Finding your BIOS version on Windows

The fastest way on Windows is to open the System Information tool. Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — that's your BIOS version number and the date it was installed on your machine.

If that doesn't work, you can check through the Command Prompt instead. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and press Enter. The number that appears is your BIOS version.

A third option is to restart your computer and watch the startup screen carefully. Most machines display the BIOS version during the boot process — you'll see it flash on the screen for a few seconds before Windows loads. The exact location varies by manufacturer, but it's usually in the upper left or center of the screen. This method takes longer but confirms what the software tools show you.

Checking BIOS version on Mac

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "About This Mac." In the window that opens, look for "Boot ROM Version" — this is your Mac's equivalent of a BIOS version. The number shown is what you need.

If you're running an older Mac, you might see "Firmware Version" instead of Boot ROM Version. Either way, this is the information that tells you which version of the system firmware your Mac is running. Both terms refer to the same underlying system software that controls your hardware.

Finding BIOS version on Linux

Linux systems store BIOS information in a few different places depending on your distribution. Open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -s bios-version and press Enter. You'll need to enter your password. The output will show your BIOS version number.

If that command doesn't work, try cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version instead. This pulls the same information from a different location in the system files. Either command will show you what you need to know. Some Linux distributions may require different commands, so check your distribution's documentation if neither of these works.

Why you might need to check your BIOS version

You check your BIOS version when you're troubleshooting hardware problems, updating drivers, or preparing to upgrade components. Some newer hardware won't work properly with older BIOS versions, so manufacturers sometimes recommend updating before you install a new processor or motherboard.

Security updates also come through BIOS updates. If you've heard about a vulnerability affecting your specific motherboard model, checking your current version tells you whether you're already protected or need to update. This is especially important if you use your computer for sensitive work or store important files.

Understanding what the version number means

BIOS version numbers don't follow a standard format — each manufacturer uses their own system. An ASUS motherboard might show something like "2407" while a Gigabyte board shows "F34g". The numbers and letters don't mean the same thing across brands, so you can't compare them directly.

What matters is whether your version is newer or older than the one recommended for your specific motherboard model. You find this by going to your motherboard manufacturer's support page, entering your exact model number, and checking what the latest BIOS version is for that board. This comparison tells you whether an update is available.

When to update your BIOS

Update your BIOS when the manufacturer releases a version that fixes a problem you're experiencing, adds support for new hardware you're installing, or patches a security issue that affects your system. Don't update just because a newer version exists — BIOS updates carry a small risk if something goes wrong during the process.

Before updating, write down your current BIOS version so you have a record of what you're starting with. Back up any important data on your computer. Then follow your motherboard manufacturer's specific instructions for updating — the process varies by brand and model, and doing it wrong can cause serious problems. Most manufacturers provide step-by-step guides on their support pages.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open System Information (msinfo32) or use Command Prompt to find your BIOS version in seconds.
  • Mac users find this information under "About This Mac" as the Boot ROM Version.
  • Linux users can retrieve BIOS version through terminal commands like dmidecode or by checking system files directly.
  • BIOS version numbers don't follow a standard format, so compare yours only against the latest version for your specific motherboard model.
  • Update your BIOS only when your motherboard manufacturer recommends it for a specific reason — security patches, hardware support, or bug fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to check my BIOS version?

Yes, completely safe. Checking your version doesn't change anything on your computer — you're just reading information that's already stored there. It's like looking at your car's mileage; the act of checking doesn't affect anything.

What if I can't find the BIOS version using these methods?

Try restarting your computer and watching the startup screen more carefully — some machines display it very briefly. If you still can't find it, look up your motherboard model number (usually printed on the board itself or listed in your computer's documentation) and check the manufacturer's support page for instructions specific to your board.

Do I need to restart my computer to check BIOS version?

No. The System Information tool, Command Prompt, and Mac's About menu all show your BIOS version without restarting. You only need to restart if you want to see the version displayed on the startup screen itself.

Can I check BIOS version on a laptop?

Yes, the same methods work on laptops. Use System Information on Windows or About This Mac on Apple laptops. The BIOS version is stored the same way whether your computer is a desktop or laptop.

How often should I check my BIOS version?

You don't need to check it regularly. Check it when you're planning a hardware upgrade, troubleshooting a specific problem, or after you've updated it to confirm the new version installed correctly.