Update Your Computer's BIOS in Five Steps

Understanding Your BIOS and Why Updates Matter

Your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that runs before your operating system loads. Think of it as the bridge between your hardware and software—it initializes your computer's components like the CPU, RAM, and storage drives before Windows or Mac startup begins. The BIOS performs hardware checks, manages boot sequences, and controls low-level system settings that your regular operating system cannot touch.

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BIOS updates are released by manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Intel for several reasons. Security vulnerabilities are a primary driver; hackers sometimes target BIOS-level exploits because they operate at a deeper system level than most antivirus software can reach. According to security research, BIOS vulnerabilities increased by approximately 38% between 2020 and 2023. Updates also fix hardware compatibility issues, improve system stability, and enhance performance with newer processors or components. Some updates address power management problems that can affect battery life on laptops.

Not every BIOS update is critical for your situation. If your computer runs smoothly and you have no compatibility issues, you may not need the latest version. However, if you experience crashes, freezing, or compatibility problems with new hardware, a BIOS update might resolve these issues. Security updates become more important if your computer connects to networks or the internet regularly, which most computers do.

Practical takeaway: Before updating, determine whether your situation warrants one. Check your manufacturer's release notes to see what each update addresses. If the update fixes a specific problem you're experiencing or closes a security vulnerability, it's worth considering. If your system works well, you can safely defer non-critical updates.

Step 1: Identify Your Current BIOS Version and Manufacturer

You cannot update your BIOS without knowing which version you currently have and who manufactured it. Every computer has a specific BIOS version number, and manufacturers release updates incrementally—moving from version 1.2 to 1.3, for example, or from F12 to F13. Finding this information takes just a few minutes on Windows or Mac.

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On Windows 10 or 11, open the "System Information" utility. Press the Windows key and type "msinfo32" into the search box, then press Enter. A window will open showing detailed system information. Look for the "BIOS Version/Date" field, which displays your current version number and the date the BIOS was created. The version number format varies by manufacturer—some use decimal numbers like 2.15, others use letters and numbers like F14 or ABIOS.06. Write down this exact version number.

On Mac computers, click the Apple menu, then select "About This Mac." Click the "System Report" button. In the window that opens, look for "Boot ROM Version" under the Hardware section. This is your Mac equivalent to BIOS. Mac versions typically display as a build number like "iBridge2.74.0."

Identifying your manufacturer requires looking at the same System Information window. You'll see fields for "System Manufacturer" (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.) and often "System Model" (like "Dell XPS 13" or "HP Pavilion 15"). Some computers also display this information on a sticker on the device itself, usually on the bottom or back.

Practical takeaway: Open System Information now and record three pieces of information: your current BIOS version number, the manufacturer name, and your computer's model number. Keep these details accessible as you move through the remaining steps.

Step 2: Visit the Manufacturer's Support Website and Check Available Updates

Each computer manufacturer maintains a support website where you can locate BIOS updates specific to your model. Going directly to the manufacturer's site—not third-party sites—ensures you get legitimate, tested updates. The main manufacturers include Dell (dell.com/support), HP (support.hp.com), Lenovo (support.lenovo.com), ASUS (support.asus.com), Acer (acer.com/support), and MSI (msi.com/support).

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Navigate to the manufacturer's support page and use their search function to find your specific computer model. You'll typically need to enter your model number or service tag. For Dell computers, the service tag is a five-character code printed on the back of the machine. For HP, look for the product number on a sticker. Once you locate your model, the site displays available drivers, software, and BIOS updates.

When you find the BIOS section, download the release notes or changelog before downloading the update itself. Release notes explain what each update fixes or improves. Read through these carefully. You might see entries like "Security update for CVE-2023-12345," which indicates a specific security vulnerability being patched. You might also see "Improves compatibility with Intel 14th generation processors" or "Resolves random shutdown issue reported in version F10." These details help you determine whether the update addresses your needs.

Pay attention to update sequencing. If you're several versions behind—say you have version F08 but version F14 is current—check whether you must install intermediate versions first. Some manufacturers require you to install updates in order; others allow you to jump directly to the latest version. The release notes or support documentation clarifies this. Some update pages also display compatibility information; if your computer model isn't listed, that update isn't for your device.

Practical takeaway: Locate your computer's support page, find your exact model, and read the BIOS update release notes. Create a simple document listing what issues or vulnerabilities each available update addresses. This information guides your decision about which version to install.

Step 3: Back Up Your Important Files and Create a Recovery Plan

BIOS updates are designed to be safe, and successful updates complete without problems in the vast majority of cases. However, any firmware modification carries minimal risk. Power loss during a BIOS update, hardware failure, or extremely rare software errors could potentially leave your computer unable to start. For this reason, backing up your files before any BIOS update represents sensible precaution.

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Backup methods include external hard drives, USB flash drives, or cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud. Ideally, back up files that matter most to you—documents, photos, financial records, and project files. You don't necessarily need to back up your entire drive; your operating system and installed programs can be reinstalled if needed, but personal files cannot be easily recovered if lost. Plan for at least 30 minutes to an hour for the backup process, depending on how much data you're copying and your storage device's speed.

Beyond backing up files, document your current system state. Note which programs you have installed, what browser bookmarks matter to you, and any custom settings you've configured. Taking a screenshot of your desktop and any important application settings provides reference material if you need to reconfigure your system afterward. Some users create a full system image using Windows Backup or Mac Time Machine, which allows restoration of the entire system if something goes wrong—though this is optional for most home users.

Additionally, ensure your computer is plugged into a power source during the update. Never run a BIOS update on battery power. If you're using a laptop, connect the power adapter and verify it's charging. For desktop computers, confirm your power supply is functioning properly. Some BIOS update programs display a warning if they detect low battery; heed this warning and plug in before proceeding.

Practical takeaway: Spend 30-60 minutes backing up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage before beginning the BIOS update process. Keep your computer plugged into power during the entire update procedure. This preparation prevents data loss and minimizes risk.

Step 4: Download and Prepare the BIOS Update File

With your files backed up and update information reviewed, you're ready to download the BIOS update file. Go to the manufacturer's support page again and locate the BIOS update for your specific model. Most manufacturers offer the update in a compressed format—usually a ZIP file or executable installer. Click the download button and save the file to your computer.

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Depending on your manufacturer, the BIOS update might come in several formats. Dell and HP often provide executable installers that you simply run. ASUS, Lenovo, and MSI sometimes provide compressed folders containing BIOS files that you must extract. If you download a ZIP file, right-