BIOS is like your computer’s in-house doctor. It keeps essential hardware components communicating properly, much like how a physician ensures different systems in your body work together. However, even the best doctors need continuing medical education to offer the best care. Similarly, updating your BIOS equips it with the latest tools to diagnose hardware issues, improve performance, and strengthen system security.
Just as a doctor adjusts treatments based on the newest research, a BIOS update fine-tunes your machine’s capabilities. It resolves known bugs, enhances compatibility with new hardware, and patches security vulnerabilities.
Here’s how to update BIOS to ensure your system earns a clean bill of health:
Check your current BIOS version
Knowing your BIOS version helps you identify which future updates are appropriate and compatible. Installing the wrong update can cause hardware issues or system instability. Here are two ways to methods to find out which version you’re using:
Method 1: Use Windows system information
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msinfo32 and hit Enter. This opens the System Information window.
- In the left menu, select System Summary (it’s usually selected by default).
- Look for BIOS Version/Date on the right side. You’ll see details like the BIOS version number, release date, and manufacturer name.
Method 2: Check through BIOS or UEFI settings
- Restart your computer.
- As the computer powers on, repeatedly press the key that opens the BIOS or UEFI menu. Common keys include F2, Del, Esc, or F10. The exact key depends on your computer or motherboard manufacturer, so check your system’s manual if you’re unsure.
- Once inside the BIOS or UEFI interface, use the arrow keys to navigate (mouse support may not be available).
- Look for a tab or section labelled Main, System Information, or something similar. The BIOS version is often displayed right on the landing page.
- Record the BIOS version, then exit BIOS setup. Look for an option such as ‘Exit Saving Changes’ or ‘Exit Discarding Changes.’ If you didn’t make any changes, choose the option to exit without saving to avoid altering system settings, then your computer will reboot normally.
BIOS and UEFI: What’s the difference?
UEFI (unified extensible firmware interface) has mostly replaced BIOS on many modern systems and offers a user-friendly experience and features like secure boot for better protection against cyber threats. While they’re technically different, BIOS and UEFI have similar updating processes, and many people still use “BIOS” as a catch-all term or interchange the two.
Update preparation
Back up important data before getting started in case you encounter unexpected problems during the update, like accidentally installing the wrong BIOS version.
You’ll also need a reliable power source in case there’s a power failure. If there’s a power interruption during a BIOS update, your device could become unusable or “bricked.” Why? The BIOS may become corrupted, which could potentially prevent your computer from booting up.
To help mitigate this risk, use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for desktops. Make sure your batteries are fully charged for laptops, and connect your power adapter. This should protect against power interruptions.
How to update BIOS: Step-by-step
Follow these steps when updating your motherboard’s BIOS:
1. Locate your motherboard model
Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s official website to find the correct BIOS update. Ensure the version you download matches your exact model to prevent compatibility issues.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
BIOS update methods differ between manufacturers. Look for the official support page for your specific motherboard and review their detailed steps. Knowing what to do can help avoid common installation issues.
3. Download the BIOS update file
Format a USB drive to a BIOS-compatible file system (typically FAT32). Download the BIOS update file from the manufacturer’s site. The update file is usually a compressed (ZIP) file. Extract its contents and save it to the USB.
4. Prep your system
Your computer will likely restart during the update. Save any open files and close running applications to avoid losing any work.
5. Start the BIOS update process
There are two common ways to do this, depending on your motherboard brand:
Option 1: Through the BIOS menu (most common)
- Restart your computer and press the required key (often Del, F2, or F10) to enter the BIOS setup screen.
- Look for the “BIOS Update” or “EZ Flash” option in the BIOS menu.
- Choose the update file from your USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions.
Option 2: Using manufacturer software
Some brands offer dedicated software tools like ASUS EZ Update, Dell Update Utility, HP Support assistant, MSI Driver Utility Installer, or Lenovo System Update, to name a few. These tools can check for updates and apply them directly from Windows.
6. Finish the update
Your computer might restart automatically after the update completes. If it doesn’t, restart manually. However, never force a restart if the Update is still in the progress of running. TL;DR: Always confirm the Update is finished before attempting to restart.
Once rebooted, check the BIOS version by opening the System Information window (msinfo32) or re-entering the BIOS setup screen to confirm if the update was successful.
Troubleshooting common BIOS update issues
Now that you know how to update BIOS correctly, here are a few problems you may encounter and how to fix them:
System won’t boot after the update
Remove the battery on the motherboard or use the reset jumper to restore BIOS settings to default. This can often resolve startup problems.
You can also use BIOS recovery mode. Many systems have a built-in recovery option that can roll back to a backup BIOS if the update goes wrong. Check your system’s manual to see if this feature is available.
System freezes during the update
Sometimes you can wait this out. If there’s any sign of activity (like a blinking USB drive light), the update process may still be running. Let it continue until it completes. If there’s no progress after 30-60 minutes, contact the system or motherboard manufacturer’s support team.
Firmware mismatch error message
Double-check that the update file matches your exact motherboard or system model. Download the correct version from the manufacturer’s official site to avoid compatibility issues.
Unusual system behavior after the update
Head into the BIOS setup and reset everything to default. This can clear up conflicts caused by old or customized configurations. Sometimes, a BIOS update may require newer drivers for components like the chipset or storage controllers. Check the manufacturer’s site for the latest versions.
Benefits of updating BIOS
BIOS updates resolve compatibility issues, boost system stability, and patch security vulnerabilities, especially when you introduce new hardware or features. Here’s how updating BIOS can help your business stay ahead:
Enhanced hardware compatibility
New hardware components like CPUs, GPUs, and memory modules often need updated BIOS firmware to function correctly. This ensures your system recognizes and supports the latest technology. For example, if you upgrade your servers with new processors, a BIOS update adds support for the new CPUs so that your servers don’t fail to boot after installation.
Improved system stability
BIOS updates optimize how hardware and software work together. If you’re experiencing frequent server crashes, freezes, or unexpected reboots during peak usage, installing a BIOS update can stabilize your system and deliver uninterrupted services.
Updated security patches
Regular BIOS updates parch firmware vulnerabilities, protecting systems from potential cyberattacks. If you learn of a newly discovered firmware exploit targeting its server hardware, a BIOS update from the manufacturer can patch the vulnerability, helping secure your company’s infrastructure and protect client data.
Best practices for BIOS updates
- Automate BIOS updates: Automating routine tasks saves time and reduces potential errors. Use enterprise-grade tools like Syncro’s IT management platform to schedule BIOS updates across all devices from one centralized dashboard. This minimizes manual work while ensuring updates are consistently applied on time.
- Check performance after updates: Successful updates don’t end after installation. Advanced monitoring tools continuously track system performance post-update, alerting your team to unusual activity. If something requires attention, real-time diagnostics help identify and resolve issues quickly.
- Stay informed: Integrate manufacturer announcements into your IT management workflow so important updates come directly to you. This keeps your team aware of critical releases and new features without extra research or manual checks.
How to update BIOS with Syncro
Much like how doctors rely on the latest research to provide better care, your BIOS needs updates to stay effective. These updates help BIOS diagnose hardware issues more accurately, apply fixes, and strengthen system defenses.
Syncro’s IT management platform simplifies your BIOS update process by applying updates consistently while giving you full visibility and control over the entire process. This proactive approach keeps your IT environment secure, reliable, and running efficiently without demanding more of your time.
Ready to see Syncro in action? Schedule a demo and discover how Syncro’s all-in-one platform can simplify IT management for your business. ions upon billions.
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