Hi everyone,
I was talking to my son about his computer and an issue he was having. I asked if he had updated all of his drivers, and he said he thought he had. I told him to double-check to make sure his BIOS didn’t need an update, and he asked why that was necessary.
I explained that sometimes, a BIOS update can resolve issues. BIOS updates help with hardware compatibility, fix bugs, improve performance, enhance security, and even introduce new features. He had no idea!
Since I’ve worked in tech for what feels like forever, I sometimes forget that not everyone just knows these things. He suggested that I put together a step-by-step guide on updating the BIOS so others could benefit too.
I hope this helps if you’re experiencing computer issues!
How to Update Your Computer’s BIOS: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before You Begin:
- Check if an Update is Necessary – BIOS updates aren’t needed unless they address a specific problem or add a required feature.
- Find Your Current BIOS Version:
- Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
- Look for BIOS Version/Date and note it down.
- Compare it with the latest version on your manufacturer’s website.
- Ensure a Reliable Power Source – A BIOS update should not be interrupted, so ensure your laptop is plugged in or your desktop has a stable power supply.
- Backup Important Data – While unlikely, a failed BIOS update can lead to data loss or system issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your BIOS
Step 1: Identify Your Computer’s Manufacturer and Model
- Check your computer’s brand and model number, usually found on a label under the laptop or on the side of a desktop.
- Visit the official website of your computer manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS).
Step 2: Download the Correct BIOS Update
- Go to the manufacturer’s Support or Drivers section.
- Enter your model number and find the BIOS update for your system.
- Download the latest BIOS version that matches your current version or is newer.
Step 3: Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions
- Each manufacturer provides specific instructions for BIOS updates. Read these carefully before proceeding.
Step 4: Prepare for the Update
- Close all running applications.
- Disable any security software that may interfere.
Step 5: Start the BIOS Update
Method 1: Windows-Based Update (If Available)
- Some manufacturers provide an update tool that runs within Windows. If available:
- Double-click the downloaded file.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the update.
- Your computer will restart automatically to complete the process.
Method 2: BIOS/UEFI Update via USB (More Common)
- Restart Your Computer and enter BIOS/UEFI:
- Press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC (depending on your computer brand) as it starts.
- Navigate to the BIOS Update Utility:
- Look for an option like Flash BIOS, Update BIOS, or EZ Flash.
- Select the BIOS Update File:
- Choose the file from your USB drive.
- Confirm the update and wait for it to complete.
- Do Not Interrupt the Process:
- Your system may restart multiple times.
- Allow it to finish completely before using your computer.
Step 6: Verify the Update
- Once your computer restarts, check the BIOS version again (using msinfo32 as in Step 2) to confirm the update was successful.
- Restore any settings that were reset during the update.
Step 7: Restore Normal Operation
- Enable any security software you disabled earlier.
- If any BIOS settings changed, adjust them as needed.
- Resume normal use of your computer.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If the update fails, restart your computer and try again.
- If the system won’t boot, check the manufacturer’s website for recovery options.
- Contact customer support if you’re unsure about any step.
By following these steps carefully, you can safely update your BIOS and improve your computer’s performance!
I hope these instructions were helpful. If there are other how-to’s which are computer related you would like to see. Please let me know in the comments and I will try and get the information out to everyone. Thanks for reading
