Are you tired of bugs in your PC and want to fix them? Updating BIOS can help you to do that hold on! Here is the complete guide on how to update BIOS on your Windows PC. We have also discussed some important things you should consider before updating BIOS for your ease.
What is BIOS?
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is a small chip in the motherboard. It is used to update your device, manage data between the computer’s operating system and attached devices, and increase the functionality of Software and Hardware. They adopt new technologies and also include advanced features in modern systems.
What is UEFI?
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a replacement for BIOS in modern systems and has more features like network functionality; it can handle large files and stops booting up unauthorized apps with modern security features like secure boot and also fasten up the booting time in modern systems. UEFI has the same process of updating as BIOS; it’s just like BIOS is switched to UEFI in modern systems.
What is BIOS Update?
BIOS update provides compatibility within hardware, fixes the bugs, and defense against the security threats and vulnerabilities. Updating BIOS is not a routine it is only recommended when your computer or motherboard notifies you to do or to fix the bugs.
Check the BIOS Version on Your Windows
You can check your bios version on the system information panel in your Windows.
- Press the Windows + R key on your computer
- On the run dialog box type msinfo and enter.
- Here on the system’s information Window, Look for the BIOS version and model number.
Check the Current BIOS version within BIOS \UEFI.
- Restart your computer; as the system starts to boot, press F2, ECS, Del, or F10 keys to open BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. This process is slightly different according to the manufacturers. If you are facing any difficulty in this so, consult with your computer or motherboard manufacturer, as knowing the right key for your system is important.
- This will lead you to BIOS or UEFI update settings and find the main or systems information tab, the name can be different of the tabs according to your system.
- Here, all your system information is visible, including the BIOS version.
- Check the BIOS version to see whether this needs to be updated or not.
- Now, after checking your BIOS version, you can exit the setup by clicking on the exit and save changes button if you have made any changes. Or select exit and Discard changes without saving to prevent your system from any unwanted alteration.
- Now, your system will reboot, and you can start using it again.
Knowing your current BIOS version is important so that you can update it according to the necessities and capabilities of your system. This also prevents computers from the wrong installation of BIOS versions, which can affect your system’s compatibility and stability.
9 Important Steps to Do Before Updating BIOS
- Before updating BIOS, remember to save and secure your data because the system will restart after the completion of your update, and the default settings will be done on your computer. Although it will be saved in your hard drive, this needs to be done to avoid any further problems.
- Identify your motherboard and BIOS update by checking the system updates or consult with your computer validation.
- Follow the instructions according to your manufacturer’s website, as the process of updating BIOS is according to the motherboard manufacturer.
- On your motherboard website look for the latest update of BIOS and make sure to check the compatibility according to your system to avoid any consequences.
- Understand the manufacturer’s update process according to your motherboard and be familiar with the specific instructions for the smooth process.
- Make sure your computer is connected to a reliable power source. And if you are updating BIOS on a laptop, it should be fully charged; otherwise, your motherboard can brick if your system turns off.
- Do check the BIOS version and your motherboard model on your system.
- Remember to close all the programs before the update starts so that no programs can interfere.
- Temporarily disable bit locker and antivirus software before updating BIOS.
How to Update BIOS
Follow the below-mentioned steps to update the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) on your computer.
Download the Latest Update
- Head to the official motherboard manufacturer’s website and go to the support and downloads section.
- Write your motherboard model and the available downloads page will show.
- Click on the BIOS update section and select the latest update option.
- Choose the correct and latest BIOS update according to your motherboard model and BIOS version and download it.
Extract Files
- Choose the downloaded zip file of your BIOS update in the download folder.
- Select the extract tab on the top of the Windows and click on Extract All.
- Select the folder where you want to save all your extracted files and click on the extract buttonto confirm.
- Now, the folder in which you have put your updated BIOS extracted files will open automatically.
Transfer BIOS Update to USB
After the above process, transfer your downloaded BIOS to USB.
- Insert the USB, right-click on the file format tab, and choose format.
- Verify FAT32 is selected in the file system’s drop-down menu.
- Click on the start button to reformat the drive if needed.
- Now, copy the downloaded BIOS file and paste it into your USB.
Access the BIOS Menu
Here are the steps to access the BIOS menu via the boot sequence or Windows.
Via the Boot Sequence
- Restart your Windows.
- Choose the key assigned to the motherboard manufacturer for the BIOS startup.
- Mostly, F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, and Esc keys are used for the motherboard, but make sure to check the key according to your computer’s manufacturer.
Via the Windows
- Select the Windows start menu and click on settings (gear icon).
- Select the update and security option.
- Click on the recovery option from the left sidebar. And select the restart now option.
- Here, on the recovery window, click on the troubleshooting option.
- Select advanced options and click UEFI Firmware settings.
- Now, tap on the restart button.
Install the Update
Finally, it’s time for the installation to update BIOS:
- Select the boot tab and look for your USB device.
- Here, allow any backup option that appears.
- Head to the advanced tap and select USB configuration then click on the option to start updating BIOS.
- Allow your computer to complete the BIOS update.
| Note: This can take a few minutes or maybe some hours, depending on the requirement and the depth of the BIOS update. Once it finishes updating, your system will restart. |
Check BIOS Update
- Once the update is completed your computer will restart, and you can get Updated BIOS.
- Check your system’s stability and make sure your system is working properly.
- If you have made some specific settings in your previous updated BIOS, you have to make them again after the BIOS updated version; as it will be set to the default settings.
Must-Follow Do’s and Don’ts When Updating BIOS
Here are some important dos and don’ts to follow while updating BIOS.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Double-check that you have installed the right BIOS file. | Do not unnecessarily update your BIOS. |
| If you face any problems so, make sure to visit and seek guidance from the motherboard manufacturer’s website. | Do not press any wrong key during the updating BIOS process. |
| The process can be different according to the computer, iOS, and motherboard manufacturer, so be sure to check all the instructions from the website’s support page. | Do not connect extra devices like printers, scanners, or other USBs to your system when updating BIOS. |
| Your system should be fully charged or connected to a reliable source. | Don’t turn off your computer in between the BIOS update; otherwise, it can brick your windows. |
4 Advantages of BIOS Update
Updating BIOS will not boost up your system but will surely clear all the bugs and problems. Here, we have mentioned 4 top advantages why you should update BIOS.
- Compatibility: This will expand the update and allow you to use new hardware like recently released memory, storage drivers, or CPUs.
- Stability: The new update improves stability and prevents your system from crashing.
- Optional features: The update allows optional functions of new hardware like Resizable BAR on graphics cards.
- Security: This will help to resolve your security flaws with the new update.
How to Update BIOS on High-end PC via USB Flash Back
If you have a high-end PC and you are looking to update the BIOS with easy methods. Here, we have mentioned the steps to do so, and you can update the BIOS via the USB flashback without entering the BIOS operating system.
- Connect your USB device to the USB BIOS Flashback Port.
- Change the file name (check the appropriate name for your device based on your manufacturer) and copy it to your USB.
- Turn off your computer.
- Click on the BIOS Flash Back button on your motherboard for a while. The Flash Back will lighten 3 times, showing that BIOS Flash Back is enabled.
- Once the light goes away, it means the BIOS update is completed.
- Moreover, suppose you have the updating and installing option with the BIOS update directly from the internet within the BIOS environment. In this case, it is the best option for you to have it as it will not involve reformatting flash drivers or specific names for files on changing settings with BIOS.
FAQs
Q: Is updating BIOS will boost your PC performance?
A: No, it will not boost your PC performance, but it will fix bugs and add compatibility for new devices.
Q: Is it safe to update BIOS?
A: Updating BIOS will not harm any user data or delete anything but it is a tricky process to do.
Q: Does your computer update BIOS automatically?
A: If you are running on Windows 10 or 11 so, your computer may update the BIOS automatically.
Q: Do I need to update BIOS before installing a new CPU?
A: Yes, you will need to update your BIOS before installing a new PC as maybe the new PC will not work properly with outdated BIOS.
Final Verdict
Above is the complete guide on how to update BIOS. We have also discussed some do’s and don’ts for a smooth process. However, if you face any problem so, seek guidance on the manufacturer support website as the process varies; also be sure that your computer doesn’t turn off during the update.
