New computers, unlike older systems, include a flash BIOS that allows users to upgrade the BIOS chip or flash the BIOS on the motherboard using a software application.
BIOS updates can fix problems with your computer’s hardware that aren’t fixed by drivers or an operating system update.
You may think of a BIOS update as a hardware upgrade rather than a software update.
What is the purpose of updating the BIOS?
Any of the above problems can be solved by updating the BIOS.
- Adding the ability to upgrade computer hardware.
- Optional or corrective changes to the BIOS setup screen.
- Troubleshoot hardware incompatibility issues.
- Increasing the capacity and capabilities of your equipment.
- New information or instructions.
- Updating the launch logo.
- Computers that need to be updated to fix the year 2000 issue.
Whether a BIOS upgrade is required
BIOS upgrades are more complicated than software updates, and if done incorrectly, can cause your computer or hardware to stop working.
As a result, only update the BIOS if the readme file or the manufacturer’s website says it will fix your problem.
Do I need to update the BIOS on my computer to keep it up to date
Update the BIOS only if you have problems.
We do not advocate changing the BIOS if the machine is in good condition.
Do I need to update the BIOS after installing new RAM, disk, or other hardware
You don’t need to update the BIOS if you’ve added more RAM, a new drive, or other new hardware to your computer.
Most computer hardware can be installed without the need to update the BIOS.
If your computer is not working properly after installing new hardware, first make sure that the new hardware is compatible with your computer.
If the new hardware is compatible, the new hardware may require a BIOS update to function properly.
Precautions and recommendations for updating the BIOS
If the user does not have all the necessary information and processes before proceeding, upgrading the BIOS can be a costly mistake.
Your machine may not boot if you update the BIOS incorrectly or with the wrong BIOS.
The procedures below should be followed before updating your computer’s BIOS.
- A BIOS update can only be obtained from the computer or motherboard vendor.
Note that most OEMs (such as Dell, HP, and Toshiba) exclusively use their own BIOS updates and do not encourage BIOS updates from motherboard manufacturers. - Wait until the BIOS advises you to shut down or restart the computer before doing so.
- Check to see if the BIOS you received or the one you download fixes the problem you’re having.
Note that BIOS upgrades only fix hardware issues, not software unless the software is directly related to the hardware. - Check the BIOS version and make sure the BIOS update you intend to use is the latest version.
- Some BIOS updates are only compatible with certain processors.
As a result, it’s also a smart idea to know what kind of CPU your computer has. - Check if the machine has been checked for viruses.
A virus can cause the BIOS update to fail or abort. - If you are updating the BIOS on a laptop, make sure the AC adapter is plugged in.
- Update the BIOS only in a safe environment.
If a computer without a battery backup or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) loses power during an update due to a storm, data loss or file system corruption may occur. - Finally, please read all disclaimers and other instructions contained in the BIOS download before proceeding.
If the user performs the update without the help of a professional or corporate representative, many computer manufacturers will void their warranties.
You may be liable if the BIOS causes any problems with your computer.
What is the best place to get BIOS updates?
A BIOS update must be requested directly from the computer or motherboard vendor.
How to get a BIOS update without a working computer
If your computer cannot connect to the Internet to receive the BIOS update, create a BIOS update diskette, disc, or bootable USB flash drive on another computer.
Where can I find the BIOS for my motherboard?
When the machine initially starts up, the BIOS version is often displayed.
If necessary, you can pause the boot process and view messages while the machine is booting using the Pause key on your keyboard.
This information is located in the CMOS setup if you cannot see the BIOS version during the boot phase.
What is the procedure to install the BIOS update?
Downloaded BIOS updates can be saved to a floppy disk, CD, or USB flash drive, or they can be installed on Windows
The manufacturer determines how they are installed.
Floppy disk, disc, or USB drive with bootable software
The file you download guides you through generating a bootable diskette, disk, or USB flash drive in the case of diskette, disk, or USB flash drive.
After the BIOS update is performed, restarting the computer with a disk, disk, or USB inserted in the computer immediately initiates the BIOS update.
You may need to change the startup settings if the machine does not boot from the startup disk.
Windows BIOS upgrade
After downloading the BIOS update through Windows, it can be installed like any other application on your computer.
After it’s done, you’ll need to restart your computer to complete the BIOS update.
Is it possible to upgrade the BIOS after it has already been updated
Yes.
It can be upgraded to the next BIOS update version as long as the previous BIOS updates were properly updated.
For example, if you upgraded to BIOS version 1.1 and BIOS version 1.2 became available later, you can update to 1.2 after installing 1.1.
You will not be able to upgrade the BIOS if the BIOS update failed and the machine is no longer bootable.
Is it possible to revert to the previous version of the BIOS
Some computer and motherboard manufacturers can revert to a previous version of the BIOS.
However, it all depends on who created the BIOS update.
In general, most update applications can only update and cannot roll back.
Read more on the blog.