A typical BIOS update takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish

The actual update process — the moment your computer rewrites the firmware — usually lasts between 2 and 5 minutes. But the full timeline includes steps before and after: backing up your current settings, downloading the new file, restarting your machine, and waiting for the system to boot back up. From the moment you decide to update until you can use your computer normally again, plan for 15 to 30 minutes on a desktop, sometimes longer on a laptop.

The exact time depends on your hardware. Older machines take longer. Laptops with slower storage take longer than desktops with fast SSDs. A computer that has to restart multiple times takes longer than one that restarts once. But the variation is usually measured in minutes, not hours, unless something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • The actual rewrite of BIOS firmware takes 2 to 5 minutes, but the full process including restarts and reboots takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Do not turn off your computer or unplug it during the update itself — interrupting the rewrite can make your machine unbootable.
  • Your computer will restart automatically during the update; this is normal and expected, not a sign something failed.
  • Laptops may take longer than desktops because they have slower storage, and battery power can affect how fast the update runs.
  • If the update stalls for more than 10 minutes without any screen change, your machine may have frozen, and a hard restart may be necessary.

What happens during each stage of a BIOS update

Before the update begins, your computer checks that the new BIOS file matches your hardware model and that your battery (on a laptop) or power supply is stable. This verification takes 1 to 2 minutes. If you are updating on a laptop, plug it in first — running on battery during a BIOS update increases the risk that power will cut out mid-process.

Once verification passes, the update utility writes the new firmware to your BIOS chip. This is the critical phase and usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. Your screen may go blank, show a progress bar, or display a percentage counter. Some utilities show nothing at all — just a black screen. This is normal. Do not touch the keyboard or mouse. Do not restart the machine. If the screen has not changed in 10 minutes, the update may have frozen, and you can try a hard restart (hold the power button for 10 seconds).

After the rewrite finishes, your computer restarts automatically. The first restart can take longer than normal because the BIOS is initializing hardware with the new firmware. You may see a black screen for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Some machines show a message like "Initializing BIOS" or "Restoring BIOS settings." Let it finish. The second restart, if there is one, is usually faster.

Why some updates take much longer than others

A BIOS update on a machine with a slow hard drive (HDD) can take twice as long as one on a machine with a fast solid-state drive (SSD). The difference is in how fast the computer can read and write the firmware file. A 10-year-old laptop with a 5400 RPM hard drive might take 20 to 30 minutes for a full cycle. A new desktop with an NVMe SSD might finish in 10 to 15 minutes.

Some manufacturers bundle multiple updates into one process. If your BIOS version is very old and the new version is several generations ahead, the update utility may explore intermediate versions first, then the final one. This can add 5 to 10 minutes to the total time. The screen may show "Update 1 of 3" or similar progress indicators.

Laptops also tend to run slower during BIOS updates because they are thermally constrained — the machine throttles its processor speed to avoid overheating during the rewrite. A desktop with better cooling can run the update at full speed.

What to do if the update seems stuck

If the screen has not changed in 10 minutes and there is no progress indicator, the update may have frozen. Check whether the keyboard or mouse is responsive by pressing a key or moving the mouse. If nothing happens, the machine is likely frozen.

A hard restart is usually safe at this point, though it carries a small risk. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the machine shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. The BIOS may have partially updated, and the machine may boot into a recovery mode or show an error message. Follow any on-screen instructions. If the machine will not boot at all, you may need to contact the manufacturer or a technician — a failed BIOS update can render a computer unbootable without professional help.

To reduce the risk of a stuck update, make sure your power supply is stable before you start. On a desktop, plug the machine into a surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply). On a laptop, plug in the AC adapter and let the battery charge to at least 50% before beginning.

Preparing your machine to minimize update time

Close all open programs and browser windows before you start. Background processes can slow down the update, especially on older machines with limited RAM. Disable any antivirus software temporarily — some antivirus programs interfere with firmware updates and can cause the process to stall or fail.

Make sure your computer is in a cool environment. If the room temperature is above 85°F (29°C), the machine may throttle its processor during the update to avoid overheating, which adds time. If you are updating a laptop, place it on a hard, flat surface so air can flow underneath — do not update on a bed or pillow.

read the BIOS file to your computer before you start the update utility. Do not read it during the update process. If your internet connection drops, the utility may fail or restart. Storing the file locally on your hard drive ensures the update utility can access it without relying on your network.

Different timelines for different manufacturers

Dell and HP BIOS updates typically take 10 to 20 minutes total. Lenovo updates often take 15 to 25 minutes because they frequently include multiple firmware components. ASUS and MSI updates on desktop motherboards can be faster — 5 to 15 minutes — because they are usually simpler. Apple firmware updates on Mac computers can take 30 to 45 minutes because they update multiple firmware components at once, not just the BIOS.

The manufacturer's documentation usually includes a time estimate. Check the release notes for the specific BIOS version you are installing — they often say "Update time: approximately 10 minutes" or similar. This estimate is usually accurate within a few minutes, though older or slower machines may take longer.

What to expect after the update finishes

Once your computer boots back up and you see the login screen or desktop, the update is complete. Your machine may take a few extra seconds to boot for the first time after an update — this is normal as the BIOS initializes with the new firmware. Subsequent boots should return to normal speed.

Some BIOS updates reset your settings to factory defaults. Check your BIOS settings after the update finishes, especially if you have customized boot order, fan speeds, or overclocking settings. You may need to reconfigure these manually. The BIOS setup utility is usually accessed by pressing Delete, F2, or F10 during the boot screen — check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my computer while a BIOS update is running?

No. Do not use the keyboard, mouse, or any other input during the update. The update utility needs full control of the hardware. Using the computer during the update can interrupt the rewrite and damage the BIOS, making the machine unbootable.

What if my computer restarts multiple times during the update?

Multiple restarts are normal for some BIOS updates, especially on laptops or when updating from a very old version. Each restart allows the BIOS to initialize with the new firmware. As long as the screen shows progress or a message like "Updating BIOS," the process is working correctly.

Is it safe to update BIOS on a laptop running on battery?

No. Always plug in your laptop and let it charge to at least 50% before starting a BIOS update. If the battery dies during the update, the rewrite will be interrupted and the BIOS may become corrupted, rendering the machine unbootable.

How do I know if the BIOS update actually worked?

After the update finishes and your computer boots normally, you can check the BIOS version in the BIOS setup utility or in your operating system. On Windows, open System Information and look for "BIOS Version." On Mac, go to About This Mac and check the Boot ROM Version. Compare the version number to the one you installed to confirm the update succeeded.

What should I do if my computer will not boot after a BIOS update?

Try a hard restart: hold the power button for 10 seconds, wait 30 seconds, then power on again. If the machine still will not boot, it may have entered a recovery mode or the update may have failed. Check the manufacturer's website for recovery instructions specific to your model, or contact their support line.