What BIOS is and why you might need to check it

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system loads — it's the layer between your hardware and Windows or macOS. Checking your BIOS version matters when you're troubleshooting hardware problems, installing a major system update, or replacing components like RAM or a hard drive. Manufacturers sometimes release BIOS updates to fix bugs, improve performance, or add support for new hardware.

You don't need to understand how BIOS works to check what version you have. The process takes about two minutes and carries no risk — you're only looking at information, not changing anything.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, the fastest way is to open System Information from the Start menu and look for "BIOS Version/Date" in the System section.
  • On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click System Report and look for "Boot ROM Version" under Hardware.
  • Your BIOS version number tells you when it was released; if your computer is several years old and you're having hardware issues, a newer version might be available.
  • You can also check BIOS by restarting your computer and pressing a key during startup (usually Delete, F2, or F12), but the operating system method is simpler and shows the same information.

Checking BIOS on Windows

The easiest route on Windows is through System Information. Press the Windows key, type "System Information" into the search box, and open the app. In the window that appears, look for "BIOS Version/Date" in the list — it will show something like "BIOS Date: 01/15/2023" and the manufacturer name (usually American Megatrends, Phoenix, or Insyde).

If you want more detail, you can also check BIOS through Command Prompt. Press Windows key + R, type "cmd", and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and press Enter. This shows just the version number without the date, but it's useful if System Information isn't responding.

Both methods show you the same information — the version your computer is currently running. Neither one changes anything on your system.

Checking BIOS on Mac

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac". In the window that opens, click the "System Report..." button. A new window will appear; look for "Boot ROM Version" in the Hardware section on the left. This is the Mac equivalent of BIOS version — it shows the firmware version Apple installed on your machine.

The Boot ROM version number includes the date it was released. If you're running an older Mac and experiencing startup problems or hardware issues, you can compare this version to what Apple lists as current for your model on their support website.

Understanding what the version number means

BIOS version numbers don't follow a single standard — different manufacturers use different formats. You might see something like "F12", "1.2.3", or "2023.01.15". The important part is recognizing whether your version is recent or old. If your computer is from 2019 and your BIOS date shows 2017, there may be updates available.

To learn about an update exists for your system, search for your computer's exact model number plus "BIOS update" on the manufacturer's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, etc.). The support page will list available versions and what each one fixes. Do not read BIOS updates from third-party sites — always get them directly from the manufacturer.

When to check your BIOS before making changes

If you're planning to add RAM, replace a hard drive, or install a new graphics card, checking your current BIOS first gives you a baseline. Some older BIOS versions don't recognize newer hardware — for example, a 2015 BIOS might not detect a 2024 solid-state drive. Knowing your version before you open the computer means you can read any necessary updates beforehand.

Similarly, if you're troubleshooting a hardware problem — a drive that won't show up, RAM that isn't recognized, or random shutdowns — your BIOS version is one of the first things a technician will ask for. Having it ready saves time.

Accessing BIOS settings during startup (if you need to)

Checking your BIOS version through your operating system is the safest approach. But if your computer won't start normally or you need to change a hardware setting, you can access BIOS directly by restarting and pressing a key during the boot sequence. The key varies by manufacturer: Delete and F2 are most common on Windows PCs, while F12 and Esc also appear on some models. Macs don't have a traditional BIOS menu — you restart and hold Command + Option + P + R to reset firmware, but this is rarely necessary.

When you press the key during startup, a menu appears with options to change boot order, enable or disable hardware, or update BIOS. This is where changes happen, so only enter this menu if you know what you're changing. straightforward checking the version number through your operating system carries no risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to check my BIOS version?

Yes. Looking at your BIOS version through System Information or About This Mac makes no changes to your computer. You're only reading information that's already stored. The risk only appears if you read and install a BIOS update, which should only happen if you have a specific reason.

What if I can't find BIOS Version/Date in System Information?

Scroll down in the System Information window — the BIOS information is usually in the first section but sometimes appears further down. If it's not there, try the Command Prompt method instead. On very old Windows systems or some corporate machines, BIOS information may be hidden by security settings.

Should I update my BIOS if a newer version is available?

Only if the update fixes a problem you're experiencing or adds support for hardware you're about to install. BIOS updates carry a small risk — if the update fails or your power cuts out during the process, your computer may not start. If your system is working fine, there's no reason to update.

Can I check BIOS version on a Mac that won't start up?

Not through the normal method. If your Mac won't boot, you can restart and hold Command + Option + R to enter Recovery Mode, which may show firmware information. If that doesn't work, you'll need to take the Mac to an Apple Store or technician who can check the hardware directly.

What's the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the newer standard that replaced traditional BIOS on most computers made after 2010. The version check process is identical — you're still looking at firmware information the same way. Most modern Windows PCs use UEFI but still call it "BIOS" in System Information for simplicity.