How to check your BIOS version

The fastest way to find your BIOS version depends on your operating system. On Windows, you can open System Information and look for "BIOS Version/Date" in seconds. On Mac, you'll use System Report. On Linux, you'll run a command in the terminal. All three methods take less than a minute and require no special tools or restart.

Knowing your BIOS version matters because security updates and bug fixes are released regularly, and your hardware manufacturer publishes them on their support page. If you're troubleshooting a specific problem — a USB port that stopped working, a fan that won't spin down, or a security vulnerability you read about — checking your version tells you whether a newer BIOS might fix it.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, press the Windows key, type "System Information", and look for "BIOS Version/Date" in the first section.
  • On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report" and find "Boot ROM Version" under Hardware.
  • On Linux, open a terminal and run sudo dmidecode -s bios-version to see your BIOS version instantly.
  • Write down your motherboard model and BIOS version before visiting the manufacturer's website to check for updates.

Windows: Using System Information

Open the Start menu and type "System Information" into the search box. Click the result that appears — it's a built-in Windows tool with a blue circle icon. The window that opens shows your computer's hardware details.

Look at the first section, labeled "System Summary". Scroll down slightly until you see a line that says "BIOS Version/Date". The text next to it shows your BIOS version (usually something like "American Megatrends Inc. 2.15") and the date it was released. Write this down if you plan to check for updates.

If you prefer the command line, you can also open Command Prompt (search for "cmd") and type wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion, then press Enter. The result appears on the next line.

Mac: Using System Report

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "About This Mac". A window opens showing basic information about your computer.

Click the "System Report" button at the bottom of that window. A new window opens with detailed hardware information. In the left sidebar, make sure "Hardware" is selected (it usually is by default). Look down the list on the right side for "Boot ROM Version" — this is your BIOS equivalent on Mac. The version number appears next to it.

On newer Macs with Apple Silicon chips, you may see "Firmware Version" instead. Either way, this is the information you need if you're checking whether an update is available.

Linux: Using the Terminal

Open a terminal window. On most Linux distributions, you can right-click the desktop and select "Open Terminal" or search for "Terminal" in your applications menu.

Type the following command and press Enter: sudo dmidecode -s bios-version. You may be asked to enter your password (Linux requires administrator permission to read BIOS information). Type your password and press Enter again — the text won't appear as you type, which is normal.

Your BIOS version appears on the next line. If the command doesn't work, your system may not have the dmidecode tool installed. Try this alternative instead: cat /sys/class/dmi/id/bios_version. This command doesn't require administrator permission.

Finding your motherboard model

Before you visit the manufacturer's website to check for BIOS updates, you'll need your motherboard model number. On Windows, you can find this in System Information by looking for "System Model" or "BaseBoard Product" — though the exact label varies by manufacturer.

On Mac, the "Model Identifier" in System Report is what you need. On Linux, run sudo dmidecode -s baseboard-product-name to get the motherboard model.

Write down both your motherboard model and your current BIOS version. These two pieces of information let you search the manufacturer's support page (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Intel, Apple, Lenovo, Dell, or whoever made your computer) to see whether a newer BIOS is available and what it fixes.

When to check for BIOS updates

You don't need to update your BIOS every time a new version comes out. BIOS updates are worth considering if your manufacturer has released one that fixes a specific problem you're experiencing — a hardware compatibility issue, a security vulnerability, or a bug affecting your setup.

Security updates are the main reason to stay current. If you read about a BIOS-level vulnerability that affects your hardware model, checking your version tells you whether you're exposed. Manufacturers usually announce these on their security pages or in release notes.

Avoid updating BIOS unless you have a reason to. A failed BIOS update can make your computer unbootable, though modern systems have safeguards that make this rare. If you decide to update, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly and don't interrupt the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS, but most people still call it BIOS. If your computer was made after 2010, it almost certainly uses UEFI. The methods above work for both — System Information, System Report, and dmidecode all show your firmware version regardless of which one you have.

Why does my BIOS version have a date next to it?

The date shows when that BIOS version was released. It helps you understand how old your firmware is. A BIOS from 2019 is older than one from 2023, even if the version numbers don't make that obvious at first glance.

Can I check my BIOS version without restarting?

Yes. All three methods above (System Information, System Report, and dmidecode) read the information from your running system without requiring a restart. You only need to restart if you decide to actually update your BIOS.

What if System Information doesn't show a BIOS version?

This is rare but can happen on some laptops or custom-built systems. Try the command-line method for your operating system instead. If that doesn't work, visit your computer manufacturer's support page and search for your exact model number — they can tell you what version you have.

Is checking my BIOS version safe?

Completely safe. Looking at your BIOS version doesn't change anything on your computer. It's just reading information that's already stored in your firmware.