BIOS update: it works with these instructions
Related Videos: How To Update System BIOS (Updated 2020) (April 2024).
A BIOS update often works wonders for a new processor or minor errors. In our instructions, we will show you what you need for this and how to successfully complete the update.
Instructions: Find out the mainboard version and download the BIOS update
To find the right update for your mainboard, you first need the exact version number. If you no longer have any documents from your mainboard installed, tools such as CPU-Z or Speccy will help you.
- Install CPU-Z on your Windows PC and start the program. Under the "Mainboard" tab you will find detailed information about your motherboard.
- Based on the manufacturer and the model name, you can now search for a BIOS update on the homepage of the mainboard manufacturer. Also pay attention to a matching version number.
- Once you have found the correct entry for your mainboard, download two files from the manufacturer's website: first the program with which you can "flash" your BIOS (an .exe file), and second the latest version of the BIOS itself ( often a .bin file). Put both files in a folder on your PC.
- With some mainboards, you can carry out the update directly from the BIOS interface. In this case you only need the current BIOS file.
Choose the update method
When you have all the necessary files together, read the manufacturer's instructions briefly. There are several methods for getting the update into the BIOS flash memory. These vary depending on the brand of the mainboard.
- Gigabyte uses its own QFLASH program for its boards. With UEFI mainboards you have to put a little more effort into it: You need a bootable USB stick and the appropriate BIOS file with the ending U1L.
- With all DOS update programs (also called BIOS utilities) you also need a bootable USB stick on which you must save the DOS file and the BIOS file.
- Some manufacturers offer a Windows program to flash your BIOS. This is the easiest, but also offers the greatest potential for errors. If Windows freezes during the update process or an error occurs, your computer will no longer start up correctly.
- The following applies in all cases: an interruption of the update process ensures that your computer will not start again the next time!
Renew BIOS in Windows 10 - how it works
If you have Windows 10 installed on your computer, the procedure for the BIOS update is similar to that of older versions of Windows. Even under Windows 10, you first have to find out which mainboard is installed.
- You can read the current BIOS version in the system information by typing "msinfo32.exe" in the search field.
- If you select the "System overview" area, you will receive the necessary information under "BIOS version / date".
- If you know which mainboard is in your computer and have downloaded the update, proceed as with other versions of Windows.
- The update for the BIOS successor UEFI is easier. Start UEFI like BIOS. Then you can use the update function of the UEFI.
- The name of the update tool in UEFI varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. At Asus the function is called "EZ-Flash", for example, at Gigabyte you will find the update tool under the name "Q-Flash".
Flash BIOS using USB stick
If you want to flash your BIOS with a USB stick, prepare it according to the manufacturer's instructions and then restart the computer. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions!
- After a restart, select the USB stick as the boot medium. The BIOS program either starts automatically or you end up in the DOS prompt "C: \". In this case you have to run the program manually by typing in and confirming the file name. (Tip: With the command "dir" you can display all files in the directory.)
- Now follow the instructions of the program and the manufacturer's instructions exactly. Failure to do so will result in an unusable system because the BIOS is responsible for the complete system start before the operating system.
- Some update processes require restarting or pulling the power plug. Follow these steps only when the program prompts you to do so. After successfully completing the update, you can then start with your new BIOS.
If you want detailed information about your BIOS, be sure to always check the manufacturer's website. Another practical tip will tell you how to access your BIOS.