Before you start
- Your exact motherboard or laptop model
- A stable power supply (laptop charger plugged in)
- A FAT32 USB drive for desktop motherboards
- Your BitLocker recovery key, if BitLocker is on
Method 1 Find your model and BIOS version
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Step 1: Open System Information
Press Win + R, type msinfo32 and press Enter.
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Step 2: Note the details
Write down System Manufacturer, System Model (or BaseBoard Product for custom PCs) and BIOS Version/Date.
Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDateMethod 2 Prepare for the update
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Step 1: Download the right file
Go to the manufacturer’s support page for your exact model and revision (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, Acer). Download the latest BIOS and read its notes; some updates must be installed in order.
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Step 2: Suspend BitLocker
If your drive is encrypted, open Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption and click Suspend protection. Otherwise you may be asked for the recovery key after the update.
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Step 3: Back up and connect power
Back up important files. Plug in the laptop charger; on desktops, avoid updating during storms or unreliable power.
Method 3 Update a laptop or branded PC from Windows
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Step 1: Use the manufacturer’s tool
Use Dell Command | Update or SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, Lenovo Vantage, or MyASUS, or run the downloaded BIOS .exe file.
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Step 2: Close everything
Close other programs and follow the prompts. The PC restarts and the update runs before Windows loads.
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Step 3: Wait
Fans may spin loudly and the screen may go black or show a progress bar for several minutes. Don’t press the power button.
Method 4 Update a desktop motherboard from USB
Many boards also have BIOS Flashback (USB BIOS Flashback / Q-Flash Plus): a special USB port and button that update the BIOS even without a CPU installed.
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Step 1: Prepare the USB drive
Format a USB drive as FAT32, extract the BIOS file onto it (rename it if the manufacturer says so).
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Step 2: Open the flash tool
Restart and press Del or F2 to enter the BIOS. Open the built-in tool: ASUS EZ Flash, MSI M-Flash, Gigabyte Q-Flash or ASRock Instant Flash.
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Step 3: Flash
Select the file on the USB drive and confirm. Wait until the board restarts by itself.
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Step 4: Re-check settings
After updating, settings like XMP/EXPO memory profiles, fan curves and boot order may be reset. Set them again.
Troubleshooting
The PC doesn’t start after updating
Wait 10 minutes: some boards restart several times. Then try BIOS Flashback, a CMOS reset (see your manual), or the board’s recovery mode. Contact the manufacturer if it still won’t start.
The update tool says the file is invalid
The file is for a different model or revision. Check the exact model printed on the motherboard.
Windows asks for a BitLocker recovery key
Find it at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey with the Microsoft account linked to the PC.
Frequently asked questions
Should I update my BIOS regularly?
Not necessarily. Update for security fixes, new hardware support or a bug that affects you.
Can Windows Update update my BIOS?
On many laptops and branded PCs, yes: firmware updates arrive through Windows Update or the manufacturer’s app.
Will a BIOS update delete my files?
No. It only updates the motherboard firmware. Back up anyway in case something goes wrong.
Summary
Check your model and BIOS version in msinfo32, download the matching file from the manufacturer, suspend BitLocker and keep power connected. Use the manufacturer’s updater or the BIOS flash tool, and don’t interrupt it.
