How to Update Your BIOS Safely on Windows 10 and 11
- Identify Your System Use the System Information tool (msinfo) to find your exact System Model and current BIOS Version to determine if an update is actually needed.
- Download Correctly Visit your computer manufacturer's official support site to download the latest BIOS file and ensure you extract the contents if they are compressed in a ZIP folder.
- Update Safely Connect your device to a stable power source and enter the BIOS menu during startup to run the update tool while ensuring you do not turn off the PC during the installation.
Updating the BIOS on a Windows computer is a task that sounds intimidating to many users but is straightforward if approached with care. The BIOS or Basic Input Output System is the firmware that initializes your hardware before Windows even starts. While modern computers running Windows 10 or 11 often handle these updates automatically, there are times when a manual update is necessary to fix bugs or support new hardware. The process begins by identifying exactly what is currently running on your machine.
The first essential step involves gathering information about your specific system. You can open the Start menu and type "msinfo" to launch the System Information app. Inside this window you need to look for the "System Model" to know exactly what hardware you have and the "BIOS Version/Date" to see your current firmware level. This information is critical because you only need to proceed if the manufacturer's website offers a version number higher than what is currently installed on your PC.
Once you have your model number you must visit the official support website for your computer manufacturer. A quick search for your model name followed by keywords like "drivers" or "BIOS" will usually lead you to the correct download page. Look for the BIOS section and verify that the available file is indeed a newer version than what you found in the System Information app. If it is newer you should download the file and extract it if it comes inside a ZIP folder.
Before initiating the actual update it is vital to ensure the computer has a reliable power source. If you are using a laptop plug it into the wall charger to prevent the battery from dying during the process which could permanently damage the motherboard. You should also open and read any "README" text files included with the download as the manufacturer's specific instructions always take precedence over general guides. Some older systems might even require the file to be placed on a USB flash drive.
The final phase involves restarting the computer to access the BIOS menu. As the computer boots up you will need to rapidly press a specific key which is often F12, Delete, or Esc depending on the brand. Inside the BIOS interface look for an "Update" or "Flash" tool and select the file you extracted earlier. Allow the process to run its course without interruption even if it takes up to an hour. Never turn off the computer while the update is in progress as this can corrupt the system and render the machine unusable.