The quickest way to check your BIOS version

Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. The System Information window will open. Look for the line labeled BIOS Version/Date — that is your current BIOS version and the date it was released. This method works on any Windows 11 machine and takes about 10 seconds.

If you need to know whether an update is available, write down the version number you see here, then visit your computer manufacturer's support website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.) and search for your specific model number. The support page will list the latest BIOS version available for your machine. If the number on your screen is lower than the one listed there, an update exists.

Key Takeaways

  • The System Information tool (msinfo32) shows your BIOS version in one window — no restart or special software required.
  • Your BIOS version appears as a number and date, like "1.45 12/15/2023" — write it down before searching for updates.
  • Only your computer manufacturer's website tells you whether a newer BIOS version exists for your specific model.
  • Windows 11 does not update BIOS automatically; you must read and install updates from your manufacturer's support page.

Using the Settings app to find BIOS information

Windows 11 also stores BIOS details in the Settings app. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then go to System on the left sidebar and select About. Scroll down to the System section and look for BIOS version. This method shows the same information as msinfo32 but takes a few extra clicks.

The Settings method is useful if you are already in Settings for another reason, but System Information is faster if you are checking BIOS specifically. Both show the exact same version number, so use whichever feels more natural to you.

Command line methods for BIOS version

If you prefer typing commands, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. This will display your BIOS version in a single line. PowerShell users can also run Get-WmiObject Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SMBIOSBIOSVersion for the same result.

These command-line methods are faster if you are already working in a terminal window, but they require knowing the exact command. For most people, the System Information window is simpler because you do not need to remember syntax.

What the BIOS version number actually means

BIOS versions vary by manufacturer. Dell might show something like "2.15.0", while HP shows "F.67", and ASUS shows "3201". The format depends entirely on your computer maker — there is no universal standard. The important thing is not the format itself, but whether the number you see matches the latest version on your manufacturer's website.

The date next to the version number tells you when that BIOS was released. A BIOS from 2021 does not mean your computer is old — it means that particular BIOS version was released in 2021. Manufacturers do not release BIOS updates every month; many machines go years with the same BIOS version.

Finding your manufacturer's support page

Once you have your BIOS version, you need to know where to look for updates. Go to your computer manufacturer's main website and find the Support or Downloads section. Search for your exact model number — you can find this in System Information under System Model, or on a sticker on the bottom or back of your machine.

Enter your model number into the support search, and the site will show you the latest drivers and BIOS versions available. read the BIOS file to your computer, but do not install it yet unless you have a specific reason to update. BIOS updates can occasionally cause problems, so only update if you are experiencing hardware issues that the update addresses, or if your manufacturer recommends it for security reasons.

When you should actually update your BIOS

Most people do not need to update BIOS at all. If your computer is working normally, leave it alone. Update only if one of these situations applies: your manufacturer released a security patch you have read about in the news, you are experiencing a hardware problem that the update specifically fixes, or you are installing new hardware that requires a newer BIOS to recognize.

BIOS updates are more risky than regular software updates because a failed BIOS update can make your computer unbootable. Manufacturers know this, so they only release BIOS updates when there is a real reason. If you are not sure whether you need an update, your computer probably does not need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check BIOS version without restarting my computer?

Yes. System Information, Settings, and command-line tools all show your BIOS version while Windows is running. You do not need to restart or enter the BIOS setup screen. The version you see in Windows is always accurate.

What if System Information shows "Not Available" for BIOS version?

This is rare but can happen on some virtual machines or very old computers. Try the command-line method instead: open Command Prompt and run wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. If that also shows nothing, your system may not report BIOS information to Windows, and you may need to restart and enter the BIOS setup screen directly to see the version.

Is my BIOS version the same as my motherboard version?

No. Your motherboard is the physical circuit board; your BIOS is the firmware that runs on it. The BIOS version is what you see in System Information. The motherboard model is different and appears in System Information under Base Board Product. You need the BIOS version to check for updates.

Do I need to update BIOS if Windows 11 is running fine?

No. If your computer is stable and you have not read about a specific security issue affecting your model, there is no reason to update. BIOS updates are for fixing problems or closing security holes, not for performance. Unnecessary updates carry a small risk with no benefit.