What happens when you update your BIOS

A BIOS update replaces the firmware that runs on your motherboard before Windows or macOS loads. The update itself takes 5 to 15 minutes, and your computer restarts several times during the process. After it finishes, your system boots normally — you won't see a difference in how your computer works day-to-day, but you may gain support for newer processors, fixes for security issues, or stability improvements for specific hardware combinations.

The risk of a BIOS update is real but small: if power cuts out during the update, or if the file is corrupted, your motherboard can become unbootable. This is why manufacturers recommend updating only when you have a specific reason — a new CPU you want to use, a documented bug affecting you, or a security patch your system needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your current BIOS version in Windows by opening System Information (search for it in the Start menu) and looking for "BIOS Version/Date", or on Mac by restarting and holding Command-Option-P-R to see the version on screen.
  • Visit your motherboard manufacturer's support page, enter your exact model number, and download the BIOS file — never guess at which file to use.
  • Plug your computer into power and disable sleep mode before starting, because an interruption during the update can damage your motherboard.
  • Most modern motherboards update through a tool built into the BIOS menu itself, which is safer than older methods that required a USB drive and a restart.
  • The update process takes 5 to 15 minutes and includes automatic restarts — do not turn off your computer or unplug it during this time.

Finding your motherboard model and current BIOS version

On Windows, open the Start menu and search for "System Information". In the window that opens, look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this shows both your current version and the date it was installed. Write down the version number exactly as it appears.

Next, find your motherboard model. In the same System Information window, look for "System Model" or "BaseBoard Product" — this is not always the same as your computer's brand name. If you built your own computer, you may already know the model. If you're unsure, you can also restart your computer and watch the first screen that appears before Windows loads — many motherboards display the model number there, though it appears only briefly.

On a Mac, restart your computer and immediately hold Command-Option-P-R until you hear the startup sound twice. The BIOS version (called firmware on Mac) appears on screen during this process. For the motherboard model on a Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", and look for "Model Identifier" — but note that Mac firmware updates come through the regular Software Update process, not through a separate BIOS tool.

Downloading the correct BIOS file

Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website. The major manufacturers are Intel, AMD, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock. Search for your exact motherboard model — do not guess or use a similar-sounding model, because installing the wrong BIOS file can make your computer unbootable.

Once you find your model's support page, look for a section labeled "BIOS", "Firmware", or "Downloads". The page will list several BIOS versions with dates. Download the newest version unless you have a specific reason to use an older one — for example, if you read that the newest version causes problems with your exact CPU model.

Save the file to your Desktop or a folder you can find easily. Do not extract or open it — leave it as a .bin, .rom, or .exe file depending on what the manufacturer provided. If the file came in a .zip folder, extract it first, but do not try to open the BIOS file itself.

Preparing your computer for the update

Plug your computer into power and make sure it stays plugged in during the entire update. If you have a laptop, close it and let it charge to 100 percent before you start. A power loss during a BIOS update can permanently damage your motherboard.

Disable sleep mode temporarily so your computer doesn't go to sleep during the update. On Windows, open Settings, go to System > Power & Battery, and set "Screen timeout" and "Sleep" to "Never". On Mac, go to System Settings > Lock Screen and set "Start screen saver when inactive" to "Never".

Close all open programs and browser windows. You don't need to uninstall antivirus software, but some antivirus programs can interfere with BIOS updates — if you have one, you may want to disable it temporarily. Restart your computer once before you begin the update, just to clear out any temporary files.

Updating through the BIOS menu (the safest method)

Most computers built in the last five years can update BIOS directly from the BIOS menu without needing a USB drive. Restart your computer and immediately press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 — the correct key appears on your first screen and depends on your motherboard manufacturer. You may need to press it repeatedly as the computer starts.

Once you're in the BIOS menu, look for an option labeled "Update BIOS", "Flash BIOS", "Easy Flash", or "Q-Flash" depending on your manufacturer. Select it, and the tool will ask you to locate the BIOS file you downloaded. Navigate to your Desktop or the folder where you saved it, select the file, and confirm.

The update will begin automatically. Your computer will restart several times — this is normal. Do not turn off your computer, unplug it, or close the lid on a laptop. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. When it finishes, your computer will restart into Windows or macOS normally, and the update is complete.

Updating with a USB drive (older computers)

If your BIOS menu does not have an update option, you'll need a USB drive. Format a USB drive to FAT32 (right-click it in File Explorer on Windows, select "Format", and choose FAT32). Copy the BIOS file to the root of the USB drive — not into a folder, but directly on the drive itself.

Plug the USB drive into your computer, restart, and enter the BIOS menu using the same key as above (Delete, F2, F10, or F12). Look for an option like "Update BIOS from USB" or "Flash from USB". Select it, navigate to the BIOS file on the USB drive, and confirm. The process is the same as the menu method — multiple restarts are normal, and you should not interrupt it.

What to do if the update fails

If your computer restarts and will not boot into Windows or macOS, or if the BIOS menu shows an error message during the update, do not panic — most motherboards have a backup BIOS that can recover from a failed update. Restart your computer and look for an option in the BIOS menu labeled "Restore BIOS", "Recovery", or "Backup BIOS". Select it and let it run.

If your computer will not enter the BIOS menu at all, or if recovery doesn't work, you may need to contact the motherboard manufacturer's support or visit a local computer repair shop. This is rare, but it's why updating only when you have a reason is the safest approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my BIOS?

Only if you have a specific reason: you want to use a newer processor that your current BIOS doesn't recognize, you've read about a security issue affecting your exact motherboard, or you're experiencing a stability problem that a BIOS update is documented to fix. If your computer is working fine, there's no need to update.

Will updating BIOS erase my files or settings?

No. A BIOS update does not touch your hard drive, files, or Windows/macOS settings. Your computer will boot into the same operating system with the same files and programs you had before. Some BIOS settings may reset to defaults, but this is rare and usually not noticeable.

How long does a BIOS update take?

The actual update process takes 5 to 15 minutes, including the automatic restarts. Your computer may restart 2 to 4 times during this period. The entire process from start to finish usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Can I update BIOS on a laptop?

Yes, but make sure your laptop is plugged in and fully charged first. A power loss during a BIOS update on a laptop can be harder to recover from than on a desktop. Follow the same steps — enter the BIOS menu and use the built-in update tool if available.

What if I don't know my motherboard model?

On Windows, open System Information and look for "BaseBoard Product" or "System Model". On a Mac, restart and hold Command-Option-P-R to see the firmware version. If you still can't find it, you can also open your computer's case and look at the motherboard itself — the model number is usually printed on the board in large text.