Finding your BIOS version on Windows

The fastest way to check your BIOS version on Windows is through the System Information tool. Press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32, and press Enter. A window opens showing your computer's details. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows both the version number and when it was released.

If System Information does not open, you can reach the same information through Settings. Go to Settings > System > About, scroll down, and click "Advanced system settings." In the window that appears, click the "General" tab. The BIOS version appears near the bottom, though it may be labeled differently depending on your Windows version.

A third option is to check at startup. Restart your computer and watch the first screen that appears before Windows loads — this is often called the splash screen. Many computers display the BIOS version here for a few seconds. You may need to press a key like Delete, F2, or F12 to enter the BIOS setup menu itself, where the version is always visible at the top of the screen.

Finding your BIOS version on Mac

On a Mac, BIOS information is called firmware, and Apple calls it the System Firmware or EFI version. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac." A window opens showing your Mac's basic information. Look for "System Firmware" — the version number appears next to it.

If you have an older Intel-based Mac, the line may say "Boot ROM Version" instead of System Firmware. Either way, the version number is displayed in the same location. This information is always visible in About This Mac, so you do not need to restart or enter any special menus.

Finding your BIOS version on Linux

Linux systems store BIOS information in a few places depending on your distribution. The most reliable method is to use the dmidecode command, which reads the BIOS data directly from your hardware. Open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -t bios, then press Enter. You will be asked for your password. The output shows your BIOS version, manufacturer, and release date.

If dmidecode is not installed, you can check the /sys/class/dmi/id/ directory instead. Open a terminal and type cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version. This displays just the version number without the extra details. Some systems also show BIOS information during startup — watch the first screen after you power on and before the Linux logo appears.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open System Information by pressing Windows key + R and typing msinfo32 to find your BIOS version in one step.
  • On Mac, click the Apple menu and select About This Mac to find your System Firmware version.
  • On Linux, use the command sudo dmidecode -t bios in a terminal to read your BIOS information directly from hardware.
  • You can also see your BIOS version on the splash screen that appears when you first turn on your computer, before the operating system loads.
  • Knowing your current BIOS version helps you determine whether an update is available for your motherboard.

What the version number tells you

BIOS version numbers vary by manufacturer, but they follow a pattern. Most use a format like "F12" or "1.2.3" — the letters or numbers indicate the release order. A higher number means a newer version. Some manufacturers add dates, like "2024.01.15," which tells you the year, month, and day the BIOS was released.

The version number alone does not tell you whether you need to update. You need to check your motherboard manufacturer's website to see what the latest version is for your specific model. Write down your exact motherboard model (also found in System Information on Windows or About This Mac on Apple) before you search, because BIOS versions are specific to each board.

Where to find your motherboard model

On Windows, the motherboard model appears in System Information under "System Model" or "BaseBoard Product." On Mac, click About This Mac and look for "Model Identifier" — this is Apple's name for the motherboard. On Linux, use sudo dmidecode -t baseboard to see the motherboard details.

Once you have both your motherboard model and your current BIOS version, visit the manufacturer's support page — common manufacturers are ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, and Intel. Search for your exact model number and look for the BIOS read section. The page shows the latest version available and what changes or fixes each version includes. If your current version matches the latest, no update is needed. If a newer version exists, the page explains how to install it.

Why checking your BIOS version matters

BIOS updates fix bugs, improve hardware compatibility, and sometimes add support for new processors. If you are experiencing crashes, freezing, or problems with a newly installed component, an outdated BIOS is often the cause. Checking your version is the first step in troubleshooting these issues.

Updates also improve security. BIOS vulnerabilities can allow attackers to access your system at a level below the operating system, so manufacturers release patches regularly. Checking your version tells you whether you are running an older, less find BIOS. However, BIOS updates carry a small risk — if the update fails or is interrupted, your computer may not start. Most people only update when they have a specific reason, like installing a new processor or fixing a known problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my BIOS version without restarting?

Yes. On Windows, System Information shows your BIOS version without a restart. On Mac, About This Mac displays it when ready. On Linux, the dmidecode command works while the system is running. You only need to restart if you want to see the version on the splash screen at startup.

What if System Information shows "Unknown" for BIOS version?

This usually means your system is running in UEFI mode instead of legacy BIOS mode, or the BIOS manufacturer information is not stored in a standard location. Restart your computer and watch the first screen — the BIOS version almost always appears there. You can also enter the BIOS setup menu by pressing Delete or F2 during startup to see the version directly.

Is my BIOS version the same as my motherboard version?

No. Your motherboard is the physical board; your BIOS is the firmware that runs on it. One motherboard model can have many different BIOS versions. You need both the motherboard model and the BIOS version to find updates, because updates are specific to each board.

Do I need to update my BIOS if it is old?

Not necessarily. If your computer is working well and you are not installing new hardware, an older BIOS usually works fine. Update only if you are adding a new processor, experiencing crashes, or the manufacturer lists a security fix you need. Unnecessary updates carry a small risk of failure.