A BIOS update usually takes between 5 and 30 minutes from start to finish, depending on your computer model and whether anything goes wrong
The actual writing of new firmware to your BIOS chip takes only a few minutes — often 2 to 5 minutes. But the full process includes restart time, pre-update checks, and post-update verification, which add 10 to 25 minutes on top of that. If your computer restarts multiple times (some do), you're looking at the longer end of that range.
The time varies most by manufacturer. Dell and Lenovo updates often run 10 to 15 minutes total. ASUS and MSI motherboard updates can stretch to 20 to 30 minutes. HP and Acer laptops typically fall in the 15 to 20 minute range. These are rough windows, not guarantees — your specific model may differ.
What matters more than the clock time is that you do not interrupt the update once it starts. A failed BIOS update can leave your computer unable to boot at all, which is why manufacturers build in safeguards and why the process takes as long as it does.
Key Takeaways
- The actual firmware write takes 2 to 5 minutes, but the full update process including restarts and checks takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your computer model.
- You must keep your computer plugged in and never force a shutdown during a BIOS update, even if the screen goes blank or nothing seems to be happening.
- Some computers restart once during the update; others restart twice or three times, which extends the total time.
- If an update appears to be frozen after 30 minutes with no screen activity, wait another 10 minutes before considering it stuck, because some updates have long silent phases.
Why BIOS updates take longer than you'd expect
A BIOS update is not like installing a regular software program. The BIOS is the lowest-level code on your computer — it runs before Windows or macOS even loads. Because of that, the update process has to be extremely careful. The manufacturer's update tool performs safety checks before writing anything, verifies the new firmware is the right version for your exact model, and checks your battery level or power connection.
After the firmware writes to the chip, your computer restarts. During that restart, the BIOS itself runs the new code for the first time and performs its own internal checks. This is why you often see a black screen or a manufacturer logo for longer than usual during a BIOS update restart — the BIOS is testing itself. Once Windows or macOS loads again, the update tool may run a final verification step to confirm the write was successful.
Each of these steps is there to prevent a corrupted update from bricking your machine. That's why the process feels slow compared to a Windows or app update — it's trading speed for safety.
Timing for different types of BIOS updates
Laptop BIOS updates typically take 15 to 25 minutes. Manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo have standardized update tools that follow a similar pattern: pre-flight checks (2 to 3 minutes), firmware write (3 to 5 minutes), restart and BIOS self-check (5 to 10 minutes), and post-update verification (2 to 5 minutes). Laptops often have only one restart during the update.
Desktop BIOS updates vary more widely depending on whether you're updating through the motherboard manufacturer's tool or through your computer maker's utility. A motherboard update from ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte can take 20 to 30 minutes because these tools often include more detailed progress reporting and multiple restart cycles. A desktop from Dell or Lenovo using their proprietary tool usually matches laptop timing — 15 to 20 minutes.
Updates from within the BIOS menu itself (sometimes called "BIOS Flashback" on ASUS boards or similar names on other brands) tend to be faster — 10 to 15 minutes — because they skip the operating system entirely and write directly from the BIOS environment. However, these methods are less common for routine updates and are usually reserved for recovery situations.
What happens if the update seems stuck
During a BIOS update, your screen may go completely black for several minutes. This is normal. The computer is not frozen — it's writing to the firmware chip, which is a slow process, and the display is off during this time. Resist the urge to force a shutdown.
If you see no activity for 30 minutes, wait another 10 minutes before assuming something went wrong. Some updates have long silent phases where nothing appears on screen but the process is still running. If 40 minutes have passed with no change and the computer is not warm (indicating the CPU is still working), then you may have a genuine failure.
If a BIOS update does fail — usually because of a power loss or forced shutdown — your computer will often attempt to recover automatically on the next boot. Many modern computers have a backup BIOS copy or a recovery mode that lets you retry the update. However, recovery is not may provide, which is why preventing failure in the first place (by not interrupting the update) is critical.
How to prepare so the update goes smoothly
Before you start a BIOS update, plug your laptop into power or ensure your desktop is connected to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). A power loss during the firmware write is one of the few things that can truly brick a computer. If you're on a laptop, charge it to 100% first — some manufacturers require at least 50% battery before allowing the update to proceed.
Close all other programs, including antivirus software and browser windows. Some BIOS update tools will refuse to run if they detect other software running, and others will proceed but may be slower. Restarting your computer before the update is a good idea, just to clear out any background processes.
Read the release notes for the update before you start. Manufacturers sometimes note if a particular update takes longer than usual, or if there are known issues with specific hardware configurations. If the release notes mention multiple restarts, you know to expect 25 to 30 minutes rather than 15.
Timing differences between manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Typical Update Time | Number of Restarts |
|---|---|---|
| Dell (laptops and desktops) | 10 to 15 minutes | Usually 1 |
| HP/Compaq | 15 to 20 minutes | Usually 1 to 2 |
| Lenovo | 12 to 18 minutes | Usually 1 |
| ASUS (motherboards) | 20 to 30 minutes | Often 2 to 3 |
| MSI (motherboards) | 18 to 28 minutes | Often 2 |
| Gigabyte (motherboards) | 15 to 25 minutes | Usually 1 to 2 |
These ranges reflect typical behavior, but individual models can vary. A very old motherboard might take longer because the BIOS chip itself is slower. A brand-new model might be faster. The best source for your specific timing is the release notes that come with the update file itself.
What to do while the update is running
Do not use your computer while a BIOS update is in progress. Do not try to open files, check email, or switch to another task. The update tool will usually lock you out of doing anything else anyway, but the principle is important: your full attention should be on making sure nothing interrupts the process.
If you're updating a desktop computer, stay near it. If the power goes out or a cable comes loose, you want to know immediately rather than discovering it after the update has failed. For laptops, keep them on a stable surface where they won't be knocked over or jostled.
Bring a book or your phone (not connected to the computer). The update will take 15 to 30 minutes, and there's nothing productive you can do with the computer during that time. Trying to multitask is how people accidentally interrupt updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for the screen to go black during a BIOS update?
Yes. The display turns off during the firmware write phase, which can last several minutes. The computer is working even though you see nothing. Do not force a shutdown just because the screen is dark.
Can I use my computer right after the BIOS update finishes?
Yes, once Windows or macOS loads and the update tool shows a success message, the update is complete and your computer is safe to use normally. You do not need to wait or perform any additional steps.
What if the BIOS update fails halfway through?
Most computers have recovery mechanisms that attempt to restore the previous BIOS automatically on the next boot. If recovery fails, you may need to contact the manufacturer's support or visit a service center. This is rare if you do not interrupt the update.
Do I need to uninstall the old BIOS before updating?
No. The update tool overwrites the old BIOS automatically. You just download the new BIOS file, run the update tool, and let it handle the rest. There is no uninstall step.
Why does my computer restart multiple times during the update?
Some manufacturers use multiple restart cycles to verify the update at different stages. The first restart lets the BIOS test itself with the new code. A second restart may let the operating system verify the update was successful. Multiple restarts are normal and do not indicate a problem.