Check your BIOS version before you update or troubleshoot

Your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system loads — it controls how your hardware talks to Windows or macOS. Knowing which version you have matters when you're installing a driver update, troubleshooting a hardware problem, or checking whether a security patch applies to your machine. The version number tells you exactly what firmware is running right now.

The fastest way to find it depends on whether you use Windows or Mac. Both methods take under a minute and require no downloads or restarts.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open System Information from the Start menu and look for "BIOS Version/Date" in the System Summary section.
  • On Mac, hold Option and click the Apple menu, then select System Information and look for "Boot ROM Version" under Hardware.
  • Write down the full version number before you search for driver updates or security patches, because manufacturers use different naming schemes.
  • If you see a date next to the version number, that tells you when the BIOS was released, not when your computer was built.

Finding your BIOS version on Windows

Open the Start menu and type "System Information" into the search box. Click the result that says "System Information" — not Settings. The window that opens shows your System Summary by default.

Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date". The text after it is your BIOS version number. It usually looks like a manufacturer name followed by numbers and letters — for example, "American Megatrends Inc. 2.15" or "ASUS F14 BIOS 1205". Write down the entire string exactly as it appears, including any letters or punctuation.

If you don't see "BIOS Version/Date" in the main window, scroll down. It's always in the System Summary section, never buried in a submenu.

Finding your BIOS version on Mac

Hold the Option key and click the Apple menu in the top-left corner. Select "System Information" from the dropdown. (If you don't hold Option, you'll see "About This Mac" instead, which doesn't show BIOS details.)

In the System Information window, click "Hardware" in the left sidebar. Look for the line labeled "Boot ROM Version" — on a Mac, the BIOS equivalent is called the Boot ROM. The version number appears to the right of that label. Write it down exactly as shown.

What to do with your BIOS version number

Once you have the version, you can check whether updates are available for your specific machine. Go to your computer manufacturer's support website — Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Apple, or whoever made your model — and search for your computer's model number plus "BIOS update" or "firmware update".

The support page will list available versions. If the latest version number is higher than the one you wrote down, an update exists. Read the release notes to see what it fixes. Some updates address security issues, others fix hardware compatibility problems, and some just improve performance with specific software.

Never update your BIOS unless you have a specific reason — a security patch, a driver that requires it, or a hardware problem the update claims to fix. BIOS updates carry more risk than regular software updates because a failure during the process can leave your computer unable to start.

Why the version number format looks different on different computers

BIOS manufacturers use different naming schemes, so your version number might look nothing like your friend's. American Megatrends uses numbers like "2.15". ASUS uses letters and numbers like "F14". Phoenix uses dates like "12/15/2023". Dell, HP, and Lenovo each have their own formats too.

This is why writing down the exact version matters — if you search for just "2.15" without the manufacturer name, you'll find thousands of unrelated results. The full string tells you which BIOS you actually have and which updates explore to your machine.

What to do if System Information won't open

If the System Information window won't launch on Windows, try opening Command Prompt instead. Press Windows key + R, type "cmd", and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and press Enter. Your BIOS version appears on the next line.

On Mac, if the System Information window won't open, restart your computer and try again. If it still won't open, your Mac may have a hardware problem that needs professional diagnosis — BIOS information is built into the machine and should always be readable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my BIOS version the same as my Windows or macOS version?

No. Your BIOS version is separate from your operating system version. You can have Windows 11 with an old BIOS, or Windows 10 with a new BIOS. They update independently and for different reasons.

Do I need to update my BIOS if it's old?

Not unless a specific problem requires it. Old BIOS versions work fine if your hardware is stable. Update only when a security patch applies to your model, a driver you need requires it, or you're troubleshooting a hardware issue the update claims to fix.

What happens if a BIOS update fails?

A failed BIOS update can prevent your computer from starting. This is why BIOS updates should only be done when your battery is fully charged (on laptops) or plugged into power, and only when you have a specific reason. If an update fails, contact your manufacturer's support — recovery usually requires a technician.

Can I check my BIOS version without restarting?

Yes. System Information and Command Prompt both show your current BIOS version without a restart. You only need to restart if you decide to install an update.

Why does my BIOS version have a date in it?

The date shows when that BIOS version was released by the manufacturer, not when your computer was built. A computer from 2020 might have a BIOS dated 2023 if you updated it, or a BIOS dated 2019 if you haven't.