What a BIOS Update Does and Why You Might Need One

Your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the firmware that runs before your operating system loads—it controls how your hardware talks to Windows or Linux. A BIOS update can fix bugs, improve stability with newer hardware, patch security vulnerabilities, or unlock features your motherboard didn't have before. Most computers run fine without updates, but if you are experiencing crashes with new RAM or a processor, or if your manufacturer has released a security patch, an update may solve the problem.

The process is straightforward but requires care: a failed update can leave your computer unable to start. This guide walks you through the safest method—updating from within Windows using your manufacturer's own tool—rather than riskier approaches like updating from a USB drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because a failed update can prevent your computer from booting.
  • Find your motherboard or laptop model number (usually in System Information on Windows), then read the BIOS file and update tool from the manufacturer's support page.
  • Plug in your power adapter and keep it connected throughout the entire update—a power loss during the process will brick your computer.
  • The update itself takes 5 to 15 minutes and your computer will restart automatically; do not turn it off or unplug it during this time.
  • After the update completes, restart your computer and check that it boots normally, then verify the new BIOS version in System Information.

Find Your Motherboard or Laptop Model Number

You need to know exactly which motherboard or laptop model you own so you read the correct BIOS file. On Windows, open System Information by pressing the Windows key and typing "System Information," then press Enter. Look for the line labeled "System Model" or "Product Name"—this is what you need.

If you are using a laptop from Dell, HP, Lenovo, or ASUS, the model number is usually printed on the bottom or inside the battery compartment as well. Write down the exact model number before you move forward, because downloading the wrong BIOS file for a different model can damage your computer.

read the BIOS File and Update Tool from the Manufacturer

Go to your computer manufacturer's support website. For a Dell laptop, visit dell.com/support; for HP, go to hp.com/support; for Lenovo, lenovo.com/support; for ASUS, asus.com/support. Enter your model number in the search box. You should see a page with drivers and downloads for your specific machine.

Look for a section labeled "BIOS," "System Firmware," or "BIOS Update." read both the BIOS file itself (usually a .bin or .exe file) and any update utility the manufacturer provides. Save both files to a folder on your desktop so you can find them easily. Do not move or rename these files—the update tool needs them exactly as the manufacturer named them.

Back Up Your Files and Plug In Power

Before you do anything else, back up your important files. Copy documents, photos, and anything else you cannot afford to lose to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive. This is not because a BIOS update usually fails, but because if something goes wrong and your computer will not start, you will need your files on another device.

Next, plug your laptop into power or make sure your desktop is connected to a surge-protected power strip. Do not rely on battery power—if your laptop loses power during the update, the BIOS will not finish writing and your computer will not boot. Keep the power cable connected for the entire process, even after the update finishes.

Run the BIOS Update Tool

Close all open programs, including web browsers and email. Disable any antivirus software temporarily—some antivirus programs block BIOS updates as a safety measure, and you need the update to run without interference. You can turn antivirus back on after the update finishes.

Double-click the BIOS update tool you downloaded. It will usually open a window asking you to confirm the update and showing the current BIOS version and the new version you are about to install. Read this information to make sure you are updating to a newer version, not an older one. Click the button to begin the update—it is usually labeled "Update," "Install," or "Flash." Your computer will restart automatically as part of the process.

Let the Update Complete Without Interruption

Once the update starts, your screen may go black or show a progress bar. This is normal. The update usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your computer will restart one or more times on its own—do not turn it off, unplug it, or press any keys. If you interrupt this process, your BIOS will be corrupted and your computer will not start.

If your computer seems stuck on a black screen for more than 20 minutes, it may have failed. In that case, wait another 5 minutes before doing anything. If it still has not restarted, you can try a hard restart by holding the power button for 10 seconds, but only as a last resort.

Verify the Update Succeeded

After your computer restarts and boots into Windows normally, open System Information again (Windows key + type "System Information"). Look for the BIOS version line and confirm it shows the new version number you just installed. If it matches what the manufacturer said you were installing, the update succeeded.

Restart your computer one more time to make sure it boots reliably. Turn antivirus protection back on. Your BIOS is now updated and your computer should run normally. If you notice any unusual behavior—crashes, failure to recognize hardware, or failure to boot—restart and enter the BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during startup) to check that all settings are correct, or contact the manufacturer's support line.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is unplugging the computer or losing power during the update. Even a brief power loss will corrupt the BIOS and require professional repair. Always plug in before you start and keep the power connected the entire time.

The second mistake is downloading the wrong BIOS file for a different model. Double-check your model number against the read page before you click. The third mistake is running the update while antivirus software is active—disable it first. Finally, do not restart your computer manually or close the update tool while it is running. Let it finish on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my computer will not start after the BIOS update?

This usually means the update failed or was interrupted. Try restarting by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then pressing it again to turn the computer back on. If it still will not boot, you may need to contact the manufacturer's support line or take the computer to a repair shop, as recovering from a failed BIOS update often requires specialized tools.

How often should I update my BIOS?

Most users do not need to update BIOS at all. Update only if the manufacturer releases a patch for a security issue, if you are adding new hardware that requires it, or if you are experiencing crashes or stability problems. Checking your manufacturer's support page once or twice a year is enough.

Can I update BIOS from a USB drive instead?

Yes, but it is riskier than updating from within Windows. USB updates are useful if Windows will not start, but they require more steps and carry a higher risk of failure if something goes wrong. Stick with the Windows method unless your computer cannot boot.

Will updating BIOS erase my files or settings?

No. A BIOS update does not touch your files, programs, or Windows settings. It only updates the firmware that runs before Windows loads. Your computer will look and work exactly the same after the update finishes.

Do I need to change any BIOS settings after the update?

Usually no. Most updates preserve your existing settings. However, some major updates may reset settings to defaults. If your computer behaves differently after the update—such as not recognizing a hard drive or running slower—restart and enter BIOS setup to check that your hardware settings are still correct.