How to Update BIOS

A computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the software that sets up the operating system by locating all of a PC’s various hardware components and telling the operating system how to use them. When one updates his/her BIOS, he/she can minimize the amount of time it takes for the computer to boot up, to correct compatibility issues, and to improve the computer’s overall performance.

The computer or motherboard’s manufacturer will periodically update the BIOS to repair bugs, add compatibility with new devices, and make other hardware corrections that can speed up the computer’s boot time and fix other issues. These updates are typically available on the manufacturer’s website. Users can update the BIOS on their own by following some steps very carefully.

Important Warning

One needs to be extremely careful when updating one’s BIOS because there are serious risks. One must acquire the BIOS upgrade software from a dependable source. It is the safest to download the BIOS upgrade software directly from the manufacturer’s website. If one uses BIOS software from a manufacturer’s website other than the computer’s specific manufacturer, it may not work on one’s motherboard. Using an incorrect BIOS or version can lead to having to replace the BIOS or having the manufacturer reprogram the BIOS.

Make sure that the electrical power source being used is completely reliable when flashing a BIOS. Any loss of power or fluctuation during a flash process can damage the BIOS. Do not ever power down or reset the computer when flashing the BIOS. If one is flashing the BIOS from a booted operating system, disable any background processes and unnecessary applications first.

Only update the BIOS if one knows exactly what to do and follow the instructions step by step. If one fails to follow the manufacturer’s directions and warnings the BIOS can be corrupted.

How to Update BIOS

First, identify the BIOS version without rebooting the computer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. The simplest way to identify the BIOS version is to open the System Information App in Windows.
2. Type msinfo32 into the search bar if one uses Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Type msinfo32 into the Run Box if one uses Windows XP.
3. Click System Summary.
4. The BIOS version should appear on the right, under the computer’s processor speed.
5. Record the version’s number. Also record the date that shows up if applicable.

Next, check the motherboard/PC manufacturer’s website to find BIOS updates. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the manufacturer’s support website and look for listings for the PC’s specific line and model. Be sure to find the correct PC, because if a BIOS update for a different model is downloaded, it will not work on the computer.
2. If one finds a BIOS update file, download it along with any documentation that comes with it. Warnings and specific instructions will mostly be in the Read Me documents.
3. Those who put their PC together by themselves need to search for BIOS updates from the motherboard manufacturer’s website. If one does not recall the motherboard’s model number, look it up easily by downloading CPU-Z at http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,64352-order,4/description.html. Once CPU-Z is downloaded, click the Mainboard tab.

Next, read the included documentation. It is extremely important to carefully read the Read Me file. The following information will help with this:

1. The computer’s BIOS takes care of many basics. The BIOS updates on the computer manufacturer’s website will have a Read Me file. This file will probably include a list of new functions and fixes that are often meant to support new hardware.
2. The BIOS updates can range from support for a new AC adapter to a fix for fan speed issues. BIOS updates typically correct issues that updating Windows would not fix.
3. The most important information in the Read Me file tells users what they need to install before updating their BIOS. For example, to install a certain patch or have a certain graphics card, users would have to update the computer’s drivers above a specific version to successfully update the BIOS. If the information in these documents are not carefully followed, it may cause the computer to be unable to boot up.

It is a good idea to backup the BIOS before updating it. Most BIOS software update versions have a Save or Backup option built in and guide users when they back up their BIOS before upgrading it.

The last step is to update the BIOS. Before updating the BIOS, make sure that the computer’s power supply is not coming from a laptop battery. The computer may shut down in the middle of the BIOS update and may not be able to boot up. It is optimal to be plugged into a power supply that cannot be interrupted. To update the BIOS, follow these steps carefully:

1. Download the .exe file on the PC manufacturer’s website.
2. Exit out of all open programs.
3. Run the .exe.
4. Let the .exe take care of the patch.
5. Reboot the computer.

Someone with an older computer may be required to update the BIOS him/herself by setting up his/her own bootable disk. It might be possible to still download an application that can be used with a USB thumb drive, floppy disk, or blank CD/DVD. This will allow the user to boot from the thumb drive or disk to update the BIOS.

Some systems may require the user to copy files to a bootable disk, restart the computer, then open the BIOS during the startup by pressing a specific key. If this is the case, the user has to change the boot order so that the system seeks a bootable USB drive or CD before it loads the operating system from the hard drive.

How to Find an Award BIOS Upgrade

Phoenix Technologies purchased the Award BIOS Software.

Phoenix Technologies outsources all Award BIOS upgrade support to eSupport.