How to check your BIOS version right now
The fastest way to see your BIOS version is to restart your computer and look at the screen that appears before Windows or Mac loads. This screen, called the boot screen, displays your BIOS version in small text — usually in the bottom right or left corner. Write down the version number you see, because you'll need it to compare against what's current.
If you miss the boot screen, you can check your BIOS version without restarting. On Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type msinfo32, and press Enter. A window called "System Information" opens. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows your current version. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," then click "System Report." Look for "Boot ROM Version" in the Hardware section.
Write down the exact version number and date shown. This is what you'll use to determine whether an update is available.
Key Takeaways
- Your BIOS version appears on the boot screen when your computer starts, or you can find it through System Information on Windows or System Report on Mac.
- You need to know your exact BIOS version before checking for updates, because manufacturers release updates only for specific models.
- Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer's support website and search for your exact model number to see what BIOS versions are available.
- BIOS updates fix security problems and hardware compatibility issues, but updating carries a small risk if the power fails during the process.
- Most people do not need to update BIOS unless the manufacturer lists a security fix or a fix for a problem they are experiencing.
Finding your computer or motherboard model number
Before you can check whether an update exists, you need to know exactly which computer or motherboard you have. The model number matters because a BIOS update for one model will not work on another, even from the same manufacturer.
On Windows, open System Information again (Windows key + R, then type msinfo32). Look for the line labeled "System Model" — this is your computer's model number. If you built your own computer or have a custom machine, you need your motherboard model instead. Restart your computer and look at the boot screen for the motherboard name and model, or open the Device Manager (right-click the Start menu and select it), expand "System devices," and look for your motherboard listed there.
On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and look for "Model Identifier" — this is what you need. Write this down exactly as it appears.
Checking the manufacturer's website for updates
Once you have your BIOS version and your model number, go to your computer or motherboard manufacturer's support website. For Dell, HP, Lenovo, or Asus computers, search their support site for your exact model number. For motherboards, go directly to the motherboard manufacturer — Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, or ASRock.
Search for your model number in their support section. You should see a page listing drivers and BIOS files available for your machine. Look for the BIOS section and note the version number listed there. Compare it to the version number you wrote down earlier. If the version on the website is newer than what you have, an update is available.
Read the release notes next to the BIOS file. These notes explain what the update fixes. If the notes mention a security problem you care about, or a fix for hardware that is not working correctly on your machine, the update may be worth doing. If the notes say "minor bug fixes" or "improved compatibility with certain USB devices" and you are not experiencing problems, you can safely skip the update.
Understanding why BIOS updates matter — and when they don't
BIOS is the software that runs before your operating system loads. It controls how your computer talks to its hardware — the hard drive, memory, USB ports, and everything else. Manufacturers release BIOS updates to fix security problems, improve how the computer handles certain hardware, or fix bugs that cause crashes or freezing.
Most people do not need to update BIOS unless the manufacturer has released a fix for a specific problem they are experiencing, or unless the update addresses a known security issue that affects their machine. If your computer is working normally and you are not experiencing crashes or hardware problems, updating BIOS carries more risk than benefit. A failed BIOS update — caused by a power loss or interrupted download during the update — can make your computer unable to start.
If you do decide to update, make sure your computer is plugged into power and will not be interrupted. Do not update BIOS on a laptop running on battery, and do not update during a thunderstorm or when your power is unstable.
The difference between BIOS and firmware updates
BIOS is one type of firmware — the low-level software that controls your hardware. Some manufacturers also release updates for other firmware, like updates to your hard drive's firmware or your graphics card's firmware. These are separate from BIOS updates and are checked and installed differently.
When you check for BIOS updates on the manufacturer's website, you are looking specifically for BIOS files, not firmware for other components. If you want to check whether your hard drive or graphics card has firmware updates available, you need to visit the manufacturer's website for that specific component — Seagate for hard drives, Nvidia or AMD for graphics cards, and so on.
What to do if you cannot find your model number
If you cannot locate your model number through System Information or the boot screen, try searching for your computer's serial number on the manufacturer's website instead. The serial number is usually on a sticker on the bottom or back of your computer. Some manufacturers' support sites let you search by serial number and will show you the correct model and available updates.
If you still cannot find it, contact the manufacturer's support team directly. Have your serial number and the BIOS version you found earlier ready when you contact them. They can tell you whether an update is available for your specific machine and walk you through the process if you decide to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating BIOS make my computer faster?
Not usually. BIOS updates fix specific problems or security issues, but they do not improve overall speed. If your computer is running slowly, the problem is almost always your operating system, hard drive, or installed programs — not BIOS. Update BIOS only if the release notes mention a fix for a problem you are experiencing.
What happens if a BIOS update fails?
If power is lost or the update is interrupted, your computer may not start. This is rare but serious. This is why you should always plug in your computer and make sure you have stable power before updating BIOS. If an update does fail, you may need to contact the manufacturer for help recovering your computer.
Can I update BIOS on a laptop?
Yes, but only while plugged into power. Never update BIOS on battery power. If the battery runs out during the update, the process will fail and your laptop may not start. Plug in your laptop, let the battery charge fully, and keep it plugged in throughout the entire update process.
How often should I check for BIOS updates?
You do not need to check regularly. Check only when the manufacturer announces a security fix that affects your model, or when you are experiencing a hardware problem that the release notes say is fixed by a new BIOS version. Most people check BIOS updates once or twice a year at most.
Is it safe to ignore BIOS updates?
Yes, in most cases. If your computer is working normally and you are not experiencing crashes or compatibility problems, you can safely leave BIOS as it is. Update only when there is a specific reason — a security fix you need, or a problem you are trying to solve. Leaving BIOS unchanged is safer than updating unnecessarily.