What BIOS drivers are and why you install them
BIOS drivers are small programs that let your operating system talk to your computer's most basic hardware — the motherboard, processor, chipset, and power management system. Unlike drivers for a printer or graphics card, you do not read BIOS drivers from a website and run an installer. Instead, you read a BIOS update file from your computer manufacturer, restart your computer into a special mode, and flash (write) that file directly onto a chip on your motherboard.
You install BIOS drivers when your manufacturer releases an update that fixes a security problem, adds support for new hardware, or solves a stability issue you are experiencing. A BIOS update can take 10 to 30 minutes and carries real risk — if the power cuts out during the flash, your computer may not start again. This is why the process feels different from installing other drivers: it is more serious, and the stakes are higher.
Most people never need to update their BIOS. If your computer is working normally, leave it alone. Update only if your manufacturer specifically recommends it for a problem you have, or if you are adding new hardware that requires it.
Key Takeaways
- BIOS updates come from your computer or motherboard manufacturer's support website, not from Windows Update or a driver read site.
- You must read the correct BIOS file for your exact model — installing the wrong one can make your computer unbootable.
- Plug your computer into a power outlet or fully charge your laptop before starting, because a power loss during the flash will damage your motherboard.
- The flashing process itself happens in a special mode before Windows starts, and takes 10 to 30 minutes — do not interrupt it.
- If the flash fails, your computer may not start; some manufacturers include a recovery method, but not all do.
Finding the correct BIOS file for your computer
Go to your computer manufacturer's support website — Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, or whoever made your machine. Do not use a generic driver site. Search for your exact model number, which you can find by opening Settings, selecting System, and looking for "Device name" on Windows, or by holding Option and clicking the Apple menu on a Mac.
Once you find your model, look for a Downloads or Drivers section. You will see BIOS listed separately from other drivers. read the latest version available for your model. The file will be either a .exe file (on Windows) or a .dmg file (on Mac), or sometimes a .bin or .rom file if you have a custom-built PC with a separate motherboard.
Do not guess at which file to read. Installing a BIOS update meant for a different model — even a similar one from the same manufacturer — can render your computer unbootable. If you are unsure which file is correct, contact the manufacturer's support line before downloading anything.
Preparing your computer before you start
Plug your computer into a power outlet. If you have a laptop, plug in the charger and let it charge to 100 percent. A power loss during a BIOS flash will corrupt the BIOS chip and make your computer unable to start. This is not a theoretical risk — it happens, and recovery is expensive or impossible.
Close all open programs and disable any antivirus software temporarily. Some antivirus programs block the flashing process because they see it as a low-level system change. You can turn antivirus back on after the update is complete.
If you have a desktop computer with a separate power supply, you can leave the power supply switched on. If you have a laptop, keep it plugged in throughout the entire process.
Running the BIOS update on Windows
Locate the BIOS file you downloaded — usually in your Downloads folder. Double-click it. A window will open asking you to confirm the update. Read the on-screen instructions carefully; they vary by manufacturer.
Most manufacturers will ask you to click a button to restart your computer. When you do, your computer will restart into a special mode called the BIOS flash utility, which runs before Windows loads. You will see a progress bar or percentage counter. Do not touch your keyboard or mouse. Do not unplug the computer. Do not close the laptop lid. This step takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your hardware.
When the flash is complete, your computer will restart automatically and load Windows normally. You may see a message confirming the update was successful. If you see an error message instead, note the exact text and contact your manufacturer's support line before restarting again.
Running the BIOS update on Mac
The process on a Mac is similar but the interface looks different. read the .dmg file from Apple's support website. Double-click it to open the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts, which will ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac will restart into a special firmware update mode. You will see a progress bar. Leave your Mac plugged in and do not interrupt the process. When it is complete, your Mac will restart and load normally.
If you have an Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3, or later), the process is handled through System Settings rather than a downloaded file. Go to System Settings, select General, then Software Update, and look for a firmware update option if one is available.
What to do if the BIOS update fails
If your computer restarts but does not load Windows, and you see an error message or a blank screen, the flash may have failed. Do not panic when ready — some computers take longer to restart after a BIOS update.
Wait five minutes with the computer powered on. If nothing changes, try a hard restart by holding the power button for 10 seconds until the computer shuts down completely, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
If your computer still will not start, contact your manufacturer's support line. Some manufacturers include a recovery method — for example, Dell and HP computers can sometimes recover from a failed flash by inserting a recovery USB drive. Others do not have a recovery option, which means the motherboard may need to be replaced. This is rare, but it is why a stable power supply during the flash is critical.
Checking that your BIOS update worked
After your computer restarts and Windows loads normally, you can confirm the update was successful. On Windows, restart your computer and press the key that opens the BIOS setup menu — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12, depending on your manufacturer. The exact key appears on the startup screen for a fraction of a second. Look for text that says "Press [key] to enter Setup" or similar.
Once you are in the BIOS menu, look for a line that shows the BIOS version or date. Compare it to the version number of the file you downloaded. If they match, the update worked.
On a Mac, go to System Settings, select General, then About. Look for a line labeled "System Firmware" and note the version number. You can compare this to Apple's release notes for the update you just installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my BIOS from Windows Update?
Some manufacturers push BIOS updates through Windows Update, but not all do. If your manufacturer offers it that way, Windows Update will show it as an optional update. You can install it like any other update. However, many manufacturers require you to read the file manually from their website, so check your manufacturer's support page first.
What if I do not know my computer's exact model number?
On Windows, open Settings, select System, and look for "Device name" — this is often your model. You can also open Command Prompt and type systeminfo, then look for "System Model". On a Mac, hold Option and click the Apple menu, then select System Information. Look for "Model Identifier" or "Model Name".
Is it safe to update BIOS on a laptop?
Yes, as long as your laptop is plugged in and fully charged before you start. The main risk is power loss, which is less likely if you are plugged in. Do not update on battery power alone, and do not close the lid during the update.
How often should I update my BIOS?
Only when your manufacturer recommends it. Check your manufacturer's support website once or twice a year if you want to stay current, but do not update just because a new version exists. Most people never need to update BIOS after their computer leaves the factory.
What happens if I install the wrong BIOS file?
Your computer will likely not start, and you may not be able to recover without sending it to a repair shop. This is why it is critical to read the file for your exact model. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer before downloading anything.