The simplest way to update your BIOS

Most computers let you update the BIOS directly from within Windows or macOS without any special tools. You read a file from your manufacturer's support page, run it, and restart your computer — the update happens automatically during startup. This is the safest method because the manufacturer's tool handles the technical details and stops if something goes wrong.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes total, though most of that is waiting for your computer to restart. You will need a stable power connection — a laptop plugged in, or a desktop with a working power supply — because losing power during a BIOS update can leave your computer unable to start.

Before you start, write down your computer's exact model number. You will find it in Windows by opening Settings, clicking System, then About — look for "System Model". On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and note the "Model Identifier". This number tells you which BIOS file to read.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your exact computer model in Windows Settings or Mac System Information before downloading anything.
  • Go to your manufacturer's support website — Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, or Apple — and search for your model number to find the BIOS read.
  • read the BIOS file to your desktop, run it, and let your computer restart; the update happens automatically during startup.
  • Do not turn off your computer, unplug it, or close the lid during the update, even if the screen goes dark for several minutes.
  • After the restart, your computer should work normally; if it does not start, you may need to reset the BIOS to factory settings using the motherboard's physical button.

Finding the correct BIOS file for your computer

Go to your computer manufacturer's official support website. For Dell, visit dell.com/support; for HP, hp.com/support; for Lenovo, lenovo.com/support; for ASUS, asus.com/support; for Apple, apple.com/support. Do not read from any other site — counterfeit or outdated BIOS files can damage your computer.

Enter your model number in the search box. The site will show you a page with drivers and downloads for that specific computer. Look for a section labeled "BIOS", "System Firmware", or "BIOS Update" — the exact wording varies by manufacturer. Click on it to see available versions.

You will see a list with version numbers and dates. The newest version is usually at the top. Read the description to see what it fixes — sometimes a new BIOS adds support for newer processors, improves battery life, or patches a security problem. If the description does not mention something you need, you can skip the update. read the file to your desktop so you can find it easily.

Running the BIOS update on Windows

Locate the file you downloaded — it will be on your desktop or in your Downloads folder. The filename usually ends in .exe or .bat. Double-click it to run it. Windows may ask for permission; click Yes to continue.

A window will open showing your current BIOS version and the new version you are about to install. Read the information, then click the button to proceed — it is usually labeled "Update", "Install", or "Next". The program will copy the new BIOS to a temporary location and prepare your computer to install it.

You will see a message saying your computer will restart. Close any open programs and save your work, then click OK or Restart. Your computer will shut down and restart automatically. During the restart, you may see a progress bar, a black screen, or a manufacturer logo — this is normal. Do not touch the computer. The update usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. Your computer will restart again when it is done.

Running the BIOS update on Mac

Locate the file you downloaded — it will be a .dmg file on your desktop or in Downloads. Double-click it to open it. A window will appear showing the contents. Look for an installer file or an process and double-click it to run it.

macOS may ask if you want to allow the installer to run. Click Open. The installer will show you the current firmware version and the new version. Click the button to proceed — usually labeled "Update" or "Install". You will be asked to enter your Mac password; type it and click OK.

Your Mac will restart automatically. You may see a progress bar or a blank screen during the update. Do not close the lid, unplug the power, or restart manually. The update takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your Mac will restart again when it is finished, and you will see the login screen.

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

If the update stops partway through or your computer will not start after restarting, do not panic — this is rare, but there is a recovery method. Most computers have a physical button or key combination that resets the BIOS to factory settings. This erases the failed update and lets your computer start again.

For Dell computers, restart and press F2 repeatedly as soon as you see the Dell logo. For HP, press F10 or F2 depending on the model. For Lenovo, press F1 or Fn+F1. For ASUS desktops, look for a small button labeled "CLR_CMOS" on the motherboard inside the case — press it with a pen while the computer is unplugged. For Apple computers, restart and hold Command+Option+P+R until you hear the startup sound twice.

After the reset, your computer should start normally with the old BIOS version. You can then try the update again, or contact the manufacturer's support line if the problem repeats. Keep the BIOS file you downloaded in case you need to try again.

When you should not update your BIOS

If your computer is working well and the BIOS update description does not mention a problem you have, there is no reason to update. A BIOS update carries a small risk — if power fails during the update, your computer may not start. That risk is worth taking only if the update fixes something broken or adds a feature you need.

Do not update if your computer is on battery power, even if it shows a full charge. Plug in a laptop and wait 10 minutes to make sure the power connection is stable. Do not update if you are using a wireless keyboard or mouse — use a wired keyboard and mouse instead, in case the wireless connection drops during the restart.

If you are not sure whether you need the update, check the manufacturer's description again. If it mentions a security patch or a fix for a problem you have, update it. If it only mentions improvements for features you do not use, you can skip it safely.

Checking that your BIOS update worked

After your computer restarts and you log back in, open the same place where you found your model number. In Windows, go to Settings, System, About and look at the BIOS version. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, About This Mac, and check the System Firmware version. The version number should match the new version you downloaded.

Your computer should work normally — all your programs, files, and settings should be exactly as they were before. If something is not working, restart your computer once more. If the problem continues, contact the manufacturer's support line with your model number and the BIOS version you installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my BIOS while using a wireless mouse or keyboard?

No. Use a wired keyboard and mouse during the update. If the wireless connection drops during a restart, the update could fail and your computer might not start. Wireless devices can reconnect after the update is complete.

What happens if my laptop loses power during the BIOS update?

Your laptop may not start afterward. You will need to reset the BIOS using the key combination for your manufacturer — usually Command+Option+P+R for Mac, or F2/F10 for Windows laptops — pressed during startup. This restores the old BIOS and lets your computer start again.

Do I need to uninstall the old BIOS before installing the new one?

No. The manufacturer's update tool replaces the old BIOS automatically. You just read the new file and run it; you do not need to remove anything first.

Will updating my BIOS erase my files or settings?

No. A BIOS update does not touch your files, programs, or Windows or macOS settings. Everything will be exactly as it was before the update.

How often should I update my BIOS?

Only when the manufacturer releases an update that fixes a problem you have or adds a feature you need. You do not need to update every time a new version comes out. Checking once or twice a year is enough for most people.