ASRock BIOS updates do not automatically update Thunderbolt firmware — they are separate components that need separate updates
Your motherboard's BIOS and its Thunderbolt controller are two different pieces of hardware with two different firmware systems. When ASRock releases a BIOS update, it updates the system firmware that controls your CPU, RAM, and storage — not the Thunderbolt port itself. If you want the latest Thunderbolt firmware, you need to read and install it separately from ASRock's support page.
This matters because Thunderbolt firmware updates sometimes fix security issues, add support for newer devices, or improve stability with specific peripherals. If you update your BIOS but skip the Thunderbolt firmware update, you could miss those fixes even though your motherboard is otherwise current.
Key Takeaways
- ASRock BIOS updates and Thunderbolt firmware updates are separate downloads and must be installed separately.
- Not all ASRock motherboards have Thunderbolt ports, so check your specific model's support page to see if a Thunderbolt firmware file exists.
- Thunderbolt firmware updates are usually optional but sometimes address security or compatibility issues that matter for your specific devices.
- You can check your current Thunderbolt firmware version in Windows Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers, or in macOS System Report under USB.
How to find Thunderbolt firmware for your motherboard
Go to ASRock's support website and search for your exact motherboard model — for example, "B650E Steel Legend" or "Z790 Taichi." On the support page, look for a section labeled "BIOS" or "Downloads." Below the BIOS files, there is usually a separate section for other firmware or drivers.
Thunderbolt firmware files are often labeled as "Thunderbolt Firmware" or sometimes "Intel Thunderbolt Controller Firmware." Not every ASRock board has a Thunderbolt port, so if you do not see a Thunderbolt file on your model's page, your motherboard does not have one. read the file to a USB drive or a folder on your desktop, then follow the instructions in the readme file that comes with it — most require you to run an executable file from Windows, and some require a restart.
When Thunderbolt firmware updates actually matter
Most users can skip Thunderbolt firmware updates if their Thunderbolt devices work fine right now. The firmware rarely changes, and when it does, the update is usually for edge cases: a specific external drive that was not recognized, a particular Thunderbolt dock that dropped connection, or a security patch that affects a narrow set of users.
You should update Thunderbolt firmware if you are experiencing problems with a Thunderbolt device — a dock that disconnects, an external drive that is not detected, or a display that flickers. Check the release notes on ASRock's page to see what the update fixes. If the fix matches your problem, read and install it. If there are no release notes, or the notes do not mention your issue, the update probably will not help.
The difference between BIOS and Thunderbolt firmware on your motherboard
Your motherboard contains multiple chips, each with its own firmware. The main BIOS chip controls the boot process, CPU settings, RAM timing, and storage detection. The Thunderbolt controller is a separate chip that handles only the Thunderbolt ports. They do not talk to each other during updates, and updating one does not touch the other.
Think of it like a car: updating the engine computer does not update the infotainment system. They are separate systems made by different manufacturers (Intel makes the Thunderbolt controller, ASRock makes the motherboard), and they have separate update schedules. ASRock bundles them on the same support page for convenience, but they are installed independently.
How to check your current Thunderbolt firmware version
In Windows, open Device Manager and expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" section. Look for an entry that says "Thunderbolt" or "Intel Thunderbolt." Right-click it, select Properties, then go to the Driver tab. The driver version listed there is not the same as the firmware version, but it can tell you if your Thunderbolt controller is recognized.
For the actual firmware version, you may need to use Intel's Thunderbolt Control Center, which is a separate process available from Intel's website. read it, install it, and it will show you the exact firmware version on your controller. On a Mac, open System Report from the Apple menu, go to USB, and look for Thunderbolt entries — the firmware version appears there directly.
What happens if you update BIOS but not Thunderbolt firmware
Nothing breaks. Your Thunderbolt ports will continue to work exactly as they did before. The BIOS update does not interfere with Thunderbolt firmware, and Thunderbolt firmware does not depend on the BIOS version. You can update one, the other, both, or neither without causing conflicts.
The only downside is that you miss out on any fixes or improvements in the Thunderbolt firmware. If ASRock released a Thunderbolt update that improves compatibility with a specific dock or fixes a power delivery issue, you will not get that benefit until you install it separately. But if your Thunderbolt devices work fine now, there is no reason to update just for the sake of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update Thunderbolt firmware every time I update BIOS?
No. Check ASRock's release notes for the BIOS update to see if it mentions Thunderbolt changes. If it does not, the Thunderbolt firmware probably has not changed either. You can update BIOS and Thunderbolt firmware on different schedules — they are independent.
Will updating Thunderbolt firmware break my Thunderbolt devices?
Very rarely. Thunderbolt firmware updates are tested before release, and rolling back is usually possible if something goes wrong. If you are nervous, back up important data before updating, but the risk is low. Most users update without any problems.
Can I update Thunderbolt firmware from a Mac if my motherboard is in a Windows PC?
No. Thunderbolt firmware updates are specific to the operating system. If your motherboard is in a Windows machine, read the Windows version from ASRock's page and run it in Windows. Mac firmware updates are separate and only work on Macs.
What if ASRock's support page does not list a Thunderbolt firmware file?
Your motherboard does not have a Thunderbolt controller. Not all ASRock boards include Thunderbolt ports — it is a premium feature found mainly on higher-end models. Check your motherboard's manual or product page to confirm whether it has Thunderbolt ports.
Is Thunderbolt firmware the same as the Thunderbolt driver?
No. Firmware is the low-level code that runs on the Thunderbolt controller chip itself. The driver is the software that Windows or macOS uses to communicate with the controller. You may need to update both, but they are installed separately and serve different purposes.