How to update BIOS

While you would have powered your computer without a second thought many times, have you ever stopped to wonder what goes on before the screen fully comes to life? It all begins with the BIOS, the software that decides whether your system gets to start or not.

BIOS is the software that gets started as soon as you switch on your computer. It ensures proper functioning of all hardware and facilitates data flow between the operating system and peripheral devices.

If this BIOS is not up-to-date, new hardware may not work, boot times may slow down, security vulnerabilities may remain unpatched, and you may experience random crashes or compatibility issues on your system. In other words, neglecting your BIOS update can be quite harmful for your system, and it is important to understand how to do a BIOS update.

In this article, we will understand what a BIOS is, how to update the BIOS, and the benefits of this process. 

What is BIOS?

BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a firmware that is embedded on a chip on the motherboard of your computer. When you press the power button on your computer, the first software that your computer runs is the BIOS. The function of this low-level software is to initialize the hardware during startup.

The first thing that the BIOS does is to ensure that all the hardware components connected to your system are in proper working condition using a series of diagnostic tests. These tests are termed as Power-On Self-Test (POST). If any critical hardware component (like the RAM or CPU) fails these tests, the BIOS can even prevent the computer from booting, sometimes indicating the issue with specific beep codes.

Once the tests are done, the next step is to initiate the loading of the operating system. The bootstrap loader, which is part of the BIOS, searches for your system's OS in its usual storage location (like an SSD or hard drive) and hands over control to it, so the computer can fully start up. 

While the BIOS provides the fundamental instructions for the hardware to work, it also acts as an initial communication bridge, setting up the environment for the operating system, with the help of drivers. 

It also allows users to access basic system settings, like the hardware configuration, system time, and boot order, through a BIOS Setup utility. While older systems stored these settings in battery-powered CMOS memory, modern motherboards save them in non-volatile memory such as NVRAM or flash, with the battery mainly supporting the system clock. 

What is the BIOS update?

BIOS update is the process of upgrading the firmware of the BIOS on your computer’s motherboard. Updating the BIOS involves downloading the latest firmware version from the motherboard manufacturer's website and applying it to your system. 

BIOS updates can improve hardware compatibility, fix bugs, enhance your system’s stability, and sometimes enable support for new processors or memory modules.         

What is the difference between BIOS update and firmware update?

Many users often confuse BIOS updates with other types of firmware or driver updates. While both involve updating embedded software, understanding the distinction is crucial for proper system maintenance and avoiding potential issues.

Firmware is a broader term that refers to the specific category of software that is permanently programmed into a hardware device’s non-volatile memory, such as ROM or flash memory. It usually provides low-level control for that hardware, allowing it to function and communicate with other components or the OS. 

BIOS, as we have discussed, is a specific type of firmware. To simplify this: All BIOS updates are firmware updates, but not all firmware updates are BIOS updates.

Let us look at this table to clarify further what a BIOS update is​ and how it differs from other firmware updates.

What does UEFI mean?

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is the modern successor of BIOS. The roles they perform, like initializing the hardware and preparing the computer to load the operating system, are the same, but UEFI comes with significant enhancements and a more efficient architecture.

Here is how a UEFI differs from the BIOS:

One of the most significant security advantages of UEFI is Secure Boot. When it is enabled, Secure Boot prevents unauthorized or malicious software from loading during the boot process. It does this by checking the digital signatures of the firmware, bootloader, and operating system components. If a signature is not valid, the system will refuse to boot, protecting it against cybersecurity threats.

The same is true for BIOS updates. If the update package is not properly signed by the motherboard manufacturer or another trusted entity, or if its signature is tampered with, Secure Boot will prevent its installation, flagging it as untrusted. This prevents malicious or corrupted firmware from being flashed onto your motherboard.

Though UEFI and BIOS are technically different, some users may use the terms interchangeably. 

What is the need for a BIOS update?

One question that often accompanies how to update your motherboard BIOS and why. Updating your BIOS comes with various benefits. It is important if you want your BIOS to always be compatible with your computer’s hardware. Other significant reasons include the security and stability of your systems. Let us dive deeper into these benefits.

1. Provides additional hardware support

Newer CPUs, RAM, storage drives, and other components are released regularly. Older BIOS versions may not recognize or work with these new devices, raising the need to update the BIOS to add compatibility for newer hardware.

2. Updates security against threats

Security vulnerabilities are often discovered in the BIOS, which can be exploited by malware or attackers for unauthorized system access. Manufacturers regularly release BIOS updates that include security updates as well to close these vulnerabilities.

3. Keeps systems stable and compatible

System instability, random crashes, or unexplained hardware malfunctions can often be traced back to BIOS-level bugs or incompatibility. Updates include bug fixes that resolve system crashes and address other stability issues.

When should you not update the BIOS?

You should not update the BIOS unless you have a clear and very specific reason, such as fixing a compatibility issue, supporting new hardware, or addressing a known security vulnerability. A failed BIOS update due to power loss, user error, or a corrupted file can brick your motherboard, leaving you with an unbootable system.

Preparation for BIOS update

Before moving on to the actual update process, here are some essential requirements that you must meet in order to have a successful BIOS update:

• Backup important data: Save all your important files and system information. BIOS updates typically do not affect user data, but a failed update can sometimes lead to data corruption or require a clean system reinstall. 

• Have a stable power source: Connect your computer to a UPS or ensure your laptop battery is fully charged and plugged in. Power interruption during the update can corrupt the BIOS.

• Ensure you have enough space on the hard disk: It is essential to have the required space on your system to accommodate temporary files or update utilities needed for the BIOS update process.

Additional read: SuperOps’s Unified Approach to Backup and Disaster Recovery for MSPs 

How to identify the BIOS version?

Identifying the correct BIOS version is very critical during the update process. If you mistakenly install the wrong version, you may face system instability or other hardware-related issues. Follow these steps to verify the right BIOS version for the update:

1. Through Windows System Information

Step 1: Press Windows + R. This will open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: In that dialog box, type msinfo32 and press Enter. A “System Information” window will appear.

Step 3: In the left menu of that window, select ”System Summary” if it is not already selected.

Step 4: In the right menu, move down to "BIOS Version/Date" to see the current version, date, and the manufacturer.

2. From the BIOS/UEFI menu

Step 1: Restart your system and enter the BIOS or UEFI menu. For this, you will need to press keys like F2, F10, DEL, or ESC. The exact one depends on your motherboard manufacturer or system. Confirm it from your system’s manual. 

Step 2: Once the menu appears on the screen, navigate using the arrow keys on the keyboard. However, in many modern UEFI setups, you can use your mouse too.

Step 3: Search for a label named "Main," "System Information," or a similar label.

Step 4: Under the above labels, you can find the current BIOS version of your computer.

Step 5: Once you have noted down the version, you can easily exit this BIOS menu 

What are the different types of BIOS updates?

You can update your BIOS in more than one way. Before moving on to what these different methods actually entail, let us first compare them. 

How to do a BIOS update?

Updating the BIOS involves a series of sequential steps. You must follow these steps when updating your BIOS:

Step 1. Identify the motherboard and BIOS version

The process begins with finding your motherboard model and current BIOS version.

Step 2. Understand the appropriate update process 

To properly understand the update process, you can visit the official support page of your specific motherboard and review its detailed steps.

Step 3. Find the latest BIOS update and download it

Next, how to install a BIOS update? That is an easy process. You can install the update from the manufacturer’s site. But before that, double-check that the update matches your motherboard model and BIOS version. 

Step 4. Start the update

Finally, the primary step comes where we will start the actual update. This can be done through various methods:

Method 1: Through the BIOS menu

• Copy the extracted BIOS file to the USB drive.

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup using the relevant key. 

• Find the “BIOS Update” or “EZ Flash” option in the BIOS menu.

• Select the BIOS file from your USB and confirm to start the update.

• Do not interrupt the process.

Method 2: Using the manufacturer’s software

• Some brands like ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, HP, etc., provide Windows Update or other support utilities.

• Run the tool and follow prompts to update the BIOS from within Windows. 

• The system may restart to complete the update. 

Method 3: Via Command Line or DOS

To update the BIOS using DOS or the Command Line, you will need a bootable USB. This process is usually suitable for advanced users or when a Windows utility is unavailable.  

• Download the exact BIOS update file and its DOS-compatible flash utility from the manufacturer's site.

• Use a utility like Rufus to format your USB flash drive into FAT32 file format to make it compatible with your BIOS. 

• Take the updated BIOS version and BIOS update utility that you downloaded from the manufacturer's website and copy them to the newly bootable USB device.

• Leave the USB plugged into the computer. Then restart the system.

• Enter the BIOS setup menu and set the USB as the primary boot device.

• Save changes and reboot. If successful, you will see a DOS command prompt.

• At the command prompt, type the name of the flashing utility followed by the name of the BIOS update file.

• Press Enter to start the update process.

Step 5. Post-update verifications

Once the update is complete, all is not yet done. The final step is to perform verification to ensure that the update was successful. For this verification, you will have to:

1. Reboot and check if the system starts properly.

2. Verify the BIOS version by entering BIOS setup or using msinfo32 in Windows.

3. Restore BIOS settings if you had custom configurations, as updates may reset settings to default.

4. Check overall system stability in Windows and monitor that hardware functions as expected.

What are the common issues associated with BIOS updates?

BIOS updates are not always smooth sailing. Sometimes, you may encounter issues that can severely hinder the whole process. These issues can be:

1. Incompatible BIOS version

Installing a BIOS version that is not intended for your specific motherboard model or hardware. In this case, the system may fail to boot, not recognize connected hardware, or exhibit unpredictable behavior.

2. Interrupted update

Any interruption during the update process, like a power loss or system crash, can leave you with a corrupted BIOS. The system may enter a boot loop or refuse to boot.

3. System instability after the update

Changes in the new BIOS can sometimes cause random freezes, crashes, or compatibility issues with peripheral devices. You may also face problems like non-working audio or networking, difficulties logging into your system, or certain applications failing to launch or work correctly.

What to do if the BIOS update fails?

When the BIOS update does not go as planned and you encounter the mentioned issues during the process, there are some steps you can take from your end. Given below are these troubleshooting steps:

Boot failure after the update

Reset your BIOS settings by removing the battery for some time or using the reset jumper on the motherboard.

Try BIOS recovery mode (if supported): Many systems have a built-in recovery feature that can roll back to a previous BIOS version. Check your motherboard or system manual to confirm if this feature is available.

System freezes during the update

If the system freezes, be patient first. If you see signs of activity, such as a blinking light on the USB, the update may still be in progress.

However, if there is no activity for over 30-60 minutes, force-shutdown only as a last resort, and immediately contact the manufacturer’s support team for guidance. Interrupting an update can brick your system.

Firmware mismatch or error message

Make sure you have downloaded the correct BIOS version for your exact motherboard or system model.

Only use update files from the official manufacturer’s website. Third-party sources can lead to compatibility issues or permanent damage.

Unusual behavior after update

Enter the BIOS setup utility and reset all settings to their default values. This often resolves instability caused by leftover custom configurations.

Update related drivers like chipset or storage controller drivers from the manufacturer’s website, as some BIOS updates require newer versions to function properly.

If you have tried everything and your system still does not cooperate, do not risk further damage. Reach out to your motherboard or system manufacturer’s support team. They can guide you through advanced recovery steps, especially if your motherboard has dual-BIOS or other built-in recovery mechanisms.

What are the advantages of a BIOS update?

From enhancing performance and strengthening security protocols to improving hardware compatibility, a BIOS update offers a wide range of benefits. These include:

• Increased hardware compatibility: Updating the BIOS enables your system to recognize and function with newly released hardware, allowing upgrades without needing an entirely new motherboard or system.

• Enhanced operational performance: Some BIOS updates include optimizations that improve system performance by refining hardware interaction, unlocking new features, or enabling advanced settings like improved memory timing or processor features.

• Robust security: Manufacturers frequently release updates with security patches to fix vulnerabilities and defend against evolving threats. A BIOS update ensures that your system remains protected against rising security threats. 

• Bug fixes and system stability: BIOS updates routinely resolve bugs and other issues that may otherwise cause crashes, boot failures, or device malfunctions.

Best practices for BIOS update

Now that you have a clear understanding of what a system BIOS update​ is and how to update Windows BIOS or on any other OS, let us talk about the best practices that you should follow when performing a BIOS update. 

1. Update only when required

You should always remain cautious while doing a BIOS update. Updating BIOS just to stay current is not advisable. Do not update the BIOS when there is no specific need. Review the updates carefully and make sure they are addressing an issue your system is facing or that an additional functionality is added. 

2. Use official update tools

Always use the update utilities and BIOS files provided by your motherboard or device manufacturer. Third-party tools or modified BIOS files can corrupt your firmware, expose your system to malware, or cause incompatibility. Additionally, check the model number twice before downloading a BIOS file.

3. Assess performance post-update

After updating the BIOS, make sure all system components function properly. For this, you can use advanced monitoring systems that consistently monitor your system's performance and are capable of alerting you when something goes wrong, as well as taking corrective actions.

4. Keep yourself informed

Integrate any news releases and announcements from BIOS manufacturers into your workflow so you are immediately informed about the latest changes associated with the BIOS and can take necessary actions accordingly. 

5. Use software tools to automate the update

You can also use integrated software tools that provide automatic updates for the BIOS. They can automatically detect, download, and install BIOS updates as part of their product offerings. This will help you avoid the hassle of manually updating your BIOS or hunting down the right version on the manufacturer's website, reducing the risk of errors.

The bottom line

Updating the BIOS ensures that required communication is always maintained between your hardware and OS, and all the hardware components are working fine. A well-timed BIOS update can bring compatibility fixes, security patches, and performance boosts. But like any essential step, it demands preparation. 

For that, you need to have a proper understanding of how to update BIOS in Windows or in any other OS, and the necessary preliminary steps. These include double-checking your motherboard model, ensuring a stable power source, backing up your data, and never interrupting the update process. 

With that being said, do not update your BIOS just because a new version dropped. If everything is working fine, there is no need to update it. But if you are facing glitches, installing new hardware, or patching a known bug, know that it is time for an update. 

Or better yet, switch to unified PSA and RMM platforms like SuperOps. While SuperOps does not update BIOS directly, it helps you stay in control with enhanced visibility, ready-to-use scripts, and compliance-friendly workflows that let you prioritize and manage updates across client systems with ease. Sign up for a free trial now. 

FAQs 

1. How do I check if my BIOS is up to date?

To check if your BIOS version is up to date, open the Run dialog box, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Under System Summary, you can find your current version. Compare this version to the latest one on your manufacturer's support site.

Another way is through specialized utilities offered by certain brands that automatically check and notify you if there is a latest BIOS version available.

2. How do I manually update my BIOS?

To manually update your BIOS, follow these steps carefully:

1. Identify your motherboard model and current BIOS version

2. Download the correct BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer.

3. The BIOS update file is usually compressed (e.g., ZIP). Extract it after downloading.

4. Format a USB drive to FAT32 file system. Copy the extracted BIOS update file to the root of the USB drive.

5. Back up your data and ensure stable power.

6. Restart your computer, and during startup, press the BIOS access key. 

7. Keep the USB flash drive plugged in.

8. Use the BIOS update utility to browse to the USB drive and select the BIOS update file.

9. Start the update process.

3. Is it safe to update the BIOS?

Yes, it is usually safe to update your BIOS, provided you follow the official instructions and use the BIOS file that matches your motherboard’s model. The problem arises when the power source that is used during update is not stable or there is an interruption, which can corrupt your BIOS. 

That is why it is advised to have a reliable power source when updating the BIOS and to avoid any interruptions, such as pop-up notifications from other applications. 

4. How can I update the BIOS?

There are various BIOS update methods that you can use. These methods include updating directly through the BIOS/UEFI menu, using a dedicated Windows-based utility provided by your motherboard manufacturer, or creating a bootable USB drive.

5. How do I update my BIOS successfully?

To update your BIOS successfully, make sure you have a stable power source and that the process is not interrupted. Additionally, always ensure you download the appropriate update file from the manufacturer, which is compatible with your motherboard model and BIOS version. Strictly avoid downloading the file from unofficial sources. 

6. Can I update my own BIOS?

Yes, you can easily update your own BIOS. You just need to follow specific instructions. It begins by locating your motherboard's model information. After that, you have to visit the manufacturer's website and find the support or downloads section for your specific motherboard. 

Download the latest BIOS update file onto a FAT32-formatted USB drive. Restart your system and enter BIOS, select the updated file on the USB drive, and start the update. 

7. How long does a BIOS update take?

A BIOS update usually takes around 5 minutes. But it is crucial that you do not interrupt the process and have a stable power source throughout the process. 

8. What does BIOS stand for?

The full form of BIOS is Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is the firmware on your motherboard that initializes the hardware as soon as the system is turned on and then loads the operating system. 

9. Does a BIOS update delete data? 

While updating the BIOS does not have any impact on the data stored on your hard drive, it is a good idea to back up your data before starting the update.

10. How do I check my BIOS version?

To check your BIOS version, press Win+R to open the Run dialog box. Type msinfo32 in the box and press Enter. From the “System Summary” section, find your BIOS version, date, and manufacturer. 

Another way is to enter your BIOS setup by pressing the relevant keys. You can confirm it from your system’s manual. Once you enter the BIOS, locate labels like Main/System Information. You will find the BIOS version under these labels.