How to Check Your BIOS Version and Update It Safely

What BIOS is and why you might need to update it

BIOS is the firmware that runs before your operating system starts — it controls how your computer's hardware talks to Windows or macOS. Most people never touch it and don't need to. You only update BIOS when your manufacturer releases a patch for a specific problem: a security vulnerability, a fix for a hardware incompatibility, or support for a newer processor. Updating for no reason is riskier than leaving it alone.

Check your current BIOS version first. If your computer is running fine and you have no reason to suspect a problem, you probably don't need to update. If your manufacturer has announced a security fix or you're experiencing a specific hardware issue, then it's worth doing. A failed BIOS update can leave your computer unable to start, so only proceed if you have a concrete reason.

Key Takeaways

Check your BIOS version by opening System Information on Windows (press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, press Enter) or About This Mac on macOS.
Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer's support website and search for your exact model number to find BIOS updates.
read the update file to a USB drive formatted as FAT32, then restart your computer and enter BIOS setup to install it.
Keep your computer plugged in during the entire update process — a power loss during the update can permanently damage your BIOS.
Only update BIOS if your manufacturer has released a patch for a specific problem you're experiencing or a security issue that affects you.

How to find your BIOS version on Windows

Press the Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. The System Information window will open. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows both your current BIOS version and when it was released. Write down the version number exactly as it appears.

If you're not comfortable with the Run dialog, you can also reach System Information by right-clicking "This PC" on your desktop, selecting Properties, then clicking "Advanced system settings" on the left side. In the window that opens, click the "Hardware" tab, then "Device Manager". This route takes longer but leads to the same information.

How to find your BIOS version on macOS

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac". A window will open showing your computer's basic information. Look for the line labeled "Boot ROM Version" — this is your BIOS equivalent on Apple hardware. Write down this version number.

If you need more detail, click "System Report" in the same window. Under the Hardware section, you'll see additional firmware information. Most Mac users never need to update firmware, as Apple handles this through regular system updates. Check the App Store for macOS updates first — your BIOS-level firmware often updates automatically with them.

Finding the right BIOS update for your computer

Open a web browser and go to your computer manufacturer's support website. If you built your own computer or have a custom machine, go to your motherboard manufacturer's site instead — common ones are ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock. Search for your exact model number. You can find this by looking at your computer's original documentation, the sticker on the back or bottom of the case, or by searching "computer model number" in System Information.

Once you find your model, look for a Downloads or Support section. Search for BIOS updates. The manufacturer will list available versions with release dates and what each one fixes. Read the description for each update. If it addresses a problem you're experiencing or a security issue that affects your hardware, read it. If the description doesn't mention anything relevant to you, skip the update.

read the BIOS file to your desktop or a folder you can easily find. The file will usually be a .zip archive or a single .bin or .exe file depending on your manufacturer. Do not extract or modify it — read it exactly as provided.

Preparing a USB drive for the BIOS update

You'll need a USB drive with at least 1 GB of space. Plug it into your computer. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and right-click the USB drive, then select "Format". On Windows, choose FAT32 as the file system — this is the format that BIOS can read. On macOS, choose MS-DOS (FAT). This will erase everything on the drive, so make sure it's empty or that you've backed up anything you need.

Once the drive is formatted, copy the BIOS file you downloaded onto it. Do not put it in a folder — put it directly on the root of the drive so BIOS can find it easily. Eject the USB drive safely by right-clicking it and selecting Eject, then unplug it.

Entering BIOS and installing the update

Plug the USB drive back into your computer. Restart your computer completely. As soon as it starts to boot, begin pressing the BIOS entry key repeatedly — this is usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12 depending on your manufacturer. You'll see a message on the startup screen telling you which key to press. If you miss it, restart and try again. Do not wait for Windows or macOS to load.

Once you're in the BIOS setup screen, look for an option labeled "Update BIOS", "Flash BIOS", "Update Firmware", or something similar. The exact menu name varies by manufacturer. Select it and point it to the USB drive. The BIOS will find your update file and ask you to confirm. Say yes. The update will take a few minutes — your screen may go black or show a progress bar. Do not touch anything, do not unplug the computer, and do not press any keys. A power loss during this process can permanently damage your BIOS and make your computer unbootable.

When the update finishes, your computer will restart automatically. Remove the USB drive once it has fully restarted and you're back in Windows or macOS. Check System Information again to confirm your BIOS version has changed to the new one.

What to do if the update fails

If the update fails partway through, your computer may not start normally. Some manufacturers build in a recovery mode that lets BIOS try the update again on the next restart. Leave the USB drive plugged in, restart the computer, and let it attempt the recovery. If it succeeds, you'll see a message confirming the update is complete.

If recovery mode doesn't work or your computer won't start at all, you may need to contact the manufacturer's support line or visit a repair shop. This is rare with modern computers, which have safeguards against failed updates, but it's why you should only update BIOS when you have a specific reason to do so. Avoid updating on a laptop running on battery power, and never update during a thunderstorm when power surges are possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update my BIOS?

Only when your manufacturer releases an update that addresses a problem you're experiencing or a security vulnerability that affects your hardware. Most people never update BIOS after their computer leaves the factory. Updating for no reason increases the small risk of something going wrong.

Can I update BIOS from Windows without a USB drive?

Some manufacturers provide a Windows-based BIOS update tool that works from inside your operating system. Check your manufacturer's support page — if they offer this option, it will be clearly labeled. It's generally safer than the USB method because your computer stays powered normally, but not all manufacturers provide it.

What happens if my computer loses power during a BIOS update?

Your BIOS may become corrupted and your computer may not start. This is why you should keep your computer plugged into a wall outlet during the update, avoid updating during storms, and never update on battery power. If this happens, contact your manufacturer — some can help you recover, but recovery may require sending the computer in for repair.

Is it safe to update BIOS on a laptop?

Yes, but keep the laptop plugged in the entire time. Do not rely on battery power during a BIOS update. If the battery dies mid-update, your laptop may not start again. Plug it in, make sure it's fully charged, and keep it plugged in throughout the process.

Do I need to uninstall my old BIOS before updating?

No. BIOS updates replace the old version automatically. You don't uninstall anything — you just run the update and let it overwrite the previous version. The update process handles everything.

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.