Check your BIOS version from Windows or Mac

Your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system loads. Knowing which version you have matters when you need a driver update, troubleshoot hardware problems, or check whether your computer supports a new processor. You can find this information in under a minute without opening your computer or installing anything.

On Windows, press the Windows key and type msinfo32, then press Enter. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows both your BIOS version and when it was released. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". Go to the Hardware section and look for "Boot ROM Version" — this is Apple's equivalent to BIOS.

If you prefer the command line, Windows users can open Command Prompt (right-click and select "Run as administrator"), type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion, and press Enter. The result is the same information in a single line. This method is faster if you need to check multiple computers.

Key Takeaways

  • Your BIOS version appears in Windows System Information (msinfo32) under "BIOS Version/Date" or in Mac System Report under "Boot ROM Version".
  • The BIOS date tells you how old the firmware is, which matters when checking for updates that fix hardware compatibility or security issues.
  • You can also find BIOS information through Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on Mac if you prefer the command line.
  • Motherboard manufacturers usually list BIOS updates on their support pages, organized by your specific motherboard model.

Why the BIOS date matters more than the version number

BIOS version numbers vary by manufacturer — there is no universal standard. An ASUS motherboard might show version 3201, while a Gigabyte board shows F34. What matters is the date next to it. A BIOS from 2019 is old; one from this year is current. The date tells you whether your computer has the latest hardware support and security patches.

Manufacturers release BIOS updates for specific reasons: to support new processors, fix bugs that cause crashes or freezing, improve memory compatibility, or patch security vulnerabilities. If your BIOS is more than two years old and you are having hardware problems, an update might solve it. If your BIOS is recent and your computer runs smoothly, you usually do not need to update.

Find updates through your motherboard manufacturer

Once you know your BIOS version and date, the next step is finding whether an update exists. You need to know your motherboard model first. In Windows System Information (msinfo32), look for "System Model" or "BaseBoard Product" — this tells you the exact board your computer uses. On a Mac, the "System Report" shows "Model Identifier" instead.

Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website — the major ones are ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock for desktop computers, and Lenovo, Dell, or HP for laptops. Search their support page for your exact motherboard model. read the BIOS file and follow their instructions for updating. Most manufacturers provide a step-by-step guide specific to your board, and some include a tool that updates BIOS from within Windows without needing a USB drive.

Laptop owners should check their computer manufacturer's support page instead of the motherboard maker, since laptops use customized BIOS versions. Dell, HP, and Lenovo all list BIOS updates under "Drivers and Downloads" when you enter your service tag or model number.

What to do if you cannot find your BIOS information

If System Information does not show a BIOS version, your computer may be too new and using UEFI firmware instead of traditional BIOS. UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS and works the same way from a user perspective — you still see version and date information in the same places. The information is there; it is just labeled differently on some systems.

If you still cannot locate it, restart your computer and watch the first screen that appears before Windows or Mac loads. Most computers display a message like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Del for BIOS Settings". Pressing that key takes you into the BIOS menu itself, where you can see the version number displayed at the top of the screen. Write it down before exiting — use the Escape key or follow the on-screen instructions to leave without making changes.

When to update your BIOS and when to leave it alone

Update your BIOS if the manufacturer lists a fix for a problem you are experiencing, if you are installing a new processor that requires it, or if there is a security patch available. Do not update BIOS just because a newer version exists — an old, stable BIOS that works is better than chasing the latest version. BIOS updates carry a small risk: if the power fails during the update, your computer may not start. Most modern computers have safeguards against this, but the risk still exists.

Before updating, back up your important files to an external drive. Read the manufacturer's release notes to see what the update actually fixes. If the fixes do not explore to you, skip the update. If you are having random crashes, freezing, or a new processor is not recognized, then an update is worth trying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my BIOS version the same as my Windows version?

No. BIOS is the firmware layer underneath Windows — it loads before Windows starts. Your Windows version (like Windows 11) is separate. You can have Windows 11 with an old BIOS, or an old Windows version with a recent BIOS. They are independent.

Can I update BIOS on a laptop?

Yes, but use your laptop manufacturer's update tool, not the motherboard maker's. Dell, HP, and Lenovo all provide BIOS updates through their support pages. Plug in your laptop before starting the update and do not close it until the process finishes.

What happens if a BIOS update fails?

Modern computers have recovery features that prevent complete failure. If an update is interrupted, your computer usually boots into a recovery mode that lets you try again. Avoid updating during a thunderstorm or when your power is unstable. If your computer will not start after an update, contact the manufacturer's support line — they can often help you recover it.

Do I need to update BIOS if my computer works fine?

No. A working BIOS does not need updating. Update only when the manufacturer lists a fix for a specific problem, when you are upgrading hardware, or when there is a security patch. Stability matters more than having the newest version.