ASRock BIOS updates do not automatically update Thunderbolt firmware — they are separate components that need separate updates
When you update your ASRock motherboard's BIOS, you are updating the core firmware that controls how your motherboard boots and manages hardware. Thunderbolt is a separate controller on some ASRock boards, and it has its own firmware that lives independently. A BIOS update will not touch it. If your Thunderbolt port is having problems or you want the latest Thunderbolt features, you need to check for and install a Thunderbolt firmware update as a separate step.
This matters because people often assume a BIOS update fixes everything on the board, then wonder why a Thunderbolt issue persists. It also matters because Thunderbolt firmware updates are less common than BIOS updates, so you might not think to look for one.
Key Takeaways
- BIOS updates and Thunderbolt firmware updates are separate files that do not overlap — updating one does not update the other.
- Not all ASRock boards have Thunderbolt; check your motherboard manual or product page to confirm yours does before looking for a Thunderbolt update.
- Thunderbolt firmware updates are found on the same ASRock support page as BIOS updates, but you download and install them separately using different tools.
- Installing Thunderbolt firmware requires the Thunderbolt Control Center software from Intel, not the BIOS update tool.
How to check if your ASRock board has Thunderbolt
Not every ASRock motherboard includes a Thunderbolt controller. Thunderbolt is more common on higher-end boards and some X-series boards, but it is not standard across the line. The fastest way to know is to look at your motherboard's physical ports — Thunderbolt ports are usually labeled with the Thunderbolt symbol (a lightning bolt inside a circle) and are typically USB-C shaped.
If you are not sure by looking, go to the ASRock support page for your exact motherboard model. Search for your board's name and model number (for example, "ASRock Z790 Steel Legend"). On that page, look for a "Specifications" or "Features" section. If Thunderbolt is present, it will be listed there. You can also check your motherboard manual — the port diagram will show which ports are Thunderbolt.
Where to find Thunderbolt firmware on the ASRock website
Go to the ASRock support page for your motherboard model. Under the "Download" or "Support" tab, you will see sections for BIOS, drivers, and utilities. Thunderbolt firmware is usually listed under a "Firmware" or "Utilities" section, separate from the BIOS downloads.
The file name will typically include "Thunderbolt" or "TBT" in it. For example, you might see something like "Thunderbolt Firmware v2.1" or "TBT_Firmware_Update.zip". Download this file to your computer. Do not confuse it with the BIOS file, which will have a different name and is usually much larger.
How to install Thunderbolt firmware separately from BIOS
Thunderbolt firmware installation is different from BIOS installation. You cannot use the BIOS update tool (like ASRock's Instant Flash utility) to install Thunderbolt firmware. Instead, you need Intel's Thunderbolt Control Center software.
First, download and install the Thunderbolt Control Center from Intel's website or from your ASRock support page if it is included there. Once installed, open the Thunderbolt Control Center. It will show you the current Thunderbolt firmware version on your board. If a newer version is available, the Control Center will prompt you to update, or you can manually select the firmware file you downloaded and install it from there. The process usually takes a few minutes, and your computer may restart.
Some ASRock boards also include a standalone Thunderbolt firmware update tool in the download package. If that is the case, the instructions will be in the readme file included with the download. Always read the readme before installing, because the exact steps can vary by board.
Why BIOS and Thunderbolt firmware are separate
Thunderbolt is a separate chip on your motherboard with its own processor and memory. It handles all the Thunderbolt port communication independently from the main BIOS. The BIOS tells the motherboard how to recognize the Thunderbolt controller exists, but it does not control how the Thunderbolt controller itself works. That is why Thunderbolt firmware is its own thing.
This separation also means Thunderbolt firmware updates happen on a different schedule than BIOS updates. You might get a BIOS update every few months, but Thunderbolt firmware updates might come once a year or less often. ASRock does not bundle them together because they are managed by different teams and released on different timelines.
When you actually need a Thunderbolt firmware update
You do not need to update Thunderbolt firmware just because a new version exists. Update it if you are experiencing problems with your Thunderbolt port — devices not being recognized, disconnections, or slow speeds — or if you want to use a new Thunderbolt feature that requires a newer firmware version.
Check the release notes on the ASRock support page to see what each Thunderbolt firmware version fixes or adds. If the fixes do not apply to you and you are not having problems, there is no reason to update. Thunderbolt firmware updates are generally safe, but like any firmware update, there is a small risk of something going wrong if your computer loses power during the installation. Only update when you have a stable power supply and a few minutes to spare.
What to do if you cannot find Thunderbolt firmware for your board
If you have confirmed your board has Thunderbolt but you cannot find a Thunderbolt firmware file on the ASRock support page, it may mean ASRock is not releasing separate Thunderbolt firmware updates for that model. This sometimes happens with older boards or boards where the Thunderbolt controller is integrated in a way that does not require separate updates.
In that case, check whether Intel's Thunderbolt Control Center itself offers firmware updates. Sometimes Intel pushes Thunderbolt firmware updates through the Control Center software rather than through motherboard manufacturers. Install the Control Center, open it, and see if it detects an available update. If neither ASRock nor Intel has an update available, your Thunderbolt firmware is as current as it is going to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating my BIOS fix Thunderbolt problems?
A BIOS update might help if the problem is how the motherboard recognizes the Thunderbolt controller, but usually not if the problem is with the Thunderbolt firmware itself. If Thunderbolt is not working after a BIOS update, check for a separate Thunderbolt firmware update before assuming the BIOS update did not help.
Can I update Thunderbolt firmware from Windows or do I need to go into BIOS?
You update Thunderbolt firmware from Windows using the Thunderbolt Control Center or a standalone update tool — you do not need to enter BIOS. This is different from BIOS updates, which usually require you to restart and enter the BIOS menu or use a BIOS flash tool.
What happens if a Thunderbolt firmware update fails?
If the update fails partway through, your Thunderbolt port may stop working until you successfully complete the update. Restart your computer and try the update again. If it keeps failing, contact ASRock support with your motherboard model and the error message you received.
Do I need to uninstall old Thunderbolt drivers before updating firmware?
No. Thunderbolt firmware and Thunderbolt drivers are separate. You do not need to uninstall drivers before updating firmware. The firmware update will work regardless of which driver version you have installed.