What updating your BIOS means and why you might need to do it

A BIOS update is a refresh to the firmware that runs before your operating system starts up. Your computer's BIOS controls how your hardware talks to Windows or macOS, and manufacturers release updates to fix bugs, improve stability, or add support for new processors. Most people never need to update their BIOS — it works fine for years without touching it. But if your computer is freezing randomly, won't recognize a new piece of hardware, or the manufacturer specifically recommends an update for a security issue, then updating is the right move.

The process itself is straightforward but requires care: a failed BIOS update can leave your computer unable to start. This guide walks you through the safest way to do it, step by step.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your motherboard model first — it is usually printed on the board itself or visible in your system information — because you need the exact model to download the correct BIOS file.
  • Back up your current BIOS settings before you start, because a failed update might erase them and you will need to reconfigure your hardware.
  • Plug your computer into power and leave it plugged in during the entire update process, because a power loss during the update can permanently damage your motherboard.
  • Download the BIOS file directly from your motherboard manufacturer's website, never from a third-party site, because using the wrong file will brick your computer.
  • The update itself takes between five and fifteen minutes, and your computer will restart automatically when it is finished.

Finding your motherboard model and downloading the right BIOS file

The first step is identifying your exact motherboard model. On a Windows computer, open the Start menu, type System Information, and click the result. Look for the line that says "BaseBoard Product" — that is your motherboard model. Write it down exactly as it appears. On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then click System Report, and look for "Board ID" or "Model Identifier".

Once you have the model, go to your motherboard manufacturer's website. The major ones are ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, and Intel. Search for your exact model number in their support section. You will find a downloads page with BIOS files listed by version number and date. Download the latest version — it is usually at the top of the list. Save it to your desktop or a folder you can find easily. Do not download BIOS files from anywhere else, because using the wrong file will prevent your computer from starting.

Before you proceed, check the file size. A BIOS file is usually between 2 and 20 megabytes. If the file you downloaded is much larger or much smaller, you may have the wrong one — delete it and download again from the manufacturer's official page.

Back up your current BIOS settings

Your BIOS stores settings about how your hardware runs — things like boot order, fan speed, and memory timing. If the update fails or gets interrupted, these settings might be erased. Backing them up takes two minutes and can save you hours of reconfiguration.

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. The key to press is usually Delete, F2, or F12 — it appears on your screen for a second or two when you first turn on the computer. If you miss it, restart and watch more carefully. Once inside the BIOS, look for a menu option called Save, Export, or Backup. The exact name depends on your motherboard, but it will be in the main menu. Select it and save the file to a USB drive. Label the drive clearly so you know what it contains.

Preparing your computer for the update

Close all open programs and disconnect any USB devices except a keyboard and mouse. Plug your computer directly into a wall outlet — do not use a power strip or surge protector, because if the power cuts out during the update, your motherboard can be permanently damaged. If you have a laptop, plug in the power adapter and leave it connected throughout the entire process.

Some motherboards have a dedicated BIOS update button or a BIOS Flashback feature that lets you update without entering Windows. Check your motherboard manual to see if yours has this option. If it does, it is often the safest route because it bypasses Windows entirely. If your motherboard does not have this feature, you will update from within Windows using a utility program that the manufacturer provides alongside the BIOS file.

Running the BIOS update from Windows

Extract the BIOS file you downloaded. It is usually inside a ZIP folder. Right-click the ZIP file, select Extract All, and choose a location like your desktop. Inside the extracted folder you will find the BIOS file itself — it usually has a name like "BIOS_1204.bin" or similar — and often a utility program with a name like "BIOS Flash" or "Update Utility".

Open the utility program. It will scan your computer and detect your motherboard automatically. You will see a window asking you to select the BIOS file. Click Browse or Select File and navigate to the BIOS file you extracted. Once you have selected it, the utility will show you the current BIOS version and the new version you are about to install. Check that the new version number is higher than the current one. Click the button to start the update — it might say Flash, Update, or Proceed.

The update will begin. Your screen may go black or show a progress bar. Do not touch anything. Do not restart your computer. Do not unplug the power. The process usually takes between five and fifteen minutes. When it finishes, your computer will restart automatically. Let it restart completely — it may take longer than usual the first time.

Verifying the update worked and restoring your settings

Once your computer has restarted and you are back in Windows, open System Information again to confirm the BIOS version has changed. The version number should match the file you downloaded. If it does, the update was successful.

Now restore your BIOS settings from the backup you created earlier. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup again using the same key as before. Look for a Load Defaults or Reset option and select it — this clears any corrupted settings from the update. Then look for Restore, Import, or Load Profile and select the backup file from your USB drive. Your settings will be restored to exactly what they were before the update.

Restart your computer one more time and let it boot normally into Windows. Check that everything is working as expected — your drives are recognized, your network is connected, and there are no error messages. If you notice any problems, restart into the BIOS and load the default settings again, then contact the motherboard manufacturer's support team with details about what is not working.

What to do if the update fails or your computer won't start

If your computer will not start after the update, do not panic. Many motherboards have a recovery feature built in. Restart the computer and look for a message on the screen that says something like "BIOS Recovery Mode" or "BIOS Flash Failed". If you see this, follow the on-screen instructions. Usually you will need to put the BIOS file on a USB drive, insert it, and press a specific key to trigger recovery.

If your motherboard has a BIOS Flashback button (a small button on the back of the motherboard near the power connector), you can use it to recover. Put the BIOS file on a USB drive, insert the drive, hold down the Flashback button for a few seconds, and the motherboard will automatically restore itself. This feature exists specifically for situations where an update goes wrong.

If neither of these options works, you may need to contact the motherboard manufacturer or take your computer to a repair shop. This is rare — most BIOS updates complete without any problems — but it is why backing up your settings and keeping your computer plugged in during the update matters so much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update my BIOS?

Only update when the manufacturer recommends it for a specific reason — a security fix, a bug affecting your system, or support for new hardware. Updating just because a new version exists is unnecessary and adds a small risk with no benefit. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website once or twice a year to see if there are updates you should know about.

Can I update my BIOS from a laptop battery?

No. Always plug your laptop into power and leave it plugged in for the entire update. A dead battery during the update can damage the motherboard permanently. If your laptop battery is failing, have it replaced before you update your BIOS.

What if I update my BIOS and my computer runs slower?

This is usually caused by BIOS settings that changed during the update. Restart into the BIOS, load the default settings, then restore your backup file. If the slowness continues, the update may have revealed a hardware problem that was masked before. Contact the motherboard manufacturer with details about what changed.

Do I need to update my BIOS if my computer is working fine?

No. If your computer is stable and all your hardware is recognized, there is no reason to update. BIOS updates carry a small risk, so only do one when you have a specific reason — a security issue, a compatibility problem, or a bug the manufacturer has documented.

Can I use a different USB drive or external hard drive for the BIOS backup?

Yes, any USB drive or external drive will work. Make sure it is formatted as FAT32 or NTFS, and label it clearly so you know what it contains. Keep it in a safe place in case you need to restore your settings later.