How to Install a BIOS Update on Your Computer

The basic steps for a BIOS update

A BIOS update involves downloading a file from your computer's manufacturer, putting it on a USB drive, restarting your computer into the BIOS setup screen, and running the update from there. The exact steps depend on whether you have a Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, or another brand — each one has a slightly different process — but the general flow is the same across all of them.

Before you start, shut down all programs and plug in your power adapter if you are using a laptop. A BIOS update should never be interrupted by a power loss or system crash, so a stable power connection is essential. If you are on a desktop, you can also leave it plugged in directly to the wall outlet.

Do not attempt a BIOS update over Wi-Fi or a network connection unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is safe to do so. Using a USB drive is the standard method because it does not depend on your operating system or network staying stable during the update.

Key Takeaways

Download the BIOS file directly from your computer manufacturer's support website using your computer's model number, not from third-party sites.
Put the BIOS file on a blank USB drive formatted as FAT32, which works on all computers and does not require special software.
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup screen by pressing a key during startup — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12 depending on your brand — then navigate to the update or flash option.
Do not turn off your computer, close the lid, or unplug the power during the update, which typically takes 5 to 15 minutes to complete.
After the update finishes, your computer will restart automatically and return to normal operation.

Finding and downloading the correct BIOS file

Go to your computer manufacturer's support website and search for your exact model number. You can find this in Windows by opening Settings, selecting System, then About — look for "System Model" or "Model Number". On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and note the model identifier. On a Linux system, run dmidecode in the terminal or check your system settings.

Once you have the model number, enter it into the manufacturer's support search. Look for a BIOS or firmware download section — it is usually under Drivers & Downloads or Support. Download the file to your regular computer, not directly to a USB drive. The file will typically be a .bin, .exe, .iso, or .rom file depending on your brand.

Do not download BIOS files from anywhere except the official manufacturer website. Third-party sites and file-sharing services can host corrupted or outdated versions that may damage your computer's firmware.

Preparing a USB drive for the update

Insert a blank USB drive into your computer. If the drive has files on it, back them up first — the next step will erase everything. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), right-click the USB drive, and select Format. Choose FAT32 as the file system and give it a simple name like "BIOS". Click Format and wait for it to finish.

Copy the BIOS file you downloaded onto the USB drive. It should be the only file on the drive. Do not put it in a folder — place it in the root directory of the USB drive so the BIOS can find it easily during the update.

Safely eject the USB drive from your computer. On Windows, right-click the drive in File Explorer and select Eject. On Mac, drag the drive to the Trash or click the eject icon next to its name in Finder.

Entering the BIOS setup screen

Insert the USB drive into your computer. Shut down the computer completely — do not use Sleep or Hibernate. Turn it back on and immediately start pressing a key repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup screen. The key varies by manufacturer: Delete or F2 for most Dell and ASUS computers, F2 or F10 for HP and Lenovo, and Delete for many ASUS boards. You may see a message on the startup screen telling you which key to press.

If you miss the window and the computer boots into Windows or your operating system normally, shut down and try again. You have only a few seconds to press the key before the startup process moves past the BIOS screen.

Once you are in the BIOS setup screen, you will see a menu with options like Main, Advanced, Security, and Exit. Look for an option called Update BIOS, Flash BIOS, Update Firmware, or similar — the exact name depends on your manufacturer. It is often in the Main or Tools section.

Running the BIOS update

Select the update or flash option and the BIOS will search for files on connected USB drives. It should find the BIOS file you placed on the USB drive. Select it and confirm that you want to proceed. The BIOS will display the current version and the new version so you can verify you are updating to the correct file.

Once you confirm, the update will begin. You will see a progress bar or percentage counter. This process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your computer. Do not turn off the computer, close the laptop lid, unplug the power, or press any keys during the update. Interrupting the update can leave your BIOS in a broken state and make your computer unable to start.

When the update finishes, the BIOS will display a completion message and automatically restart your computer. Remove the USB drive after the restart begins so the computer boots normally into your operating system.

What to do if the update fails

If the BIOS update fails or your computer does not start after the update, most modern computers have a recovery feature. Restart the computer, enter the BIOS setup screen again, and look for an option like Restore BIOS Defaults, Recovery Mode, or Rollback. This will attempt to restore the previous BIOS version from a backup copy stored on your computer.

If the recovery option does not work or your computer will not start at all, contact the manufacturer's support team with your model number and a description of what happened. Some manufacturers offer a service where they can restore the BIOS for you, though this may require sending the computer in or paying a fee.

Failed BIOS updates are rare on modern computers because manufacturers have built in safeguards, but they can happen if the power fails during the update or if you use an incorrect BIOS file. This is why using a USB drive and a stable power connection are so important.

Verifying the update was successful

After your computer restarts and boots normally, you can check that the BIOS update installed correctly. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS setup screen again using the same key as before. Look for a System Information, Main, or About section that displays the BIOS version number. It should match the new version number from the file you downloaded.

You can also check the BIOS version from within your operating system. In Windows, open Settings, select System, then About and scroll down to find BIOS version. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and look for Boot ROM Version. On Linux, run dmidecode -s bios-version in the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my BIOS?

BIOS updates are optional unless your computer manufacturer specifically recommends one to fix a security issue or hardware problem. Check the release notes on the manufacturer's website to see what the update addresses. If it fixes a security vulnerability or a problem you are experiencing, it is worth doing. If your computer is working fine, you can skip it.

Can I update the BIOS from Windows without a USB drive?
Some manufacturers like Dell and HP offer Windows-based BIOS update tools that you can run from your operating system. Check your manufacturer's support website for a tool called BIOS Update Utility or similar. Using the USB drive method is more reliable because it does not depend on Windows staying stable, but the Windows method is faster if your manufacturer supports it.

What happens if the power goes out during a BIOS update?

A power loss during a BIOS update can corrupt your BIOS and prevent your computer from starting. This is why plugging in your power adapter and using a stable power connection is essential. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, consider using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) before attempting a BIOS update.

How long does a BIOS update take?

Most BIOS updates take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish, including the restart. Some updates may take longer depending on your computer model and the size of the update file. Do not interrupt the process even if it seems to be taking longer than expected — the progress bar or percentage counter will show you that it is still working.

Can I use any USB drive for a BIOS update?

Any USB drive will work as long as you format it as FAT32 before putting the BIOS file on it. Older USB 2.0 drives and newer USB 3.0 drives both work fine. The drive does not need to be large — even a small 1 GB or 2 GB drive is plenty for a BIOS file, which is usually only a few megabytes.

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.