Keeping your BIOS or UEFI firmware up to date can enhance system performance, improve stability, and ensure compatibility with newer hardware. Many systems offer a built-in utility that makes updating firmware simple — no operating system required.
Step 1: Check Your Current BIOS Version
To determine whether an update is needed:
Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
In the System Information window, locate the BIOS Version/Date entry.
Step 2: Identify Your Motherboard or Laptop Model
Using System Information:
For desktops: Check BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product.
For laptops: Check System Manufacturer and System Model.
Using CPU-Z:
Download and install CPU-Z.
Open the app and navigate to the Mainboard tab for detailed motherboard info.
Step 3: Download the Correct BIOS Update
Visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s official website.
Navigate to the Support or Downloads section.
Locate the BIOS & Firmware category.
Download the latest BIOS version for your model.
Tip: Some updates require renaming the BIOS file — check for a “BIOS Renamer” utility or refer to the product manual for guidance.
Step 4: Prepare a USB Drive
Insert a USB drive and format it to FAT32.
Copy the downloaded BIOS file to the root directory of the USB drive.
Step 5: Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup
Restart your computer and press the designated key (e.g., F2, F10, Del, or Esc) to enter BIOS/UEFI.
Switch to Advanced Mode if needed (F7 or via menu).
Navigate to the Tool tab or equivalent.
Launch the firmware update utility (e.g., EZ Flash, Q-Flash, etc.).
Select the USB drive and locate the BIOS file.
Step 6: Start the Update
Confirm the update when prompted.
The utility will flash the BIOS — do not power off during this process.
Once complete, your system will reboot automatically.
After rebooting, revisit BIOS/UEFI to reapply any custom settings like boot order or overclocking profiles.
Updating your BIOS using the built-in utility is a safe and efficient way to keep your system optimized. For model-specific instructions, always consult your manufacturer’s documentation to avoid missteps and ensure a successful update.