Check your current BIOS version first

Before you look for updates, you need to know which version of BIOS your computer is running right now. The method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.

On Windows, press the Windows key and R together to open the Run dialog. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. A window called "System Information" will open. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows your current BIOS version and when it was released. Write this down or take a screenshot.

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and 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 BIOS equivalent on Mac.

On Linux, open a terminal and type sudo dmidecode -s bios-version, then press Enter. You may be asked for your password. The output will show your BIOS version.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your current BIOS version using msinfo32 on Windows, About This Mac on Mac, or the dmidecode command on Linux.
  • Visit your computer manufacturer's support website — Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, or whoever made your machine — and search for your exact model number.
  • Compare the version listed on the manufacturer's website to the version you found on your computer; if the website version is newer, an update is available.
  • BIOS updates fix security vulnerabilities and hardware problems, but they carry a small risk if interrupted, so only update when your battery is fully charged or plugged in.

Find your computer's model number

You need to know your exact model to find the right BIOS update. The model number is not the same as the brand — "Dell" is a brand, but "XPS 13 9370" is a model.

On Windows, open System Information again (Windows key + R, then type msinfo32). Look for "System Model" — this is what you need. On a Dell, it might say "XPS 13 9370". On an HP, it might say "Pavilion 15-cc0xx". Write this down exactly as it appears.

On Mac, go to Apple menu > About This Mac and look for "Model Identifier" — for example, "MacBookPro15,1". On Linux, type sudo dmidecode -s system-product-name in a terminal to see your model.

If you cannot find the model number on screen, look at the physical computer. Most laptops have a sticker on the bottom with the model printed on it. Desktops often have the model on a sticker on the back or side of the case.

Visit your manufacturer's support website

Each computer maker hosts BIOS updates on their own support site. Go to Dell.com, HP.com, Lenovo.com, ASUS.com, or whichever manufacturer made your computer. Look for a "Support" or "Downloads" section.

Enter your model number in the search box. The site will show you a page for your specific computer. Look for a section called "BIOS", "Firmware", or "System Software". This section lists all available BIOS versions for your model.

The newest version is usually listed first. Compare the version number you found on your computer to the version number on the website. If the website shows a newer version, an update is available for you.

Do not download anything yet — just note whether an update exists. Read the release notes (usually a link next to the BIOS file) to see what the update fixes. Some updates address security issues, others fix hardware compatibility problems, and some address performance or battery life.

Understand what the version numbers mean

BIOS version numbers look different depending on the manufacturer, but they all follow a pattern: newer numbers mean newer versions. You do not need to understand the full numbering scheme — you only need to know which is newer.

Dell uses formats like "1.2.3" or "2.8.1". HP uses formats like "F.23" or "01.02.03". ASUS uses formats like "3105" or "0405". Lenovo uses formats like "N2HET47W" or "FWKT56A".

The key rule: read the numbers from left to right. If the first number on the website is higher than the first number on your computer, the website version is newer. If the first numbers match, compare the second number. If those match, compare the third. For example, version 2.8.1 is newer than version 2.7.9 because the second number (8) is higher than the second number (7).

The release notes on the manufacturer's website will also state clearly whether this is a newer version or an older one, so you can always check there if you are unsure.

Check for updates through your computer's settings

Some computers have a built-in tool that checks for BIOS updates automatically. This is easier than visiting the website yourself, though it does not always find every available update.

On Windows, some Dell, HP, and Lenovo computers come with a tool called "Dell SupportAssist", "HP Support Assistant", or "Lenovo Vantage". Open the Start menu and search for the name of your manufacturer's support tool. If it is installed, open it and look for a section called "System Updates", "BIOS Updates", or "Firmware". The tool will scan your computer and tell you if an update is available.

On Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then look for "Software Update" or "System Update". Click "Check Now" to see if any updates, including BIOS updates, are available. Mac handles BIOS updates differently than Windows — they are often bundled with regular system updates.

If your computer does not have a built-in update tool, or if the tool does not find an update that the manufacturer's website shows, you can download the update directly from the website and install it manually. The manufacturer's website will have instructions for your specific model.

Decide whether to update now or wait

Not every BIOS update is urgent. Some fix security vulnerabilities that affect your computer's safety, while others improve compatibility with new hardware or fix minor bugs that may not affect you.

Read the release notes on the manufacturer's website to understand what the update addresses. If the notes mention a security vulnerability, a fix for a problem you are experiencing, or support for new hardware you plan to use, the update is worth doing. If the notes describe a fix for a problem you do not have, you can safely wait.

BIOS updates carry a small risk: if the update is interrupted by a power loss or crash, your computer may not start. For this reason, only update when your laptop is fully charged or plugged in, or when your desktop is on a stable power supply. Do not update during a thunderstorm or when the power is unreliable.

If you decide to update, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. Most updates require you to restart your computer and let the update run before Windows or Mac loads. Do not turn off your computer during the update, and do not remove any USB drives or external devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not update my BIOS?

Your computer will continue to work. BIOS updates are not required for normal use. However, if the update fixes a security vulnerability, not updating leaves your computer at risk. If the update fixes a hardware compatibility problem you are experiencing, not updating means the problem stays.

Can I update my BIOS from a Mac or Linux computer?

It depends on the manufacturer. Some allow BIOS updates only from Windows. Others provide tools for Mac or Linux. Check your manufacturer's support website for your specific model — the download page will tell you which operating systems can run the update tool.

Is it safe to update BIOS on a laptop?

Yes, as long as your battery is fully charged or the laptop is plugged in. A power loss during a BIOS update can damage your computer's firmware. If your laptop battery is low, charge it to 100% before starting the update.

How long does a BIOS update take?

Most BIOS updates take between 5 and 15 minutes, though some can take longer. The update tool will show a progress bar. Do not interrupt it or turn off your computer until the progress bar reaches 100% and the computer restarts on its own.

Will updating BIOS erase my files?

No. A BIOS update only changes the firmware that runs before your operating system loads. It does not touch your files, programs, or settings. Your computer will look and work exactly the same after the update.