Finding your BIOS version on Windows

The fastest way to check your BIOS version on Windows is through the System Information tool. Press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32, and press Enter. A window opens showing your computer's details. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows both your BIOS version number and when it was released.

If you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator"). Type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and press Enter. The version number appears on the next line. This method works the same way on any Windows computer and takes about ten seconds.

A third option is to restart your computer and watch the boot screen carefully. Many computers display the BIOS version during startup, usually in small text at the bottom of the screen. The timing is quick — you may need to restart a few times to catch it, or press Pause on your keyboard during boot to freeze the screen.

Finding your 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, click the "System Report" button. In the left sidebar, select "Hardware," then look for "Boot ROM Version" in the main panel. This is your Mac's equivalent to BIOS — it controls the same startup functions.

The Boot ROM version number tells you which firmware version your Mac is running. Unlike Windows BIOS versions, which use numbers like "F12" or "2.15," Mac Boot ROM versions typically look like "1715.1" or similar. Both serve the same purpose: they control how your computer starts up and communicates with its hardware before the operating system loads.

Finding your BIOS version on Linux

On Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -s bios-version, then press Enter. You may be asked for your password. The BIOS version appears on the next line. This command works on most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.

If that command does not work, try cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version instead. Some systems store BIOS information in different locations, so one of these two commands will usually find it. Both are read-only — they straightforward display information and do not change anything on your system.

Why you might need to know your BIOS version

You check your BIOS version most often when troubleshooting hardware problems or preparing for a BIOS update. If your computer is not recognizing a new hard drive, a BIOS update may add support for it. If you are experiencing random crashes or freezes, an update sometimes fixes stability issues. Before updating, you need to know what version you currently have so you can read the correct newer version from your manufacturer's website.

Some software also requires a minimum BIOS version to run properly. Certain security features, virtualization tools, or gaming software may check your BIOS version during installation and refuse to run if your version is too old. Knowing your version lets you decide whether updating is worth the time and risk.

What the version number actually means

BIOS version numbers vary by manufacturer. Dell might use "F12" or "2.15.0," while ASUS might use "3201" or "0803." HP, Lenovo, and other manufacturers each have their own naming system. The numbers themselves do not follow a universal standard — you cannot compare a Dell BIOS version directly to an ASUS one, because they are not on the same scale.

What matters is whether your version is newer or older than another version from the same manufacturer. Your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website will tell you which versions are available and what each one fixes. The date shown next to your BIOS version is often more useful than the version number itself — a BIOS from 2024 is almost certainly newer than one from 2020, regardless of what the number looks like.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open System Information (msinfo32) or use the command wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion to see your BIOS version when ready.
  • On Mac, go to About This Mac and click System Report, then look for Boot ROM Version under Hardware.
  • On Linux, use the terminal command sudo dmidecode -s bios-version to display your BIOS version.
  • BIOS version numbers differ by manufacturer and do not follow a universal standard, so compare versions only within the same brand.
  • You typically check your BIOS version before updating it or when troubleshooting hardware compatibility problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to check my BIOS version?

Yes — checking your BIOS version only reads information and does not change anything on your computer. All three methods (System Information, command line, or the boot screen) are completely safe and take less than a minute.

What if I cannot find the BIOS version in System Information?

Try the command-line method instead, as it works more reliably on some systems. If neither works, restart your computer and watch the boot screen carefully — the BIOS version usually appears in small text at the bottom. You may need to press Pause to freeze the screen and read it.

Can I check my BIOS version without restarting?

Yes. System Information on Windows and the terminal commands on Linux and Mac all show your BIOS version without restarting. You only need to restart if you want to see the version displayed on the boot screen itself.

Why do different manufacturers use different version numbers?

Each manufacturer designs their own BIOS firmware and chooses their own naming system. Dell, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo all have different formats because they are separate companies making separate products. This is why you should only compare versions from the same manufacturer.

What should I do after I find my BIOS version?

Write it down or take a screenshot. Then visit your computer manufacturer's support website, enter your model number, and check whether a newer BIOS version is available. If one is, the website will explain what problems it fixes and whether updating is worth doing.