Updating your BIOS sounds intimidating, but manufacturers have made the process much safer than it used to be. If you need to update computer BIOS settings to fix a hardware bug, add support for new components, or resolve a driver conflict, here’s exactly how to do it without putting your motherboard at risk.
Quick Answer
To update your computer’s BIOS: check your current BIOS version with msinfo32, find your exact motherboard or laptop model, download the matching update from the manufacturer’s support site, and install it using either Windows Update, the manufacturer’s own update tool, or a bootable USB. Never interrupt the update once it starts.
Do You Actually Need a BIOS Update?
A BIOS update doesn’t boost general performance, so don’t update just because a new version exists. Update your BIOS when:
- A manufacturer release note mentions a fix for a bug you’re experiencing
- You installed new hardware (like a new CPU) that needs BIOS-level support
- You’re troubleshooting a device error, like a graphics driver conflict, that BIOS settings could be causing
- There’s a documented security vulnerability patched in a newer version
If your system is working fine and nothing you’re experiencing matches a listed fix, it’s usually safer to leave the BIOS alone.
Step 1: Check Your Current BIOS Version
- Press Win + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter - Look for BIOS Version/Date in the System Summary window
- Also note your System Manufacturer and System Model — you’ll need these to find the right update
Step 2: Find the Correct Update
BIOS updates are specific to your exact motherboard or laptop model — installing the wrong one can cause serious problems. Go to your manufacturer’s official support site and search using the model number from Step 1:
- Dell: Dell Support / SupportAssist
- HP: HP Support Assistant
- Lenovo: Lenovo Vantage
- ASUS: ASUS Download Center
- MSI: MSI Support
Compare the listed version against your current one, and read the release notes to confirm it addresses your issue.
Step 3: Prepare Before You Update
A failed BIOS update can brick your motherboard, so preparation matters more than the update itself:
- Keep your laptop plugged into power, or use a UPS on desktops, and never start an update below 50% battery
- Disable sleep mode for the duration of the update
- Disconnect unnecessary external devices
- Back up important files just in case
- If BitLocker is enabled, temporarily suspend it to avoid recovery-key issues on reboot
Step 4: Update Through Windows Update (Easiest Method)
Some manufacturers deliver firmware updates directly through Windows Update:
- Press Win + I to open Settings
- Go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates
- Look for a firmware or system update in the list
- Select it and click Download and install
Step 5: Update Using the Manufacturer’s Tool
Most brands offer a utility that flashes the BIOS from within Windows, which is generally the safest hands-on method:
- Install your manufacturer’s update tool (Dell SupportAssist, ASUS AI Suite, Lenovo Vantage, etc.)
- Open it and navigate to the BIOS or firmware update section
- Let it detect your current version and download the matching update
- Run the update and let your PC restart automatically — don’t touch it mid-process
Step 6: Update via Bootable USB (If Needed)
If your system won’t boot properly, or the manufacturer only provides a raw firmware file, you’ll need to flash it manually:
- Download the BIOS file (usually .ROM, .CAP, or .BIN) from the manufacturer’s site
- Format a USB drive and copy the file onto it
- Reboot and enter the BIOS setup screen (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Delete during startup)
- Find the BIOS update or flash option and select the file from the USB drive
- Let the process complete — the system may restart several times on its own
What to Avoid During a BIOS Update
Never turn off your PC, force a restart, or unplug it while a BIOS update is running. Interrupting the process is the single most common cause of a bricked motherboard, and recovering from it usually requires professional repair or a replacement chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to update the BIOS on Windows 11?
Yes, as long as you use the correct update file for your exact model and don’t interrupt the process. Most modern motherboards also include a backup BIOS chip that can recover from a failed update automatically.
Will updating my BIOS delete my files?
No, a BIOS update doesn’t touch your storage drive or personal files. It only affects the low-level firmware that starts your computer, though it’s still smart to back up your data beforehand as a precaution.
Does a BIOS update improve gaming performance?
Not directly. BIOS updates fix compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities, and hardware bugs rather than boosting frame rates. Any performance change is usually a side effect of a bug fix, not the update’s main purpose.
What happens if my BIOS settings get reset after updating?
This is normal. A BIOS update often resets custom settings to default, so if you’d previously changed things like boot order or fan curves, you’ll need to reconfigure them afterward.
