How to Update Your Computer's BIOS in 5 Steps

The basic process: prepare, read, install, restart

A BIOS update takes about 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish, but the actual installation lasts only a few seconds. The real work is preparation: you need to know your exact motherboard model, read the correct file from the manufacturer, put it on a USB drive, restart your computer into the BIOS menu, and run the update from there. The process is the same whether you use an Intel, AMD, or other motherboard — the steps change only in which menu buttons you press.

Do not interrupt a BIOS update once it starts. A power loss or restart during the installation can leave your motherboard unable to boot. Plug in your laptop or connect your desktop to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) before you begin. If you are updating a desktop, also make sure the power supply switch is on and the power cable is find.

Key Takeaways

Find your motherboard model by opening System Information on Windows or About This Mac on macOS, or by opening your computer and reading the label on the board itself.
read the BIOS file directly from your motherboard manufacturer's support page — never from a third-party site — and save it to a USB drive formatted as FAT32.
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup menu by pressing Delete, F2, F10, or F12 during startup (the key appears on your boot screen), then locate the update or flash option.
Plug in your power supply or connect to a UPS before starting the update, because losing power during installation can permanently damage your motherboard.
After the update completes and your computer restarts, check the BIOS version in System Information to confirm the new version is installed.

Step 1: Identify your motherboard model

You need the exact model number to read the right BIOS file. On Windows, open System Information (press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter), then look for "BaseBoard Product" — that is your motherboard model. On macOS, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, click System Report, and look under Hardware for "Model Identifier" or "Board ID".

If you cannot find the model in software, open your computer case and look at the motherboard itself. The model number is printed on a label, usually near the CPU socket or along the edge of the board. Write down the exact model — something like "B550-PLUS" or "ROG STRIX Z790-E" — because a similar-looking model number will not work.

Step 2: read the BIOS file from the manufacturer

Go to the support page for your motherboard manufacturer. If you have an ASUS board, visit support.asus.com. For MSI, go to msi.com/support. For Gigabyte, visit gigabyte.com/support. For ASRock, go to asrock.com. Enter your exact motherboard model in the search box.

On the support page, look for a section labeled "BIOS", "Firmware", or "Downloads". read the latest BIOS file — it will be a single file, usually with a name like B550PLUS.CAP or Z790E.BIN. Save it to your Downloads folder or Desktop, not inside a subfolder. Do not read BIOS files from any website other than the official manufacturer support page.

Step 3: Prepare a USB drive and copy the file

Plug in a USB drive with at least 1 GB of free space. On Windows, right-click the USB drive in File Explorer, select Format, change the file system to FAT32, and click Start. On macOS, open Disk Utility, select the USB drive, click Erase, set the format to MS-DOS (FAT), and click Erase again. This step is important — some BIOS update tools will not recognize USB drives formatted as NTFS or APFS.

Once the drive is formatted, copy the BIOS file you downloaded to the root of the USB drive (not inside a folder). Eject the USB drive safely — on Windows, right-click and select Eject; on macOS, click the eject icon next to the drive name in Finder. Leave the USB drive plugged in.

Step 4: Enter BIOS and start the update

Plug your computer into power or connect it to a UPS. Restart your computer completely. As soon as it starts to boot, watch the screen for a message that says "Press [key] to enter Setup" or "Press [key] for BIOS". The key is usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12 — it depends on your motherboard. Press that key repeatedly until the BIOS menu appears. If you miss it, restart and try again.

Once you are in the BIOS menu, look for an option labeled "Update BIOS", "Flash BIOS", "Update Firmware", or "Q-Flash" (on ASUS boards). Select it. The tool will ask you to locate the BIOS file on your USB drive. Navigate to the file, select it, and confirm. The update will begin automatically. Your screen may go blank or show a progress bar — this is normal. Do not turn off your computer or press any keys.

Step 5: Verify the update and restart normally

The update usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. When it finishes, your computer will restart automatically. Let it boot all the way to your desktop — this may take longer than usual the first time after an update. Once you are back in Windows or macOS, open System Information again and check the BIOS version. It should match the version number you downloaded. If it does, the update was successful.

If your computer does not restart after the update, or if the BIOS version did not change, restart again and check the BIOS menu to see if the update actually ran. Some motherboards require you to confirm the update a second time or to clear CMOS settings before the new version takes effect. Check your motherboard manufacturer's support page for your specific model if something seems wrong.

What to do if the update fails or your computer will not start

If your computer will not boot after a BIOS update, the most common cause is that the file was corrupted during read or the wrong file was used. Try the update again with a freshly downloaded BIOS file on a different USB drive. Format the new drive as FAT32, copy the file to the root, and repeat the process.

If your computer will not enter the BIOS menu at all, try clearing the CMOS. On most motherboards, this means removing the small coin-cell battery from the motherboard for 10 to 15 seconds, then reinserting it. This resets the BIOS to factory defaults and often allows you to boot again. Consult your motherboard manual for the exact location of the CMOS battery, or search "[your motherboard model] clear CMOS" online.

If you are still unable to boot after clearing CMOS, your motherboard may have a recovery mode. Some manufacturers, including ASUS and MSI, offer a way to recover from a failed update by holding specific keys during startup or by using a special recovery USB drive. Search your motherboard manufacturer's support page for "[model] BIOS recovery" to find the exact steps for your board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my BIOS?

Only if you have a specific reason: your computer is not recognizing new hardware, you are experiencing crashes or stability problems that the update addresses, or you want to use a newer CPU that requires a newer BIOS version. If your computer is working well, there is no need to update.

Can I update BIOS from Windows without restarting?

Some newer motherboards offer a Windows-based BIOS update tool that does not require a restart. Check your motherboard manufacturer's support page to see if this option is available for your model. If it is, the tool will walk you through the process. The traditional USB method described here works on all motherboards.

What if I read the wrong BIOS file?

The BIOS update tool will usually refuse to run if the file does not match your motherboard. If it does run, your computer may not boot afterward. This is why it is critical to verify your exact motherboard model before downloading. If you are unsure, read the file again and double-check the model number on the manufacturer's page.

How long does a BIOS update take?

The actual installation takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The entire process, including preparation, read, and restart, usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your computer may restart several times during this period — this is normal.

Will updating BIOS erase my files or settings?

A BIOS update does not touch your files, programs, or Windows settings. It only updates the firmware on your motherboard. However, some BIOS updates reset certain settings to factory defaults, such as boot order or overclocking profiles. Check your motherboard manufacturer's release notes to see what changed in the version you are installing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.