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It’s safe to say that there is no significant benefit such as speed enhancement, introductions of new features, and so on attached to updating your computer’s BIOS.
However, your PC’s manufacturer would usually offer updates to the BIOS with certain improvements from time to time.
That being said, I strongly advise that you don’t update your computer’s BIOS except in cases where the most recent one has security patches, or you wish to fix a bug that’s been causing you distress or need support for new hardware you intend to use.
If you are in dire need to update your computer’s BIOS, this guide provides you with steps on how to do so.
Before You Update Your Computer’s BIOS – Things To Know
Before you proceed to update your computer’s BIOS, it’s important that you take note of the following because installing a new BIOS is riskier when compared to updating a simple Windows program, so you must ensure that all precautionary measures are taken so as not to damage your computer.
1. Find the exact name of your model using the System Information utility, and the present BIOS version before downloading an update.
2. Do not download BIOS updates that are not directly from the manufacturer.
3. Before you start downloading, plug your PC desktop or laptop into a reliable power source because you will damage the BIOS once you lose power.
Update Your Computer’s BIOS – A Comprehensive Guide
Find below a detailed guide on how to update your computer’s BIOS
1. Downloading The BIOS Update File
The first step to update your computer’s BIOS is to download the BIOS update file
The steps involved are:
Step 1: Open Start. Go to the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, and click on it.
Step 2: Open System Information. Go to the Start window, type msinfo into it, then click System Information located at the top of the Start window.
Step 3: Check for the model name of your computer. To do this, check next to the “System Model” heading to see a list of numbers and letters; here you will find the model name of your computer.
Keep this information handy as you’ll need this when searching for the BIOS update file.
Please, note that if you have a custom-built computer, you don’t need to take this step.
Step 4: Locate your BIOS version number, and to do this, go to the “BIOS Version/Date” heading, and next to it, you’ll see a company name, your computer’s model name, and a number after a period.
The number after the period is your BIOS version, however, if you’re using a custom-built computer, you should search for your motherboard’s model, and not the model number of the computer.
Step 5: Open your BIOS manufacturer’s support site.
The easiest way to achieve this is to type in your computer’s manufacturer name, your computer’s model name, and “drivers” or “BIOS” into Google and then choose the appropriate link.
Please, note this process varies depending on the manufacturer of your computer, so you may be required to click through a few different links before you find the appropriate one.
Additionally, if you’re using a custom-built computer, check for your computer’s motherboard name when looking for “BIOS” and “update” and then open the manufacturer’s website.
Step 6: Find the BIOS update file.
You may be required to first open the “Updates”, “Support”, or “Downloads” sections first depending on the website, or click a “BIOS” heading.
You can go ahead once you’ve found the BIOS file, and please expect that this may involve some trial and error.
Step 7: Ensure that the update file is more recent than your BIOS version. Check the name of your file to see a version number, and if that number is higher than your BIOS version number, it means that your BIOS is outdated and needs to be updated.
However, if the version number on the website corresponds with your BIOS version number, it means that your BIOS is up-to-date and so, you don’t need to update it.
Please, it’s important for you to note that even if the site listed is higher than the current version of your BIOS by just a decimal, the site’s file is still a higher version than your BIOS.
Step 8: Now download the updated file. To do so, click the Download link, button, or icon, and once that is done, you can go ahead to update your BIOS.
Please, note that in some cases, you may be required to click the file’s name before it can start downloading.
Additionally, you may find the downloaded BIOS update files inside a ZIP folder.
2. Updating Your BIOS
The second step is to update your BIOS, and to achieve this, follow the steps listed below:
Step 1: Ensure that your computer is plugged into a reliable power source because if your computer turns itself off during the update process, it will permanently ruin your BIOS.
Also, if you’re using a laptop, ensure that the battery of your computer is fully charged, and make sure you also plug the laptop into the power source just in case your laptop battery runs out.
Step 2: Extract your BIOS file. Please, note that most times, you are required to extract (or “unzip”) the BIOS update file from within its folder:
Take the steps below to get this done:
– Double-click the downloaded ZIP file to open it.
– Click the Extract tab at the top of the window.
– Click Extract all.
– Click Extract when prompted.
– Wait for the extracted folder to open.
Step 3: If need be, read your BIOS file’s README document, and if a text document is labeled “README” or something similar is available, double-click it to open it then read the entire document before you continue.
Also, I want you to note that if the README file’s instructions for updating your BIOS are different from the instructions I have given you in this article, ensure that you follow the README’s instructions instead.
Step 4: Remember that your BIOS won’t be able to access your computer’s files, so you need to plug a USB flash drive into your computer.
Step 5: Press Ctrl+C to copy the BIOS file onto the flash drive, and then open your flash drive and press Ctrl+V to paste in your copied file.
Please, remember to leave the flash drive plugged into your computer throughout the duration of the update process.
Step 6: Access the BIOS page. Restart your computer by clicking Start, clicking Power, and clicking Restart, then start pressing the key your computer’s manufacturer assigned to the BIOS startup immediately.
If after this, the BIOS doesn’t launch, you have to restart again but try a different key this time around.
Some computers would require that you press one of the function keys (e.g., F12) while some computers will require you to use the Del key or the Esc key.
Also, if you don’t know your computer’s BIOS key, search for it by typing the name of your computer’s manufacturer, model name, and “BIOS key” into a search engine.
Step 7: If possible, back up your BIOS.
Check for a “Backup” or “Save” option on the BIOS’ main screen or a Backup tab at the top of the screen, choose it, and adhere to any on-screen instructions.
The essence of this Backup is to enable you to restore your BIOS settings later if your BIOS update isn’t compatible with your computer.
Summarily, if you are prompted to back up your BIOS, do so but if it doesn’t, then leave it as not all BIOS pages allow you to back up their settings.
Step 8: Enable and use your BIOS update tool, however, note that each BIOS have ways to access the BIOS update tool that is Peculiar to them.
That being said, you may be required to consult your BIOS manufacturer’s support site to get a direct explanation of how to do this.
In some cases, you’ll be required to choose the Boot tab, make sure that your USB flash drive shows up, enable any backup or “Flash” options in the menu, and then choose the Start Flash option from the Advanced tab.
Additionally, you can press the BIOS key while a USB drive is plugged in will prompt a unique menu that enables you to choose an Update option to pop-up, then follow the on-screen instructions.
You will find this mostly on Dell computers.
Step 9: Allow your computer’s BIOS to update.
Kindly note that depending on your computer and the depth of the BIOS update, this process can take a few minutes to more than an hour.
Once your BIOS finishes updating, your computer will restart by itself, however, you may be prompted to confirm this decision.
While the BIOS is still updating, please don’t switch off your computer because this can cause the BIOS to become corrupted, and this means that your computer will be unable to start, finish the BIOS installation, or even run at all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Update The BIOS By Myself?
(If you built your own PC, try searching for Asus, Gigabyte, or MSI as the motherboard manufacturer.)
The Support website should have a section for downloads or drivers after you’ve located it. Search for BIOS or UEFI updates there.
Check the included instructions after downloading the most recent version.
What Is A BIOS Flash Button?
You may simply upgrade the BIOS with USB BIOS Flashback without entering the BIOS or operating system.
The BIOS can be updated automatically by simply inserting the USB storage device containing the BIOS file into the USB port and pressing the USB BIOS Flashback button three times quickly.
How do I update my BIOS in Windows 10?
How to Update BIOS Windows 10
- Check Your Computer’s Model Name.
- Find the Latest BIOS Update from the Manufacturer’s Website.
- Download and Unzip the BIOS File.
- Copy the BIOS File to a USB Flash Drive.
- Restart Your Computer to Boot into BIOS Screen.
- Back up Your Computer’s Current BIOS File.
- Update BIOS in Windows 10.
Is Updating BIOS A Good Idea?
Updating your BIOS bears a little bit more risk than other software upgrades because it is necessary for your PC to function. If a BIOS update fails, your motherboard can cease functioning properly, which might prevent your computer from starting as intended.
How can I update my BIOS for free?
- Go to the manufacturer’s website.
- Download the updated file for your model.
- Extract the file and copy it to a flash drive.
- Reboot into the BIOS.
- Back up the BIOS.
- Enable and run the update tool.
Will Updating BIOS Delete My files?
Hard drive data and BIOS updates are unrelated. Additionally, a BIOS update won’t delete any files. You might or might lose your files if your hard drive fails. Basic Input Output System, or BIOS, simply informs your computer about the type of hardware that is attached to it.
Is It Safe To Reset BIOS?
Resetting the BIOS to default settings is secure. Your machine suffers no consequences or harm by resetting the bios. A bios reset will return the bios to its default settings without erasing any information from your drive.
What Will Happen If I Reset My BIOS?
The technique can also be used to roll back your system after making other modifications because resetting your BIOS returns it to the most recent configuration that was saved. Whatever the circumstance, keep in mind that resetting your BIOS is a straightforward process for both novice and experienced users.
Can I Update BIOS Without USB?
You don’t need a USB flash drive to upgrade your BIOS. Up to three options for updating your BIOS are provided by some motherboard manufacturers: DOS, Windows, and BIOS/UEFI. You can also use a thumb drive and DOS to upgrade your BIOS, however, it may be installed on a different hard disk.
How Long Should A HP BIOS Update Take?
The average time shouldn’t exceed 10 minutes.
Conclusion
I have successfully taken you through the steps involved in updating your computer’s BIOS, the precautionary measures you need to take as well as answers to most asked questions about the topic.
Do well to adhere to every instruction given in this article, and in case of any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section.
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