Alex Ruben
How To Update BIOS on Any PC in Windows 10/11 Safely and Easily
Updating the BIOS can feel a bit intimidating, but if you’re experiencing weird hardware issues or just want the latest stuff for better stability, it might be necessary. Usually, it’s straightforward, but of course, Windows has to make it harder than it should be sometimes. Here’s how to do it, step by step, for most major brands—ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, Dell, HP, you name it.
Pre-requisites for a Successful BIOS Update
Before diving in, make sure you’ve got:
- A steady internet connection. No interruptions.
- Admin rights on your PC—that’s a no-brainer.
- Figured out your motherboard or system model. You don’t wanna end up flashing the wrong firmware.
- Backup of any critical stuff. BIOS updates can, on rare occasions, go sideways.
Step 1: Download the Correct Software or BIOS File
This is kinda the core of the whole thing. Why? Because flashing the wrong BIOS or using the wrong tool can brick your system. So, always get the firmware from your motherboard or system manufacturer’s official website. Here are some links to get you started:
- GIGABYTE Control Center
- ASUS Armoury Crate
- MSI Center
- ASRock App Shop
- BIOSTAR Support
- Intel Driver Support Assistant
- EVGA Precision X1
For custom BIOS files, usually you’ll find a dedicated download page on the manufacturer’s site. Just make sure you’re picking the right one for your system. Even if it looks like a tiny detail, flashing the wrong BIOS can lead to bigger headaches.
Step 2: Install and Launch the Software
Once you’ve downloaded the right tool or BIOS file, install it. For software tools like ASUS Armoury Crate or MSI Center, just run the installer, follow the prompts. When installation’s done, open the app. Sometimes, these tools auto-detect the system specs, which is handy. If not, you might have to manually tell it what kind of motherboard you have—finding that info in your manual or system info.
Some BIOS update tools will require you to run them as administrator. Right-click the program and choose Run as administrator. Also, it’s helpful to check for updates within those apps—they often have an update feature for their own software before proceeding.
Step 3: Find the Update Center / BIOS Update Section
Once inside the app, look for the Update Center, Support, or a specific BIOS Update tab. Trying to hunt for it? It can be named differently depending on the software, but it’s usually pretty obvious.
For example, in the GIGABYTE Control Center, there’s a dedicated BIOS Update tab. Same for MSI—look for something like System Compatibility. If you don’t find it immediately, don’t panic. Most of these tools ask you to check for updates first, which then show if there’s a BIOS update available for your model.
Step 4: Check for BIOS Updates
In this section, the software will list available BIOS updates. If your BIOS is already the latest revision, it will tell you. Otherwise, it’ll show a new version. Sometimes, these updates fix bugs, add support for new RAM or CPUs, or improve stability. Be aware that some updates are optional, so decide if it’s worth risking—usually if there’s a bug fix or compatibility boost.
Note: Some systems let you compare the current BIOS version with the available one directly in the software, which is handy.
Step 5: Start the BIOS Update Process
This is where it gets nerve-wracking, but don’t freak out. Choose the BIOS update and click Install or similar. On some setups, the app will automatically download the BIOS file or prompt you to select it. Make sure you’ve closed all other apps, saved your work, and plugged in your system to power—because if your PC loses power mid-flash, it’s game over.
Sometimes, you’ll need to restart the system into a special update mode, or this happens automatically. A lot of these tools will do everything for you, showing progress in a window. Just follow the prompts, don’t turn off the PC, and be patient.
On some machines, they show a warning like “Interrupting this process can brick your motherboard,” which is technically true. So, yeah, don’t mess with it once it’s started.
Step 6: Restart Your PC
After the update, your system will probably reboot on its own. If it doesn’t, perform a manual restart. When it comes back on, it may take a few seconds longer than usual to load, and you might be prompted to enter BIOS setup to double-check settings. Sometimes, default settings get applied after a flash, so review those if you had custom configurations.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here’s some stuff to keep in mind, because BIOS flashing isn’t without risks:
- Make sure your PC is plugged into a UPS or a reliable power source — power failure during a BIOS update is the worst.
- If your system is super unstable after the update, consider resetting BIOS to defaults and tweaking manually from there.
- On some setups, after the BIOS flash, Windows might boot a bit longer or behave funny—just give it a moment, and check your BIOS settings if needed.
- If the BIOS update doesn’t seem to install properly, try re-running the updater or even flashing from a USB stick if the software supports it—look for instructions on your motherboard’s support page.
- For some brands, you can do a BIOS recovery with a USB stick if the flash goes sideways—again, check the manual or manufacturer support site.
And if all else fails…
Sometimes, BIOS updates are flaky, or the software just refuses to play nice. If that happens, flashing from a USB stick with a BIOS image and a dedicated flasher tool (like ASUS’s EZ Flash or Gigabyte’s Q-Flash) might be the only way out. Those methods are usually detailed in the motherboard manual, but it’s kinda scary since you’re flashing without the GUI—be cautious, follow guides, and check for detailed instructions on the support site.
Summary
- Download the right BIOS file or software from official sources.
- Install and run as administrator.
- Navigate to the BIOS update section and check for updates.
- Start the update, keep the power steady, don’t turn off or restart mid-flash.
- Reboot and verify BIOS version if needed.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. BIOS updating is always a little nerve-wracking, but if everything lines up, it’s pretty smooth sailing. Fingers crossed this helps.