How to Install a BIOS Update on Your Computer

The basic steps for a BIOS update

A BIOS update usually takes three steps: read the update file from your motherboard maker's website, put that file on a USB drive, then restart your computer and run the update from the BIOS menu itself. The exact names and order change slightly between manufacturers like ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI, but the principle is the same on every desktop computer.

Do not interrupt a BIOS update once it starts — a power loss or restart during the process can leave your motherboard unable to boot. Plug in your power adapter if you are on a laptop, and consider plugging in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) if you have one. The update itself usually takes between two and ten minutes.

Before you start, write down your current BIOS version. Restart your computer, press Delete, F2, or F12 during startup (the key varies by manufacturer), and look for a line that says "BIOS Version" or "System Information". This tells you whether the update actually worked when you are done.

Key Takeaways

read the BIOS file directly from your motherboard manufacturer's support page, not from a third-party site, and verify the file matches your exact motherboard model.
Put the BIOS file on a clean USB drive formatted as FAT32, and keep the filename exactly as the manufacturer provides it.
Restart your computer, enter the BIOS setup menu during startup, and look for an option called "Update BIOS", "Flash BIOS", or "M-Flash" depending on your manufacturer.
Do not turn off your computer or unplug the power during the update — wait for the completion message and the automatic restart.
Restart again and check that the BIOS version number changed to confirm the update worked.

Finding and downloading the correct BIOS file

Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website and find the support or downloads section. You will need your exact motherboard model number — this is printed on the board itself or shown in the BIOS menu under "System Information". Search for that model, then look for a BIOS or firmware read. Manufacturers usually list the version number and the date it was released, so you can see whether it is newer than what you have now.

read the file to your regular computer folder, not directly to a USB drive. The file will be a .bin, .rom, or .exe file depending on your manufacturer. Do not rename it or change the file extension — the BIOS update tool looks for the exact filename. If the read came as a .zip or .rar file, extract it first and use the actual BIOS file inside.

Some manufacturers like ASUS offer a tool called "BIOS Flashback" or "Q-Flash" that you can run from Windows instead of restarting into the BIOS menu. Check your motherboard manual or the read page to see which method your board supports — if both are available, the Windows method is usually faster and carries less risk of interruption.

Preparing the USB drive

Use a USB drive you do not mind erasing — the update process does not require much space, but you need the drive to be formatted correctly. Plug it into your computer, open File Explorer or Finder, right-click the drive, and choose "Format". Set the file system to FAT32, not NTFS or exFAT. This matters because older BIOS menus cannot read newer file systems.

Copy the BIOS file you downloaded onto the USB drive. The file should be in the root folder (the main level), not inside a subfolder. Eject the USB drive safely — do not just pull it out — and leave it plugged in. You will use this drive during the restart.

Entering the BIOS menu and starting the update

Shut down your computer completely. Plug in the USB drive with the BIOS file. Turn the computer back on and when ready start pressing the BIOS entry key — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12 depending on your motherboard. You should see a message on the startup screen telling you which key to press. If you miss it, restart and try again.

Once you are in the BIOS menu, look for an option called "Update BIOS", "Flash BIOS", "M-Flash" (MSI boards), "Q-Flash" (ASUS boards), or "EZ Flash" (Gigabyte boards). The location varies — it might be under "Tools", "Utilities", "Advanced", or at the top level of the menu. Select that option and the tool will ask you to choose a file. Navigate to your USB drive and select the BIOS file you copied there.

The tool will show you the current version and the new version before you confirm. Check that the new version is actually newer. Once you select "Update" or "Flash", do not touch the computer. The screen may go black, show a progress bar, or display percentage updates. This is normal. Wait for a message saying the update is complete.

What happens after the update finishes

After the BIOS update completes, your computer will restart automatically. You may see the BIOS menu again briefly, or the screen may go black for a few seconds — this is normal. Let the computer finish restarting on its own. Do not press any keys or turn off the power.

Once Windows or your operating system loads, restart the computer one more time and enter the BIOS menu again to confirm the version number changed. If it did, the update worked. If the version number is the same as before, the update did not take — try downloading the file again and repeating the process.

Some users report that their computer runs slightly differently after a BIOS update — fans may spin differently, boot time may change, or performance may shift. This is usually because the BIOS reset to default settings. If you want to restore your previous settings, you can enter the BIOS menu and adjust them again, or look for a "Load Optimized Defaults" option and then customize from there.

Troubleshooting a failed or stuck update

If the update appears to freeze or the screen goes black for longer than a few minutes, do not turn off the computer when ready. BIOS updates can take up to ten minutes on older boards. Wait at least fifteen minutes before deciding something went wrong.

If the computer does not restart after waiting, or if it restarts but will not load Windows, try a hard restart: hold the power button for ten seconds until the computer shuts down completely, wait thirty seconds, then turn it back on. Some boards have a recovery mode that activates if an update fails — check your motherboard manual for the specific key combination (often a combination of keys held during startup).

If you cannot recover the board and it will not start at all, you may need to contact the manufacturer's support team or visit a local computer repair shop. This is rare with modern boards, but it is why backing up your BIOS settings beforehand and using a UPS is worth the effort.

When to update and when to wait

You do not need to update your BIOS every time a new version comes out. Update only if the manufacturer lists a fix for something that affects you — better CPU support, a security patch, or a fix for a specific problem you are experiencing. If your computer is working fine, an older BIOS is usually safer than chasing the latest version.

Check your motherboard manufacturer's release notes before downloading. They list what each update fixes. If the notes mention something like "improved stability" or "minor bug fixes" with no detail, you can probably skip it. If they mention a security issue, CPU compatibility, or a fix for a problem you have seen, that is a good reason to update.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not know my motherboard model?

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS menu by pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup. Look for "System Information" or "Main" tab — your motherboard model will be listed there. Write it down, exit the BIOS, and use that model number to search the manufacturer's website.

Can I update BIOS from Windows without restarting?

Some manufacturers like ASUS and MSI offer Windows-based tools like "BIOS Flashback" or "M-Flash Utility" that let you update without restarting. Check your motherboard manual or the manufacturer's read page to see if your board supports this. It is faster and carries less risk, but not all boards offer it.

What happens if the power goes out during a BIOS update?

A power loss during a BIOS update can corrupt your motherboard's firmware, leaving it unable to boot. This is rare but serious. To prevent it, plug in a UPS before you start, or update during a time when power is stable. If it does happen, contact the manufacturer — some boards have recovery modes, but you may need professional help.

Do I need to clear CMOS after updating BIOS?

No. Clearing CMOS (removing the battery from the motherboard) is not necessary after a BIOS update. Your settings will usually remain, though some updates reset them to defaults. If your computer behaves differently after an update, you can adjust settings in the BIOS menu or look for a "Load Optimized Defaults" option.

How do I know if the update actually worked?

Restart your computer, enter the BIOS menu, and look at the version number under "System Information" or "Main". If it matches the version you downloaded, the update worked. If it is the same as before, the update did not take — try downloading the file again and repeating the process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.