Acer: perform BIOS update - step by step explained
Your Acer BIOS needs an update? With our step-by-step instructions, you can safely update the BIOS of your Acer PC. All steps are explained in this practical tip using an Acer Aspire X3300.
Acer: Find BIOS version and available updates
A BIOS is the firmware of a computer: it tests all hardware components and starts them one after the other when you start up your PC. From time to time, hardware manufacturers release updates for their devices. You can find out whether you need a BIOS update and where to find it here:
- Go to the Windows icon in the lower right corner of your desktop. Enter the command "msinfo32" in the search field of the start menu. Confirm with the Enter key to go to the system overview of your Acer PC. The BIOS version can be easily read out here (see picture).
- Alternatively, you can find out your current BIOS version at boot or with software. You can read how this works in another practical tip.
- Acer publishes the latest BIOS updates on the official homepage. Find your Acer device here and select the BIOS updates in the next menu. If a new version is available, download it.
BIOS update for Acer PC: how to proceed
Warning: A BIOS update is a deep intervention in the system of your Acer PC. Execution errors can damage your computer and may prevent it from starting. Follow the next steps carefully to avoid complications:
- First close all programs and make sure that the battery of your laptop is fully charged. At best, connect it to the socket - your device must never switch off during installation.
- Unzip the downloaded file (for Acer Aspire X3300: BIOS_Acer_P01.B3_A_A.zip) and open the folder. There you will find three further subfolders and a readme file.
- Now open the subfolder "WIN" -> "64" and start the file "AFUWIN.EXE". With a 32-bit system you will find "AFUWIN.EXE" in the subfolder "WIN" -> "32". If you don't know what bit version your Windows operating system is running, find out in another article.
- After starting the .EXE file, you come to the update interface and can make additional settings here. However, we do not recommend that you run the risk of permanently damaging your system.
- Now go to "Open" and select the "P01-P3.ROM" file in the "ROM" folder.
- Once the file is loaded, start the update by clicking on "FLASH". Your mouse cannot be moved during the process. When the process is finished, close the wizard with the "Exit" button.
- Now restart your PC. When the usual beep sounds, press [Del] to enter the BIOS menu. You may also have to press [F2] for this, but you will be informed of this in the lower left corner ("Press ... to enter setup").
- Load the BIOS default settings with [F9] and confirm with [Enter]. Save the changes with [F10] and exit the BIOS menu.
BIOS update failed? First aid for complications
If you have followed all of the above steps, your PC should start normally. However, if problems arise, these practical tips will help:
- Does your BIOS have problems starting or does the PC hang during the boot process? In further articles you will find out what could be the reason.
- The last resort for BIOS problems including instructions for various BIOS systems and expert tips can be found in our CHIP special.
Your BIOS can do more than you think: You will find out in a further article when a BIOS update makes sense and how you can do it.