How to Find Your Computer's BIOS Version in Windows, Mac, and Linux

Check your BIOS version from Windows using System Information

The fastest way to find your BIOS version on Windows is through System Information, a built-in tool that pulls the data directly from your computer's firmware. Open the Start menu, type "System Information" into the search box, and press Enter. A window will open showing your computer's hardware details.

Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows both your BIOS version number and when it was released. Write down the full version string exactly as it appears; you may need it if you're checking whether an update is available for your motherboard. The version format varies by manufacturer (BIOS makers like AMI, Award, and Phoenix use different numbering schemes), so don't try to interpret what the numbers mean — just record what you see.

If System Information doesn't show a BIOS Version line, your computer may be using UEFI firmware instead of traditional BIOS. The information is still there, just labeled differently — look for "Firmware Version" or "System Firmware Version" in the same window.

Key Takeaways

Windows users can find their BIOS version by opening System Information from the Start menu and looking for the "BIOS Version/Date" line.
Mac users need to restart their computer, hold Command+Option+P+R during startup, and listen for the startup sound twice, then check System Report after restarting.
Linux users can check BIOS version by opening a terminal and running the command sudo dmidecode -s bios-version.
Your BIOS version number format depends on your motherboard manufacturer, so the exact appearance will differ between Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and other brands.
Knowing your current BIOS version helps you determine whether firmware updates are available for your specific computer model.

Check your BIOS version from the Windows command line

If you prefer using the command line, you can pull your BIOS information directly without opening the graphical System Information window. Right-click the Start menu and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)" — you need administrator access for this to work.

Type the following command and press Enter: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. The terminal will display your BIOS version number on the next line. This method is useful if System Information isn't responding or if you're troubleshooting a computer that's having startup problems, since the command line often works when the graphical interface doesn't.

Check your BIOS version on a Mac

Mac computers store BIOS information (called firmware on Apple machines) in a different location than Windows. The easiest method is to restart your Mac and hold down Command+Option+P+R immediately after you hear the startup sound. Keep holding these keys until you hear the startup sound a second time — this resets the NVRAM, which stores firmware settings.

After your Mac restarts normally, open System Report by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner, selecting "About This Mac," and then clicking "System Report." In the window that opens, click "Firmware" in the left sidebar. You'll see your firmware version displayed as a version number and build identifier.

If you don't want to restart your Mac, you can also check firmware version without restarting: go to the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and look for "Boot ROM Version" in the Overview tab. This shows your current firmware without requiring a restart.

Check your BIOS version on Linux

Linux systems access BIOS information through the DMI (Desktop Management Interface) database, which stores hardware details that the BIOS provides to the operating system. Open a terminal window and type the following command: sudo dmidecode -s bios-version. The system will ask for your password (you need administrator access), and then display your BIOS version on the next line.

If you want to see additional BIOS information beyond just the version number, you can run sudo dmidecode -t bios instead. This shows the BIOS vendor (the manufacturer), the version, the release date, and the ROM size. All of this information comes directly from your motherboard's firmware.

What to do after you find your BIOS version

Once you have your BIOS version number, you can check whether your computer manufacturer has released a newer version. Visit your computer's support page (search for your exact model number plus "BIOS update" or "firmware update") and compare the version you found with the latest version listed there.

If a newer version is available, the manufacturer's support page will have instructions for updating. BIOS updates are different from regular software updates — they require more care because a failed BIOS update can make your computer unable to start. Always follow the manufacturer's exact steps, use a stable power source (plug in your laptop rather than relying on battery), and don't interrupt the update once it starts.

If your current version matches the latest version available, your BIOS is up to date and you don't need to do anything. BIOS updates are not required for normal computer use — they're only necessary if the manufacturer has released a fix for a specific problem you're experiencing or a security issue that affects your hardware.

Why your BIOS version matters

Your BIOS version determines which features your motherboard supports and which hardware it can recognize. Older BIOS versions sometimes don't recognize newer processors or storage drives, even if the motherboard is physically compatible with them. If you've installed new hardware and your computer doesn't recognize it, updating your BIOS may solve the problem.

BIOS updates also patch security vulnerabilities in your motherboard's firmware. Manufacturers occasionally release updates to fix flaws that could allow attackers to access your system at a level below the operating system. These updates are less common than operating system security patches, but they're important when they're released for your specific hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will checking my BIOS version change anything on my computer?

No. Looking at your BIOS version using System Information, the command line, or System Report only reads the information — it doesn't modify anything. You can check your BIOS version as many times as you want without any risk to your system.

Why does my BIOS version look like a long string of letters and numbers?

Different motherboard manufacturers use different version numbering systems. Dell might show something like "A17", while ASUS might show "3201", and Lenovo might show "N2HET47W". The format doesn't matter — what matters is whether it matches the latest version available for your specific computer model.

Can I check my BIOS version if my computer won't start?

If your computer won't start at all, you can't check the BIOS version from within Windows, Mac, or Linux. However, you can often find your BIOS version by looking at your motherboard directly — the version is sometimes printed on the BIOS chip itself, though it's small and may require a flashlight to read. Your computer's manual or support page also lists compatible BIOS versions for your model.

Is my BIOS version the same as my Windows version?

No. Your BIOS version and your Windows version are completely separate. BIOS is firmware that runs before Windows starts up, while Windows is your operating system. You can have any BIOS version with any Windows version — they don't have to match.

Do I need to update my BIOS if it's old?

Not necessarily. If your computer is working normally and you haven't installed new hardware, an old BIOS version usually doesn't cause problems. Update only if the manufacturer recommends it for a specific issue, if you've added new hardware that isn't recognized, or if a security vulnerability affects your motherboard model.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.