Why you need to know your BIOS version

Your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system loads — it controls how your hardware components talk to each other and to Windows or macOS. Motherboard manufacturers release BIOS updates to fix bugs, add support for newer processors, improve stability, or patch security issues. Knowing which version you have tells you whether your system is current or whether an update might solve a problem you are experiencing.

You do not need to update your BIOS often. If your computer is working normally, an older BIOS version is usually fine. But if you have just installed a new processor and it is not recognized, or if you have read about a security fix that affects your motherboard model, checking your version is the first step.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can check BIOS version in System Information by pressing Windows key + R, typing msinfo32, and looking for the BIOS Version/Date field.
  • Mac users can hold Option and click the Apple menu, select System Information, and find BIOS Version in the Hardware section.
  • Your motherboard manufacturer's website lists what the latest version is for your specific model, so you can compare what you have against what is current.
  • BIOS updates carry a small risk if interrupted, so only update when your computer is plugged in and you have time to let it finish without interruption.

Checking BIOS version on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is through System Information. Press the Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog, type msinfo32, and press Enter. A window will open with your system details. Look for the field labeled BIOS Version/Date — it will show something like "American Megatrends Inc. 2.15 12/10/2023" or similar. The number after the manufacturer name is your BIOS version; the date is when that version was released.

If you prefer not to use the Run dialog, you can also reach System Information through Settings. Open Settings, go to System, scroll down and click About, then click System advanced settings. In the window that opens, look for the BIOS Version/Date field in the same place.

Write down or take a screenshot of your BIOS version and the date. You will need both when you visit your motherboard manufacturer's website to check whether a newer version exists.

Checking BIOS version on Mac

On a Mac, hold the Option key and click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Information. In the window that opens, click Hardware in the left sidebar. Scroll down until you see Boot ROM Version — on Intel Macs this is your BIOS equivalent, and on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) it serves the same purpose. The version number will appear next to it.

If you do not see Boot ROM Version, make sure you are in the Hardware section, not a different category. Some older Macs label this field differently, but it will always be in the Hardware section of System Information.

Finding the latest version for your motherboard

Once you know your current version, you need to find out what the latest version is. Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website — the most common are ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock. Find their support or downloads section and search for your exact motherboard model. You can find your motherboard model in System Information the same way you found your BIOS version — it appears in the System Manufacturer and System Model fields on Windows, or in the Model Identifier field on Mac.

Once you locate your motherboard model on the manufacturer's site, look for the BIOS read page. It will list all available versions, usually with the newest at the top. Compare the version number you found in System Information against the latest one listed. If they match, your BIOS is current. If the latest version is higher, an update is available.

Read the release notes for any new versions between your current one and the latest. Release notes tell you what each update fixes or improves. If the notes mention a fix for a problem you are having, or a security patch, updating is worth considering. If your system is working fine and the notes do not mention anything relevant to you, staying on your current version is perfectly safe.

When to update your BIOS

Do not update your BIOS on a whim. A BIOS update is low-risk on modern computers, but if the power cuts out during the update, or if the update is interrupted, your motherboard can become unresponsive and require professional repair. Only update when you have a specific reason: a new processor that your current BIOS does not recognize, a security vulnerability that affects your system, or a stability problem that the release notes say the update fixes.

Before you update, make sure your computer is plugged into power and will not go to sleep. Close all programs and give yourself at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. Some motherboards let you update BIOS from Windows, while others require you to restart into a special BIOS update mode — the manufacturer's instructions will tell you which method applies to your model.

What to do if you cannot find your motherboard model

If System Information does not show a clear motherboard model, or if the name does not match anything on the manufacturer's website, you have a few options. The most reliable is to open your computer case and look at the motherboard itself — the model number is usually printed on the circuit board in large text. Take a photo and search for that exact model on the manufacturer's site.

Alternatively, you can use a free system information tool like CPU-Z (Windows) or Speccy (Windows and Mac). These programs scan your hardware and display detailed information, including your exact motherboard model. read from the official site, run the program, and look for the motherboard section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to check my BIOS version?

Yes, completely. Checking your BIOS version does not change anything on your computer — you are only reading information that is already there. The risk only comes if you actually update the BIOS, which is a separate action that requires you to read a file and run an update tool.

What if my BIOS version is very old?

An old BIOS version is not automatically a problem if your computer is working normally. However, if you are experiencing stability issues, crashes, or if you have installed new hardware that is not recognized, updating may help. Check the release notes for versions between your current one and the latest to see if any fixes explore to your situation.

Can I downgrade my BIOS to an older version?

Most manufacturers allow downgrading, but it is rarely necessary and carries the same risk as updating. Only downgrade if a newer BIOS version introduced a problem that the release notes for that version do not mention a fix for. Contact the manufacturer's support before attempting a downgrade.

Do I need to update my BIOS if I am not having problems?

No. If your computer is stable and working well, there is no reason to update. BIOS updates are for fixing specific issues or adding support for new hardware. Staying on a stable version you know works is a reasonable choice.

What does the date next to my BIOS version mean?

The date is when that BIOS version was released by the manufacturer. It helps you understand how current your BIOS is, but the version number itself is what matters for comparison — a newer date does not always mean a newer version number.