Check your BIOS version right now

The fastest way to see your BIOS version is to restart your computer and watch the first screen that appears — usually within one or two seconds of power-on. This screen, called the POST screen (Power-On Self-Test), displays your BIOS version in small text, often in a corner. Write down the version number exactly as it appears, including any letters or dashes. If you miss it, restart again and watch more carefully — you have only a few seconds before the operating system loads.

If you cannot read the POST screen clearly or it disappears too fast, you can check your BIOS version from inside Windows or macOS without restarting. On Windows, open the Start menu, type System Information, and press Enter. Look for a line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows your current version. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click System Report, and look for "Boot ROM Version" under the Hardware section.

Write down your BIOS version exactly as shown. You will need this number to compare against what the manufacturer offers.

Key Takeaways

  • Your BIOS version appears on the POST screen during startup, in the first one or two seconds before your operating system loads.
  • You can also find your BIOS version in Windows System Information or on a Mac in the System Report without restarting.
  • Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer's support website and search for your exact model number to find available BIOS versions.
  • Compare the version number you found with the latest version listed on the manufacturer's website — if yours is older, an update is available.
  • Do not update your BIOS unless the manufacturer lists a specific reason to do so, such as fixing a security problem or supporting new hardware.

Find your computer or motherboard model number

To check what BIOS versions are available, you need to know exactly which computer or motherboard you own. If you built your own computer, you know your motherboard model — it is printed on the board itself. If you bought a pre-built computer from Dell, HP, Lenovo, or another manufacturer, you need the model number of that computer, not the motherboard inside it.

On Windows, open System Information again and look for "System Model" — this is the number you need for a pre-built computer. On a Mac, the model is listed as "Model Identifier" in the System Report. Write this number down exactly. If you cannot find it, look at your original receipt or the sticker on the back or bottom of your computer.

For a custom-built computer, restart and watch the POST screen again — your motherboard manufacturer and model usually appear there. Common motherboard makers are ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock. If you still cannot find it, open your computer case and look at the motherboard itself — the model is printed on it.

Visit the manufacturer's support website

Go to the support or downloads page of your computer or motherboard manufacturer. Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock all have dedicated support sections. Search for your exact model number in their search box. You should see a page with drivers and firmware downloads for that model.

Look for a section labeled "BIOS", "Firmware", "System Firmware", or "BIOS Update". Click on it to see a list of available BIOS versions, usually listed from newest to oldest. Each version shows a release date and often a description of what changed — for example, "Security update" or "Support for new processors". The version at the top of the list is the latest available.

If you cannot find a BIOS section on the support page, try searching the manufacturer's website for your model number plus the word "BIOS". If nothing appears, your computer may not have user-accessible BIOS updates, or the manufacturer may not offer them publicly.

Compare your version to the latest version

Look at the version number you wrote down from your computer and compare it to the latest version on the manufacturer's website. BIOS versions are usually numbered like "F12", "1.2.3", or "2024.01.15" — the exact format depends on the manufacturer. If your version number matches the latest one listed, your BIOS is current.

If your version is older than the latest, an update is available. Before you update, read the description of what changed in the newer version. Look for reasons that matter to you — for example, a security fix, support for a new processor you just bought, or a fix for a specific problem you are experiencing. If the update description does not mention anything relevant to you, there is no urgent reason to update.

BIOS updates carry a small risk: if the update fails or your computer loses power during the update, your computer may not start. For this reason, only update your BIOS if the manufacturer lists a specific reason that affects you.

Understand BIOS version numbering

Different manufacturers use different numbering systems, so do not assume one version is newer just because the number looks bigger. ASUS often uses letters: F10, F11, F12 means F12 is newest. MSI often uses numbers: 7.16, 7.17, 7.18 means 7.18 is newest. Some manufacturers use dates: 2023.12.15, 2024.01.10 means 2024.01.10 is newest.

The manufacturer's website always lists versions from newest to oldest, so the first one in the list is always the latest. You do not need to understand the numbering system — just compare the position in the list. If your version appears lower in the list than you expected, it is older than the latest.

Check for BIOS updates periodically

You do not need to check your BIOS version often. Most computers go years without needing a BIOS update. Check your BIOS version once a year, or whenever you buy new hardware like a processor or RAM that might need BIOS support. If you are not experiencing problems and the manufacturer has not announced a security issue affecting your model, there is no reason to update.

Some manufacturers offer a notification system that alerts you when a new BIOS is available. Check your computer manufacturer's support website to see if they offer this service. If they do, you can sign up to receive notifications instead of checking manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find my BIOS version on the POST screen?

Use System Information on Windows or System Report on a Mac instead — both show your BIOS version without restarting. If you still cannot find it, contact your computer manufacturer's support team with your model number, and they can tell you what BIOS version your computer shipped with.

Does a higher BIOS version number always mean it is newer?

Not always — the numbering system varies by manufacturer. Always check the manufacturer's website, which lists versions from newest to oldest. The version at the top of the list is always the latest, regardless of what the number looks like.

Should I update my BIOS if a new version is available?

Only if the manufacturer lists a specific reason that affects you, such as a security fix, support for new hardware, or a fix for a problem you are experiencing. BIOS updates carry a small risk of failure, so update only when necessary.

What happens if a BIOS update fails?

Your computer may not start. This is rare with modern computers, which have safeguards against failed updates, but it can happen. Keep your computer plugged in during the update and do not interrupt it. If an update fails, contact the manufacturer's support team — they can often help you recover.

How often should I check if my BIOS is up to date?

Once a year is reasonable for most people. Check more often if you buy new hardware, or if the manufacturer announces a security issue affecting your model. If you are not experiencing problems, there is no urgent reason to check frequently.