Updating your BIOS sounds intimidating — and it’s true that this isn’t a task to rush through carelessly — but for most modern PCs, it’s a controlled, well-documented process that takes about 15 to 20 minutes when done correctly. The key is using the right method for your specific device and following a few non-negotiable safety steps along the way.
Quick answer: To update your BIOS, first check your current version using System Information, then download the matching update directly from your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s official support page using your exact model number. Most modern PCs support one of three update methods: through Windows Update, through a manufacturer’s Windows-based utility, or by flashing the update directly from the BIOS/UEFI screen using a USB drive. Never turn off or restart your PC while a BIOS update is in progress.
This guide walks through how to check your current version, the safety steps to take before starting, all three update methods, and what to do if something goes wrong.
What Is BIOS, and Why Would You Need to Update It?
BIOS (or UEFI on most modern PCs) is the low-level firmware that runs before Windows even starts, controlling how your hardware initializes and communicates. Manufacturers release BIOS updates to fix compatibility issues, patch security vulnerabilities, improve stability, or add support for newer hardware, such as a CPU that wasn’t available when your motherboard first launched.
Important: unlike a regular software update, a BIOS update isn’t something to install just because a new version exists. If your PC is running normally, only update when the manufacturer’s release notes mention a fix or feature that’s actually relevant to you — such as a known instability issue, a required update for a new CPU, or a security patch.
Before You Start: Safety Checklist
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Identify your exact model number | Installing the wrong BIOS file for your model can prevent your PC from starting |
| Check your current BIOS version | Confirms whether an update is actually needed and which version to install |
| Read the manufacturer’s release notes | Tells you what the update actually fixes and whether it applies to your situation |
| Connect to reliable AC power | A power interruption during the update can cause serious, sometimes unrecoverable damage |
| Save your BitLocker recovery key | Some BIOS updates can trigger a BitLocker recovery prompt on the next startup |
| Close all open applications | Prevents unsaved work from being lost during the required restart |
| Never interrupt the update | Turning off or restarting the PC mid-update is the single most common cause of a failed update |
How to Check Your Current BIOS Version
Using System Information
- Press Windows key + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter - On the System Summary page, find BIOS Version/Date
- Also note your System Manufacturer and System Model, or BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product if you built or upgraded a desktop PC yourself
Using PowerShell
Open PowerShell and run:
Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDateThis returns the same core information in a single line, which is useful if you’re comfortable with the command line or need to check multiple PCs quickly.
Keep in mind that BIOS version numbers follow different formats depending on the manufacturer — some use simple numbers, others use formats like “F.23” or “A12.” Compare the exact version string against the manufacturer’s support page rather than assuming a larger-looking number is automatically newer.
Method 1: Update BIOS Through Windows Update
Some manufacturers distribute BIOS and firmware updates directly through Windows Update, which is the simplest method when it’s available.
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Select Advanced options, then Optional updates
- Look under the driver or firmware section for anything related to your device’s BIOS or system firmware
- Install the update only if the manufacturer and device details clearly match your PC
- Restart when prompted to complete the installation
Not every manufacturer offers updates this way, so if nothing appears here, that doesn’t necessarily mean your BIOS is already current — check your manufacturer’s own tools next.
Method 2: Use the Manufacturer’s Windows-Based Utility
Most major manufacturers offer a companion app that checks for, downloads, and installs BIOS updates directly from Windows, without needing a USB drive or the BIOS screen at all.
- Download and install your manufacturer’s official update utility (examples include Dell Update, MyASUS, Lenovo System Update/Vantage, HP Support Assistant, and MSI Center)
- Open the utility and navigate to the BIOS or firmware update section
- Confirm the update version matches your exact model before proceeding
- Start the update and let your PC restart automatically to complete it
This is generally the most convenient method, though the BIOS/UEFI flashing method below is considered slightly more reliable for critical updates, since it runs before Windows loads and avoids any interference from background software.
Method 3: Update BIOS Directly Through the BIOS/UEFI Screen (USB Method)
This method works on virtually every PC and motherboard, and is often recommended when a Windows-based utility isn’t available or when Windows itself won’t start.
- On the manufacturer’s official support site, search using your exact model number and download the latest BIOS file for your specific device
- Format a USB flash drive to FAT32 and copy the extracted BIOS file onto it
- Restart your PC and press the manufacturer’s setup key repeatedly during startup — commonly F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc, depending on the brand
- Once inside the BIOS/UEFI screen, locate the built-in flashing tool. This is typically labeled something like EZ Flash, Q-Flash, or M-Flash, depending on the manufacturer
- Select the USB drive, choose the BIOS file, and confirm the update
- Let the process run completely uninterrupted — the screen may flicker or go black briefly, which is normal during flashing
After the Update: What to Check
- Restart your PC normally and confirm it boots without errors
- Recheck your BIOS version using System Information to confirm the update installed successfully
- If you had customized any BIOS settings before the update (such as boot order or fan curves), check whether they reset to default, since a BIOS update commonly resets these settings and they’ll need to be reapplied
- Monitor your PC for a day or two to confirm normal stability, especially if the update specifically addressed a stability issue
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
The PC Won’t Start After a BIOS Update
Most modern motherboards include a backup BIOS chip or automatic recovery feature specifically for this scenario. Check your manufacturer’s support site for a “BIOS recovery” or “dual BIOS” procedure specific to your model — this is a documented recovery path, not something you’ll need to figure out from scratch.
BitLocker Asks for a Recovery Key After Updating
This is a known, expected behavior on some systems, since certain BIOS updates change values that BitLocker uses to verify your system hasn’t been tampered with. This is why saving your BitLocker recovery key before starting is part of the safety checklist above — enter the key when prompted, and your PC will continue starting normally.
The Update Utility Can’t Find an Update
Confirm you’ve entered your exact model number, not a similar or shortened version, since manufacturer sites are often strict about matching the precise model. If you’re using a desktop PC you built yourself, search by your motherboard’s exact model rather than a general PC brand.
Custom BIOS Settings Reset After the Update
This is expected in most cases, since flashing new firmware typically restores default settings. Note down any custom settings — boot order, XMP/memory profiles, fan curves — before updating, so they’re quick to reapply afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to update my BIOS? Yes, when done correctly using the manufacturer’s official update file for your exact model, with stable power and no interruptions during the process. The main risks come from using the wrong file, losing power mid-update, or updating without a real reason to do so.
How do I know if I actually need a BIOS update? Check your current version using System Information, then compare it against your manufacturer’s release notes. Only update if the notes mention a fix, security patch, or hardware support that’s actually relevant to your situation — a BIOS update isn’t something to install purely because a newer version is available.
What happens if my PC loses power during a BIOS update? This is the most common cause of a failed or “bricked” BIOS update, since the firmware can be left incomplete. This is why using a laptop with a charged battery plugged into AC power, or a desktop connected to a reliable outlet or UPS, is essential before starting.
Can I update my BIOS without a USB drive? Yes, if your manufacturer offers a Windows-based update utility (such as Dell Update, MyASUS, or HP Support Assistant), you can update directly from Windows without needing a USB drive at all. A USB drive is mainly needed for the direct BIOS/UEFI flashing method.
Why did my BIOS settings reset after updating? This is expected behavior in most cases, since installing new firmware typically restores default settings. Noting down any custom settings before updating makes it quick to reapply them afterward.
What do I do if my PC won’t start after a BIOS update? Check your manufacturer’s support site for a BIOS recovery or “dual BIOS” procedure specific to your model, since most modern motherboards include a built-in recovery method for exactly this situation.
How long does a BIOS update take? Most BIOS updates take between 5 and 20 minutes from start to finish, including the required restart, though the exact time varies depending on the update method and your specific hardware.
BIOS updates are one part of keeping your PC’s underlying hardware running well — the rest usually comes down to drivers and peripherals. If Bluetooth or another device stopped working after a system-level change, our guide on reinstalling your Bluetooth driver in Windows covers a similar troubleshooting process. And if you’re setting up new hardware in general, see our guide on connecting a scanner to Windows for another common device setup task.