The computer BIOS is well known to you. For example, when you want to change the boot order of the computer, want to check the hardware of the computer, etc. without having to install the operating system.
BIOS stands for Basic Input / Output System. Meaning it will manage the entire system of computer input and output devices. By now you should have noticed the importance of BIOS.
Why is BIOS needed for updates?
- The first is to fix errors . The BIOS is just a code and the code is never perfect. The update may include fixes that may help the software work better on your computer.
- The second is enhanced compatibility . A BIOS update may also support newer devices, newer features, or newer standards.
- The third is to increase performance . Sometimes the BIOS update includes many hardware tweaks that can shorten boot time.
The above benefits are very valuable, especially for old computers. If your computer is over 5 years old and the BIOS has never been updated, the latest version of the BIOS may have lots of updates and bug fixes.
For example, the old BIOS version does not yet support SSD hard drives, new CPU chips, mice, etc. Then you should look for the latest update to see if it supports additional new devices.
Update the BIOS in 5 steps
Step 1. Find Jobs Your BIOS version is used by your computer's motherboard
First you need to find the latest update for your computer's BIOS. To do this you need to know the exact BIOS version of your computer motherboard.
To find the BIOS version on your computer, restart your computer, access the BIOS. It will be in the BIOS Version section.
Step 2. Check if there are any BIOS updates?
When you see the BIOS Version information in step 1. You can immediately know which motherboard your computer is. And if you still do not know, such as in the case above. BIOS Version is F.2D. At that time, you should search on Google to know which brand it is.
Once you know the BIOS version used by your computer's motherboard, next you need to find out if there are any new updates available.
To do that, you will have to search the support pages of your computer vendors (eg HP, Dell, Asus, etc.).
Or you search directly from Google.
You need to find the exact BIOS update for your device. Then download and install.
Once you have correctly identified your computer or motherboard, look for a part such as the Download BIOS, Firmware or Utility . On the BIOS update download page you can find many available update versions. Additionally, each version may be available in different formats, depending on the method you choose to update the BIOS.
These methods of updating the BIOS generally include updating the BIOS directly from Windows , updating from DOS, or updating when accessing the BIOS .
If a BIOS update is available, choose the latest version.
Note: Finding the right updated version for your computer is very important. If installed wrongly, Brick may be very tired to fix.
Step 3: Prepare before updating
Preparing your computer is a very important step in updating your BIOS and there are a few things you should do:
- Read the Readme section that is distributed with the BIOS update files you have downloaded. These can give you very important information about update procedures and what you should and should not do.
- If possible, try to update your BIOS while using a stable power source. If you have updated the BIOS for your laptop or other portable device, make sure its battery is fully charged. If you are doing it on a desktop computer, use a uninterruptible power supply. Precautions are necessary because only a small electrical fluctuation can fail the BIOS while it is being updated. That could lead to an unusable computer.
- If you have updated the BIOS from Windows, it is better to disable any running antivirus programs or security software, so that it does not block anything during the update process.
Step 4. Backup shows the BIOS Version
Most BIOS update programs include a backup option for your current BIOS version. If such a feature is available, take advantage of it and back up your current BIOS version before upgrading. In case something goes wrong with the update, backing up can be a lifesaver.
In case the BIOS update provided by the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard doesn't provide a backup option, a good alternative freeware is the Universal BIOS Backup Toolkit .
Download the Universal BIOS Backup Toolkit to install and use it to back up the current BIOS version.
Step 5. Update the BIOS of your computer or motherboard
The steps involved depend on the method you choose to update the BIOS.
Step 5.1. Update the BIOS from Windows
The simplest method is to update the BIOS from Windows when downloading the update on Windows. You will see a number of files, among these, an executable .EXE file.
You double-click the .EXE file. To start updating the BIOS you may have to choose a new BIOS or it may be selected automatically. Then look for a button named Update, Flash, Run or something similar and click.
Then all you have to do is relax and watch your BIOS get updated.
In most cases, when this process is done, the update will notify you that you need to reboot to update the changes.
If everything works fine, the BIOS is currently being updated. You can now access and tweak its settings to your liking.
Step 5.2. Update BIOS from DOS
If you choose to update the BIOS from DOS you will have to create a boot drive (USB memory stick, CD / DVD, external hard drive) and copy the BIOS file (s) on it. Then reboot the system and boot from this drive.
Depending on the instructions shared by the manufacturer of your computer / motherboard, you will have to run a specific command. This could be simply the name of the BIOS file or it could be something similar to the command below:
afudos /inewbios.rom "mainboard type bios".
Wait for the BIOS to get updated and then restart your computer.
This method is quite complex, so those of you who are not familiar with it, just use the update on Windows for it!
Step 5.3. Update the BIOS from the BIOS
The third method of updating the BIOS involves use from the BIOS itself. Some manufacturers include these features. However, it bears a different name from one manufacturer to another.
For example, if you have an Asrock motherboard, your BIOS will have an update utility. If you own an Asus motherboard, the BIOS will have a utility called EZ Flash.
These types of utilities usually require you to save the new BIOS file on an external drive or USB memory stick. This drive does not need to be booted and there are no commands you must run to start the update process.
These utilities will automatically detect the presence of new BIOS files on the drive you have selected and start updating the BIOS. When the update is completed, restart your computer.
Conclusion
Updating the BIOS is not too difficult but it requires careful and accurate. If you forget a small detail, you will probably encounter unexpected errors.
Also, things like a power failure during the update process can corrupt the BIOS and render your computer unusable. These problems can only be repaired by qualified service personnel in your computer repair shop or by the manufacturer of your computer.
Hopefully our guide has helped you make this process smooth and problem-free.