIOS version number and when it was released. Write down the version number before you close the window.

If you prefer not to use the Run dialog, you can also reach System Information through Settings. Open Settings, go to System, then About. Scroll down and click "Advanced system settings," then click the "System Protection" tab and look for "System Information" button. This route takes slightly longer but arrives at the same window.

A third option is to restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup screen directly. During startup, before Windows loads, press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 (the key varies by motherboard manufacturer). Your BIOS version will display on the main screen. Check your motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website if you are unsure which key to press.

Checking BIOS version on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac." A window will open showing your Mac model and macOS version. Click the "System Report" button. In the System Report window, look at the left sidebar under Hardware and click "Hardware Overview" if it is not already selected.

Scroll down in the main panel until you find the "Boot ROM Version" field. This is your BIOS equivalent on Mac hardware. The version number appears next to it. Apple calls it Boot ROM rather than BIOS, but it serves the same purpose — it is the firmware that initializes your Mac before macOS loads.

You can also check this information by holding the Option key and clicking the Apple menu, then selecting "System Information" directly, which skips the About This Mac window and opens System Report immediately.

Checking BIOS version on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type the command sudo dmidecode -s system-version and press Enter. You may be prompted to enter your password. The output will show your BIOS version. If this command does not work on your system, try sudo cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version instead — different Linux distributions store this information in slightly different locations.

If you prefer to avoid the terminal, you can also restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup screen directly. During startup, before Linux loads, press Delete, F2, F10, or Escape (the key depends on your motherboard). Your BIOS version will display on the first screen. This method works the same way as on Windows.

Some Linux desktop environments also include a system information tool in their settings. On Ubuntu, for example, you can open Settings, go to About, and look for a "Firmware Version" field, though not all distributions display this information in the GUI.

Understanding what the version number means

BIOS version numbers vary by manufacturer. An Intel-based system might show something like "F12" or "2.15.1234," while an AMD system might display "7.18" or "P3.40." The exact format depends on whether your motherboard uses traditional BIOS or UEFI firmware (UEFI is the modern standard). The version number itself does not tell you whether it is old or new — you have to compare it against what the manufacturer lists as current.

To learn about your version is up to date, visit your motherboard manufacturer's support page. Enter your motherboard model number (which you can find in System Information on Windows or System Report on Mac) and look for the BIOS downloads section. The page will list the latest available version and describe what each update fixes. If your version matches the latest one listed, you are current. If it is older, you can decide whether the fixes matter for your situation.

When you might need to update your BIOS

Most people do not need to update their BIOS unless they are experiencing a specific hardware problem that the manufacturer has fixed, or they are installing a new processor that requires a newer BIOS version to recognize. Security updates for BIOS are less common than operating system updates, but they do happen — if a critical vulnerability affects your motherboard model, the manufacturer will release a patch.

Before updating, check whether your system is stable and working as expected. BIOS updates carry a small risk of failure if interrupted by a power loss, so only update when your computer is plugged in and you have time to complete the process without rushing. If you are not sure whether you need an update, the safest choice is to leave it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my BIOS version the same as my motherboard model?

No. Your motherboard model is the name of the circuit board itself — something like "ASUS ROG Strix B550-F." Your BIOS version is the firmware running on that board, like "F12" or "2.15.1234." One motherboard model can have many different BIOS versions depending on when it was manufactured and whether it has been updated.

Can I check my BIOS version without restarting?

Yes. On Windows, use System Information. On Mac, use System Report. On Linux, use the terminal command. All three methods show your current BIOS version without requiring a restart. You only need to restart and enter the BIOS setup screen if the other methods do not work or if you want to see additional information displayed during boot.

What if my BIOS version looks different from what the manufacturer lists?

Different manufacturers use different numbering schemes. Some use letters and numbers together, some use decimals, and some use long strings of digits. As long as the version number you see matches one of the versions listed on the manufacturer's support page, your system is recognized. If it does not match anything listed, contact the manufacturer's support team with your motherboard model number.

Does checking my BIOS version change anything on my computer?

No. Simply viewing your BIOS version does nothing to your system. It is read-only information. The only way to change your BIOS is to intentionally run a BIOS update utility, which requires deliberate action on your part.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.