Before Updating BIOS
BIOS updates are unlike an update you might perform on a software program or operating system. They are often applied differently. Most people never need to worry about updating BIOS unless a troubleshooting guide specifically calls for it. However, if you’re installing new hardware that your computer won’t recognize or you’re troubleshooting another hardware-related issue, a BIOS update might provide a needed compatibility or stability improvement. An update can also add features to a motherboard, fix bugs, and address security issues. Regardless of the BIOS manufacturer, there are a few things you need to do before jumping into the update itself:
How to Update Dell BIOS
These steps are specific for updating BIOS on a Dell computer. While the process is generally the same, each BIOS manufacturer has its own process. Read the next section at if you’re not using a Dell. To do that, check the current BIOS version and compare it with the version number stated on the manufacturer’s website. If you’re not sure about the manufacturer, use the Microsoft System Information directions in that link, or follow a different method in that article if you can’t boot into your computer. If you’re updating BIOS on a desktop, then there’s nothing more you need to do except hope that the power stays on (or use battery backup). If you’re on a laptop, plug it into the wall and leave it be until you’ve finished all of the necessary steps. With the important prerequisites out of the way, it’s time to actually flash BIOS:
Updating BIOS on Other Systems
The Dell-specific instructions above are similar to how you’d update BIOS on a different computer. Here are the general steps for doing this on computer systems other than Dell: If you’re downloading this file on a different computer than the one that needs the BIOS update, save it to the root of a flash drive (you’ll need to format the drive to the FAT32 file system). If the file is on a flash drive, plug it into the computer that needs the BIOS update and then turn the computer on, or restart it if it’s already on. If you’re updating BIOS from the file on the flash drive, press the F12 key while restarting. When you see a black screen with text options, press the down arrow key to highlight BIOS Flash Update, and then press Enter. Continue with Step 7. Select it and then press OK. If you need specific help updating BIOS, visit the manufacturer’s help documents. These ASUS, HP, and Lenovo support pages have all the details you need to do this on their systems.
ASUS HP Lenovo
If this BIOS update is for a different computer, run the file anyway and look for an option to make a recovery flash drive that you can boot from on the non-working computer. Or, copy the file to a flash drive, insert it into the computer that needs the BIOS update, and then restart that computer.
