{"id":97005,"date":"2025-05-01T21:19:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T21:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/?p=97005"},"modified":"2025-06-19T17:25:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T17:25:51","slug":"expert-guide-how-to-update-bios-the-right-way-on-windows-10-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/expert-guide-how-to-update-bios-the-right-way-on-windows-10-11\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Update BIOS the Right Way on Windows 10\/11"},"content":{"rendered":"

As some PC users would say, if you want to learn how long you can hold your breath, try updating your BIOS firmware. The statement is mostly true because a BIOS update, when done incorrectly, could brick your motherboard and render your PC inoperable.<\/p>\n

There are various reasons why one would consider updating their BIOS, such as when upgrading a hardware, installing a new OS, or fixing stability issues and security vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n

This guide, therefore, has been specially and carefully curated to provide you with the best practices and step-by-step procedures required to safely and successfully complete the task without fear. Discover how to update your motherboard BIOS the right way.<\/p>\n

What Is BIOS?<\/h2>\n

BIOS<\/a> stands for basic input\/output system. It is a low-level software, otherwise known as firmware, that is embedded in a flash memory chip on your PC\u2019s motherboard.<\/p>\n

What does the BIOS do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The BIOS manages the flow of data between your operating system and hardware devices. This means that you can modify system behavior and performance from within the BIOS interface.<\/p>\n

It also plays a crucial role in the system startup process. When you power on your computer, the BIOS firmware is the first piece of code that springs to life, initializing the storage drive on which your operating system is stored and triggering the MBR (Master Boot Record)<\/a> to start the bootloader and load your operating system.<\/p>\n

Before your OS is able to boot, the BIOS first runs a Power-On Self-Test (POST), which is a series of diagnostic tests that check the hardware components of your PC to ensure that they are functioning properly.<\/p>\n

During the process, the BIOS detects, tests, and initializes your memory modules, hard drive, fan, CPU, input\/output devices, and peripherals.<\/p>\n

Should the BIOS detect faults during the POST, the test fails, and depending on the severity of the problem found, the OS is either prevented from booting or, when allowed to boot, displays an error message for the user to see. The system may also let out a series of beeps that signify a specific error code.<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s the difference between the BIOS and UEFI?<\/div>\r\n\t
<\/p>\n

In modern computers, which have now shifted from the BIOS to UEFI<\/a> (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), the Power-On Self-Test completes within split seconds.<\/p>\n

The BIOS is legacy. UEFI is the new standard. While they both perform the same basic role, UEFI has improved features, greater speed, and better security and can handle larger hard drives and high-level devices. It is not uncommon for people to refer to UEFI as the BIOS. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/p>\n

Should You Update Your BIOS? How to Know If Updating the BIOS Is Necessary<\/h2>\n

A BIOS update is not something you should venture to do unless the occasion calls for it. As long as your PC is working fine and you haven\u2019t noticed any stability issues, you are better off without it.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not a tech or gaming enthusiast that likes to build computers\u2014tinkering with overclocking<\/a>, installing new CPUs, GPUs, memory, and storage drives\u2014then you probably don\u2019t need to flash your BIOS.<\/p>\n

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Flashing the BIOS is the technical term for updating the BIOS. It is typical for motherboard manufacturers to issue a support list showing the BIOS version required to support specific hardware upgrades. <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n

So, when is it actually necessary to update your BIOS? The only reasons you might have to justify seeking answers to the question, \u201cHow to update my BIOS,\u201d include:<\/p>\n

Compatibility requirements: <\/b>An update becomes necessary when you want to install new hardware that won\u2019t work with your current BIOS or when you learn that a certain app or software requires an updated BIOS.<\/p>\n

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Note<\/div>\r\n\t
For example, if you\u2019re using Windows 10 and wish to upgrade to Windows 11<\/a>, a BIOS update may have to be done so as to meet the security requirements such as TPM 2.0<\/a> and Secure Boot. You should, therefore, update your BIOS because it ensures compatibility with newer software and hardware, keeping everything running smoothly. <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n

Security concerns: <\/b>A new update might be made available to disarm threat actors and discourage exploits. When you head to the manufacturer\u2019s website, you might find a new BIOS release labelled \u201crecommended.\u201d But that doesn\u2019t mean you should jump right into it, especially if there\u2019s nothing wrong with your PC. Instead, you should read the description. If it shows that the update contains a new security patch that deals with potential vulnerabilities, then you should probably go for it.<\/p>\n

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Note<\/div>\r\n\t
Always remember to keep your system safe at all times by ensuring that you have a robust security program<\/a>. <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n

Stability improvements: <\/b>Certain glitches and, oftentimes, system crashes could be traced back to the motherboard BIOS. In that case, it becomes imperative to run an update.<\/p>\n

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PRO TIP<\/div>\r\n\t\t
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Most times, a routine driver update could be all you need to fix unexpected issues and keep your PC in optimal working condition. It is often advisable to employ a specialized driver updater tool<\/a> that monitors your device drivers, detecting when they are outdated, malfunctioning, missing, or just incorrect. Such tools are mostly a good investment. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/p>\n

Optional features: <\/b>Your new hardware might have capabilities that can only be enabled with a specific BIOS version. For example, you could achieve improved power management and better use of system resources<\/a>. But you have to weigh the pros and cons to determine whether said features are worth the effort.<\/p>\n

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BIOS updates rarely improve hardware performance. These updates have more to do with stability than performance. Your existing hardware, when in good working condition, will always function according to its maximum capacity no matter whether you\u2019re using a newer BIOS version or not. <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n

The conclusion is that you need to have a strong reason to go for a BIOS update, and if you must update, only choose a version that\u2019s listed on the manufacturer\u2019s official website as addressing known bugs or security vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n

How to Update Your Motherboard BIOS<\/h2>\n

We will cover the general process for updating BIOS using a USB drive. Afterwards, consult the table below to find the specialized process for your specific PC brand or motherboard.<\/p>\n

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Warning!<\/div>\r\n\t
If you have enabled BitLocker<\/a>, don\u2019t forget to disable it before attempting a BIOS update. Also, make sure your PC is plugged in and charging before you start the update. Don\u2019t forget to disconnect external devices such as scanners and printers, and consider backing up your data<\/a> and BIOS settings in case the BIOS update fails. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/p>\n

Step 1: Identify your BIOS details<\/h3>\n

First things first, you have to identify your current BIOS version and motherboard manufacturer<\/a>. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n