What BIOS version means and why you might need to know it

BIOS is the firmware that runs before your operating system starts — it controls how your hardware talks to Windows or another OS. The version number tells you which update your BIOS has received. You might need to check it before installing a hardware driver, troubleshooting a hardware problem, or applying a BIOS update that requires you to know what you're currently running.

The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether your device is a desktop or laptop. The good news is that checking takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, the fastest way is to open System Information and look for the "BIOS Version/Date" field in the System Summary.
  • On Mac, BIOS information appears in System Report under the Hardware section, labeled as "Boot ROM Version."
  • On Linux, you can use the dmidecode command in the terminal to view BIOS details.
  • Write down your BIOS version and date before updating drivers or applying BIOS patches, so you have a record of what you started with.

Checking BIOS version on Windows 10 and Windows 11

The System Information tool is built into Windows and shows your BIOS version without any downloads or restarts.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and type "System Information" into the search box. Click the result that appears.

Step 2: Look at the right side of the window under "System Summary." Find the line that says "BIOS Version/Date." The text after it shows your BIOS version and the date it was released.

Step 3: Write down the version number if you need it for a driver update or support ticket. The format usually looks like "American Megatrends Inc. 1.23.4" or similar, depending on your motherboard manufacturer.

If System Information does not open, try right-clicking the Start button, selecting "System," and then clicking "About" at the bottom of the Settings window. Scroll down and look for "BIOS version."

Checking BIOS version on Mac

Mac devices use firmware called EFI or Boot ROM instead of traditional BIOS, but the version information appears in the same place.

Step 1: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac."

Step 2: Click the "System Report" button at the bottom of the window.

Step 3: In the left sidebar, click "Hardware" under the System Report section. On the right side, look for "Boot ROM Version" — this is your firmware version.

The Boot ROM version on Mac includes a date and a build number. Write it down exactly as it appears if you need it for support or before a firmware update.

Checking BIOS version on Linux

Linux systems can check BIOS information through the terminal using a command-line tool.

Step 1: Open a terminal window. On most Linux distributions, you can right-click the desktop and select "Open Terminal," or press Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: sudo dmidecode -s bios-version

Step 3: The terminal will display your BIOS version. If you want more detail, including the release date, type: sudo dmidecode | grep -A 5 "BIOS Information"

You may be asked for your password when you run the sudo command. This is normal — the command needs administrator access to read BIOS information.

What to do if BIOS information does not appear

On rare occasions, BIOS information may be hidden or unavailable. This happens most often on older devices, virtual machines, or systems where the BIOS settings have been locked by an administrator.

If System Information shows no BIOS version on Windows, restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup screen directly. The method varies by manufacturer — usually you press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 during the startup screen before Windows loads. Once inside the BIOS menu, look for a section labeled "Main," "System Information," or "About" to find the version number displayed on screen.

On Mac, if Boot ROM Version does not appear, your device may be too old to display this information in System Report. Contact Apple Support with your device model and serial number.

On Linux, if the dmidecode command returns "Permission denied," try running it with sudo as shown above. If it still does not work, your system may not have BIOS information available through this tool.

Why BIOS updates matter and when to check your version

Manufacturers release BIOS updates to fix hardware compatibility problems, improve performance, or patch security issues. Before you install a BIOS update, you need to know your current version to make sure the update is newer and actually applies to your device.

Check your BIOS version before installing a new driver if the driver instructions mention BIOS requirements. Some graphics drivers, storage controllers, and network drivers only work with BIOS versions from a certain date forward. Knowing your version prevents you from installing a driver that will not function on your system.

You should also record your BIOS version before troubleshooting hardware problems with support. If a technician asks "What BIOS version are you running?" you will have the answer ready instead of having to look it up while the problem is happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BIOS the same as firmware?

BIOS is a type of firmware — the low-level software that runs on your hardware before the operating system starts. On newer computers, BIOS has been replaced by UEFI, which is a more modern firmware standard. Both terms are often used interchangeably when talking about version numbers.

Will checking my BIOS version change any settings?

No. Looking at your BIOS version through System Information, System Report, or the dmidecode command only reads the information — it does not modify anything. You are safe to check as many times as you need.

What if my BIOS version is very old?

An old BIOS version may mean your device is missing security patches or hardware compatibility fixes. Check your motherboard or device manufacturer's support website to see if a newer BIOS version is available. However, do not update BIOS unless you have a specific reason — a failed BIOS update can make your device unbootable.

Can I check BIOS version on a laptop the same way as a desktop?

Yes. The steps are identical whether you use a laptop or desktop. The only difference is that laptops may have BIOS updates less often, since manufacturers control the firmware more tightly on portable devices.

Where do I find BIOS updates if I need one?

Visit your device manufacturer's support website — search for your exact model number and look for a "Downloads" or "Drivers" section. BIOS updates are usually listed separately from driver updates. Always read the release notes to understand what the update fixes before you download it.