Science & Technology

How to Update Your PC’s BIOS?

Ameer Muslim3 weeks ago010 mins

Updating your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) might sound intimidating, but it’s an essential process to ensure your system is running smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re troubleshooting hardware issues, seeking performance improvements, or unlocking new features, updating your BIOS can make a world of difference.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about BIOS updates, from understanding what BIOS is and why it matters, to a detailed step-by-step process to safely update it on your PC. If you are not familiar with the latest technology and need assistance from someone in updating your computer BIOS, techvalet.com can help.

What is BIOS and Do You Really Need to Update It?

What is BIOS?

The BIOS is low-level software that resides on a chip on your computer’s motherboard. It’s responsible for booting up your PC and ensuring all system hardware works correctly before the operating system takes over. Think of it as the “start button” for your computer hardware.

Why Update the BIOS?

Unlike other software, your BIOS shouldn’t be updated frequently unless there’s a specific reason to do so. However, there are a few key benefits to a BIOS update:

Improved Hardware Compatibility: New updates can support upgraded components like CPUs, GPUs, or RAM.

Bug Fixes: Correct issues like random crashes or hardware malfunctions.

Security Enhancements: Some updates resolve critical vulnerabilities, keeping your system more secure.

Performance Boost: Newer BIOS may unlock improved efficiency or features for your motherboard.

Updating the BIOS might not be necessary for all users. If your system is running fine and has no issues, it’s better to leave it alone. However, if you’re facing hardware compatibility issues, bugs, or performance bottlenecks, a BIOS update could be the solution.

Check if You Need a BIOS Update

Before you jump into the update process, determine whether your BIOS is outdated. To do this:

Find Your Current BIOS Version:

Press `Windows + R`, type `msinfo32`, and hit Enter.

Look for the “BIOS Version/Date” field.

Check Your Motherboard Manufacturer’s Website:

Visit the support page of your motherboard’s manufacturer and search for the latest version of your BIOS.

Compare your current BIOS version to the latest one available.

If the website shows a newer version than the one installed on your system, it may be worth updating.

Preparing to Update Your BIOS

The BIOS update process can feel tedious, but preparation will save you from potential headaches. Here’s what you need to do before initiating the update:

Identify Your Motherboard Model:

Refer to your PC’s manual or use tools like CPU-Z to identify your motherboard’s make and model accurately.

Download the Correct BIOS File:

Download the BIOS update utility and the correct update file from your motherboard manufacturer’s website. Ensure the file matches your exact motherboard model.

Backup Your Data:

Since BIOS updates can occasionally fail, back up any critical files to an external drive or cloud storage as a precaution.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):

Ensure your PC is connected to a reliable power source. A power failure during the update could permanently damage your motherboard.

Create a Bootable USB Drive (Optional):

Some BIOS updates require a bootable USB stick. Tools like Rufus can help you create one.

Read the Release Notes:

Check the release notes for the update to understand what improvements or fixes are included. This helps ensure that the update addresses your specific needs.

By covering all these steps, you’ll be ready to proceed confidently.

How to Update Your PC’s BIOS (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Now that you’re prepared, here are the step-by-step instructions for updating your BIOS safely. Always proceed with caution during this process!

Step 1: Open the BIOS or UEFI Settings

Modern PCs typically use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which is an updated version of BIOS. To access BIOS/UEFI:

Restart your computer, and as it powers on, press the correct key (often `F2`, `DEL`, or `Esc`) to enter the BIOS setup. Check your motherboard manual for the exact key.

Step 2: Backup Your Current BIOS (Optional)

Some systems allow you to create a backup of your current BIOS version. If available, make a backup before proceeding. This can be critical in case something goes wrong during the update process.

Step 3: Apply the BIOS Update

Here are the three most common methods for installing a BIOS update:

Method 1: Using a Manufacturer’s Utility in Windows

Some manufacturers (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte) offer software utilities that allow you to update the BIOS directly within Windows. To use this method:

Install the utility provided on the manufacturer’s support website.

Launch the utility and select “Update BIOS.”

Choose the downloaded file from Step 1 and confirm the update.

Method 2: USB Flash Drive

For manual updates via USB:

Copy the BIOS file you downloaded onto a formatted, FAT32 USB drive.

Reboot and enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

Navigate to the “Flash Utility” or “Update BIOS” section (names vary by manufacturer).

Select the BIOS file from the USB drive and start the update.

Method 3: Internet Update

High-end motherboards often allow BIOS updates via direct internet access:

Connect your PC to a stable internet connection (preferably wired).

Enter BIOS Setup and locate the update utility.

Follow prompts to download and install the update directly.

Step 4: Wait Patiently

Once you initiate the update, do not turn off your computer or interrupt the process! The system will restart a few times during the update. This is normal and part of the process.