Updating the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is an essential task to perform on a computer in order to keep it running optimally. A system’s BIOS contains instructions for how it interacts with its hardware and operating system, and ensuring these instructions are up to date is essential for avoiding software-related issues and keeping the hardware running properly. However, before you can update your BIOS, you have to first understand the process itself. This guide will walk you through the steps of updating the BIOS, as well as provide some guidance along the way to ensure the process goes smoothly.
What You Need:
1. System information / model number
2. Current BIOS version
3. BIOS update file
4. USB storage device
Step 1: Getting Your System Information
The first step in updating the BIOS is gathering all of the necessary information about your computer. Before you can update the BIOS, you must know your system’s make and model number. This information will be used later to locate the appropriate BIOS update file. To find this information:
• On Windows platforms, go to the Start menu and type “System Information” into the search bar. This will open the System Information window, which will contain the make and model of your computer.
• On a Mac, go to the Apple menu and select “About This Mac”. This will open a window containing the description and model of your computer.
Once you’ve located the make and model of your computer, you can then use the information to look up the corresponding BIOS version. You can usually find the BIOS version number printed on the motherboard itself or listed in the System Information window (on Windows).
Step 2: Locating the Correct BIOS Update File
Now that you know your computer’s current BIOS version, you can begin the search for the new BIOS update. Most system manufacturers offer dedicated sections on their websites to allow users to download the latest BIOS updates for their systems. Use your computer’s make and model number to locate the corresponding update file from the manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve found the update file, make sure to download it to a USB storage device or burn it to a CD. You’ll need this file when running the BIOS update tool.
Step 3: Backup Your Existing BIOS
It’s always wise to have a backup of your existing BIOS before updating, just in case the update fails. This way, if the new BIOS turns out to be incompatible with your hardware or causes other problems, you can easily revert the system back to its original state. To make a backup, you’ll need a BIOS flashing tool. Most modern motherboards come with one pre-installed, but if yours doesn’t you can download one from the manufacturer’s website.
Once you’ve obtained the flashing tool, launch it and select the option to create a backup of your current BIOS. The tool will create a copy of it and store it in a designated location on your hard drive.
Step 4: Installing the BIOS Update
Now that you have the update file, a backup of your old BIOS and a flashing tool, you can begin the process of installing the BIOS update. First, make sure to disconnect any external devices such as keyboards, mice and printers from the computer. Next, launch the flashing tool and follow the on-screen instructions to install the BIOS update. Depending on the make and model of your computer, the process may vary slightly. Pay close attention to the instructions to ensure the process is completed correctly.
Once the process is finished, the system will reboot automatically and you will be taken to the modified BIOS setup screen. Here, you can configure any settings that have changed due to the update. Make sure to change any BIOS settings you need and then save the settings before exiting.
Step 5: Testing the New BIOS
Now that you’ve successfully updated the BIOS, it’s time to test it to make sure everything is working correctly. Start by reconnecting any external devices you disconnected earlier and then boot up the system. If you encounter any errors or strange behavior, it’s possible that the new BIOS is incompatible with your system. In this case, you will need to restore the old BIOS from the backup file you created earlier.
If the system’s performance seems normal and all the hardware is functioning correctly, you can go ahead and use the computer as normal. After a few days of use, check the system’s performance again and make sure there aren’t any hardware- or software-related issues.
Conclusion
Updating the BIOS is a crucial task to ensure that your system is running optimally and avoiding any potential software-related issues. While the process may seem daunting at first, it’s actually very simple and straightforward if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. Make sure to gather all the necessary information, create a backup of the old BIOS, download the correct update file, obtain a flashing tool and follow the on-screen instructions correctly. After the update is complete, remember to test the new BIOS to make sure it’s compatible with your system and all the hardware is functioning properly.