Check your current BIOS version first

Before you look for updates, you need to know what version of BIOS your computer is running right now. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows or Mac.

On Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32 into the box that appears, and press Enter. A window will open showing system information. Look for the line that says "BIOS Version/Date" — that tells you what version you have and when it was released. Write this down or take a screenshot.

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". In the window that opens, look for "Boot ROM Version" under the Hardware section. That is your firmware version (Mac calls BIOS firmware).

Find your computer's manufacturer and model number

You need to know exactly which computer you own, because BIOS updates are specific to each model. A Dell XPS 13 and a Dell XPS 15 need different updates, even though they are both Dell laptops.

On Windows, you can find this in the same msinfo32 window you just opened — look for "System Manufacturer" and "System Model". On Mac, the "About This Mac" window shows "Model Identifier" and "Model Name".

If you built your own desktop computer, you need the motherboard manufacturer and model instead. Restart your computer and watch the first screen that appears — it usually shows the motherboard name and model number for a few seconds before Windows or Linux loads. If you miss it, you can also open your computer case and look at the motherboard itself, where the model is printed on the circuit board.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your current BIOS version by opening msinfo32 on Windows or System Report on Mac, then write down the version number and date.
  • Locate your exact computer model using the same system information window — BIOS updates are model-specific and will not work on the wrong computer.
  • Go to your computer manufacturer's support website and search for your model number to find the BIOS read page.
  • Compare the version number on the manufacturer's website to the version you wrote down — if the website version is newer, an update is available.
  • read the update file to a USB drive or your desktop, but do not install it until you have read the release notes and understand what it fixes.

Visit the manufacturer's support website

Each computer maker — Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and others — hosts BIOS updates on their own support pages. You cannot get BIOS updates from a general read site or from Windows Update.

Go to the manufacturer's main website and look for a "Support" or "Downloads" link. Enter your exact model number in the search box. You should see a page with drivers and firmware listed. Look for a section labeled "BIOS", "System Firmware", or "BIOS Update".

If you cannot find it, try searching the support site for your model number plus the word "BIOS". If the manufacturer's site is confusing, you can also search Google for "[your manufacturer] [your model] BIOS read" — the official support page usually appears in the first few results.

Compare version numbers to see if an update exists

Once you find the BIOS read page for your model, look at the version number listed there. Compare it to the version number you wrote down from msinfo32 or System Report.

Version numbers look different depending on the manufacturer — Dell might show "2.15.0", while HP shows "F.15", and ASUS shows "3201". The exact format does not matter. What matters is whether the number on the website is higher than the number on your computer. If the website version is higher, an update is available.

The read page also shows a release date. Read the release notes or changelog — a short text file that explains what the update fixes. This tells you whether the update addresses a security issue, fixes a hardware problem you are experiencing, or just makes minor improvements. If the update fixes something that does not affect you, you can choose to skip it.

read the update file safely

Click the read button and save the file to your desktop or a USB drive. Do not open or run the file yet — just save it. BIOS updates are usually compressed files (ending in .zip or .exe on Windows, or .dmg on Mac) that contain the actual update plus installation instructions.

After the read finishes, check the file size against what the website says it should be. If your file is much smaller or larger, the read may have been corrupted — delete it and read again.

Before you proceed to installation, read the release notes completely. They often contain warnings about what you should do before updating — for example, some manufacturers recommend plugging in your laptop power adapter, disabling antivirus software, or backing up your settings. Following these steps reduces the risk of something going wrong during the update.

Understand what happens after you find an update

Finding that an update is available does not mean you have to install it when ready. BIOS updates carry a small risk — if something interrupts the update while it is running, your computer may not start up again. This is rare, but it happens.

If the update fixes a security issue that affects you, or fixes a hardware problem you are experiencing, the benefit usually outweighs the risk. If the update just adds minor features or fixes problems you do not have, you can safely wait or skip it entirely.

Once you decide to install, set aside time when you will not need your computer for at least an hour. Close all programs, plug in your power adapter if you are on a laptop, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions exactly. Do not turn off your computer, restart it, or unplug it while the update is running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check for BIOS updates on a Mac the same way as Windows?

The steps are different because Mac calls it firmware instead of BIOS, and Apple handles updates differently. On newer Macs, firmware updates often come through the regular Software Update tool in System Settings. On older Macs, you may need to check Apple's support website for your specific model, similar to Windows. Check your Mac's "About This Mac" window first to see if a firmware update is available through Software Update.

What if my computer manufacturer's website is hard to navigate?

Search Google for your exact model number plus "BIOS read" — the official support page usually appears near the top. You can also try the manufacturer's live chat or phone support to ask for a direct link. Some manufacturers like Dell and HP have dedicated support pages that are easier to search than others.

Is it safe to skip a BIOS update?

Yes, if the update does not fix a problem you are experiencing or a security issue that affects you. BIOS updates are not like Windows or Mac system updates — you do not need the latest version to keep your computer running safely. However, if the release notes mention a security fix, it is usually worth installing.

What should I do if I cannot find a BIOS update for my computer?

Your computer may already be running the latest version, or the manufacturer may have stopped releasing updates for your model. Check the read page one more time to confirm the version number matches what you wrote down. If it does, no update is available. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer's support team with your model number and current BIOS version.

Can I update BIOS from a USB drive instead of downloading it directly?

Yes — in fact, many manufacturers recommend it. read the update file to a USB drive on a different computer, then plug the USB drive into the computer you want to update. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to run the update from the USB drive. This is especially useful if your computer is having startup problems or if you want to be extra cautious.