How to Install BIOS Drivers on Windows and Mac

What BIOS drivers are and why you might need them

BIOS drivers are not like the graphics or network drivers you install from Device Manager. Your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware — permanent software built into your motherboard — and it does not need drivers in the traditional sense. What you are usually looking for when you search "BIOS drivers" is one of two things: a BIOS update to fix hardware problems or improve performance, or chipset drivers that let your operating system talk to your motherboard's components.

If your computer manufacturer or motherboard maker released a BIOS update, you install it directly to the motherboard itself, not through Windows or macOS. Chipset drivers, by contrast, install like any other driver — through Device Manager on Windows or by running an installer on Mac. This guide covers both, because the confusion between them is why people end up looking for something that does not exist.

Key Takeaways

BIOS updates go directly to your motherboard firmware and require a restart into a special mode; they do not install through Windows or macOS like regular drivers.
Chipset drivers install normally through Device Manager on Windows or an installer on Mac, and they are what most people actually need when they think they need BIOS drivers.
Before updating BIOS, check your current version in System Information (Windows) or System Report (Mac) to confirm an update is available.
BIOS updates carry real risk if interrupted by a power loss or crash, so only update when your battery is fully charged or you are plugged into a stable power source.

Finding your current BIOS version and checking for updates

On Windows, open System Information by pressing Windows key + R, typing msinfo32, and pressing Enter. Look for the line labeled "BIOS Version/Date" — this tells you what version you have. Write down the version number and your motherboard model (listed as "System Model" or "Baseboard Product").

On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". Go to the Hardware section and look for "Boot ROM Version" — this is your BIOS equivalent. Note the version and your Mac model.

Once you know your version and model, visit your motherboard manufacturer's website (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, Intel, or AMD) or your computer maker's support page (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple). Search for your exact model number and look for a BIOS or firmware download section. If a newer version is listed and the release notes mention a fix for a problem you are experiencing, a BIOS update may help. If your current version matches the latest, you do not need to update.

Installing chipset drivers instead (what most people actually need)

If you are seeing yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager or your system feels unstable, you probably need chipset drivers, not a BIOS update. On Windows, open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it, or press Windows key + X). Look for any devices with a yellow warning icon, or expand "System devices" and look for anything labeled "Unknown device" or with "SM Bus Controller" in the name.

Right-click the device, select "Update driver", then choose "Browse my computer for drivers". Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the chipset drivers from your motherboard or computer maker's website. Windows will install them and usually ask you to restart.

On Mac, chipset drivers are almost always included in macOS updates, so open System Preferences, go to Software Update, and install any pending updates. If you downloaded a specific driver installer from your Mac maker's support page, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions.

Preparing your system before a BIOS update

A BIOS update is one of the few times a power loss during installation can permanently damage your computer, so preparation matters. Plug your laptop into power and let it charge to 100 percent. On a desktop, make sure you are connected to a stable power source — avoid battery backups or power strips that might cut out. Close all open programs and disable any antivirus software temporarily, as it can interfere with the update process.

Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage. This is not because the update will delete them, but because if something goes wrong, you want your data safe before troubleshooting. Write down your BIOS password if you have one set, because you will need it to enter the BIOS update mode.

Running a BIOS update on Windows

Download the BIOS update file from your motherboard or computer maker's website. The file will usually be a .exe, .bin, or .iso file. If it is a .exe file, double-click it and follow the on-screen prompts — it will usually ask you to restart and will handle the update automatically during the restart. Do not interrupt this process.

If the file is a .bin or .iso, you will need to enter your BIOS setup menu manually. Restart your computer and immediately press the key shown on the boot screen — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12, depending on your motherboard maker. Once in the BIOS menu, look for an option like "Update BIOS", "Flash BIOS", or "Firmware Update". Select it, navigate to the update file you downloaded, and confirm. The system will restart and complete the update. This can take several minutes — do not turn off your computer.

Running a BIOS update on Mac

Apple handles BIOS updates (called firmware updates on Mac) differently than Windows. Most updates come through the Software Update system — go to System Preferences, click Software Update, and install any firmware updates listed. Your Mac will restart automatically and complete the update during the restart.

If your Mac maker released a standalone firmware update, download it from their support page, double-click the installer, and follow the prompts. The installer will usually restart your Mac and complete the update in the background. Some older Macs require you to restart while holding a specific key combination — the installer will tell you which one. Do not interrupt the process or close the laptop lid.

What to do if a BIOS update fails

If your computer restarts and shows a BIOS error message, or if it will not boot at all after an update attempt, do not panic — most motherboards have a recovery mode. On many systems, you can restart and hold a specific key (often F3 or F9) to enter recovery mode, which will attempt to restore the previous BIOS version automatically. Check your motherboard maker's support page for the exact key for your model.

If recovery mode does not work, contact your motherboard or computer maker's support team with your model number and the error message you saw. They may be able to walk you through a manual recovery process or arrange a replacement if the motherboard was damaged. This is rare — most BIOS updates complete without incident — but it is why preparation and a stable power source matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my BIOS?

Only if your computer maker or motherboard maker released an update that fixes a specific problem you are experiencing, or if you are installing new hardware that requires a newer BIOS version. Routine updates are not necessary and carry a small risk, so update only when there is a clear reason.

What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?

UEFI is the modern replacement for BIOS, but they do the same job — they are the firmware that starts your computer before Windows or macOS loads. Most computers made after 2010 use UEFI. The update process is the same for both.

Can I update BIOS on a Mac?

Yes, but Apple calls it a firmware update and handles it automatically through Software Update in most cases. You rarely need to manually update Mac firmware — the system does it for you when you install macOS updates.

Is it safe to update BIOS while running on battery?

No. Always plug in and charge to 100 percent before starting a BIOS update. A power loss during the update can corrupt your motherboard's firmware permanently.

What if I cannot find my BIOS version or motherboard model?

On Windows, use CPU-Z (a free tool from cpuid.com) — it shows your exact motherboard model and BIOS version in the Mainboard tab. On Mac, your model is in About This Mac under System Report. If you still cannot find it, contact your computer maker's support with your serial number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.