Instructions for updating the BIOS on your computer. How to update the BIOS on an asus motherboard Download the latest BIOS version for Windows 10

Read, how to find out the BIOS version of your PC, check for updates and update the BIOS via Windows or DOS. Updating or releasing a new version operating system, the release of a new processor or the addition of support for a new security standard may require you to update the motherboard firmware. Updating the BIOS can provide access to new system features, improve security, or make your computer boot faster. Therefore, if the manufacturer releases an update, we recommend installing it.

Content:

You can update your BIOS in both Windows and DOS. It's easier to do this from Windows, but in any case you need to determine your current version BIOS. Using the current version number, you can find out if an update is available on the manufacturer's website.

Finding the BIOS Version

We'll look at how to do this on Windows 10, 8 or 7.


Checking for a BIOS update

Unfortunately availability BIOS updates can't check Windows command. There is no universal verification method that is suitable for any computer or laptop. We recommend checking for updates on the manufacturer's website. We looked at how to get the BIOS manufacturer name above.

If it is a laptop or computer manufacturer, find the exact model of your device on their website. On the product page except technical characteristics You will be presented with a download section for drivers and the BIOS update program. If your motherboard manufacturer is listed, go to the manufacturer's website in the download section and find the BIOS update program.

Check the latest available version from yours, and if available a new version firmware - download it.



Updating BIOS via Windows or DOS

Typically, the BIOS update program contains installation instructions. For Dell, HP laptops, etc. it's just an EXE installation file that can be run as any of its driver files and it will take care of the rest.

The update installation file is usually placed in a ZIP archive along with instructions. Remove it and read the instructions carefully. During the update, disable everything unnecessary programs, connect your laptop or computer to a reliable power source. A power outage or surge will cause your computer to no longer be usable.

The advantage of updating the BIOS via Windows is automatic check, which will not allow you to install software that is not compatible with your hardware. That is, if you run an update designed for DELL computer on HP, the program will display a warning and close. In case of DOS program you will also have to study the instructions and update commands.

The BIOS is an essential component of any computer, allowing you to change hardware settings without starting Windows.

As you know, BIOS has many functions, and advanced users usually look for the opportunity to update the BIOS motherboard to gain access to new features. Updating the BIOS can be a bit tricky, so today we are going to show you how to flash the BIOS on Windows 10.

Why upgrade your motherboard?

Flashing the BIOS is a complex procedure, and if you don't do it correctly, you can cause serious damage to your computer. The main problem with BIOS is that it is located on a chip on your motherboard and if the update process goes wrong, you will not be able to run Windows. If you are not an experienced user, but there are problems with the hardware, and you don’t see any other way to fix it as soon as you update the BIOS.

To successfully update the BIOS, you must ensure that the update process is not interrupted by a power loss or unexpected shutdown. If this happens, the BIOS update process will fail and you will most likely end up with damage to your motherboard. To avoid any problems, be sure to plug your laptop directly into an electrical outlet or use a desktop UPS.

Although updating the BIOS can be potentially dangerous, there are certain benefits after updating the BIOS. Sometimes a BIOS update brings support for new hardware, such as support for new processors. Another benefit of updating the BIOS is improved stability and new features such as overclocking.

If you don't see a reason to keep your BIOS to date, especially because updating the BIOS incorrectly can lead to many other problems, then it is recommended to update the BIOS. There are several ways to update your BIOS, and today we are going to show you how to do it.

Motherboard BIOS version

Before you update your BIOS, you need to know which one you are using. The easiest way to do this is to open the Run window using the Win + R keys and enter the word "msinfo32". OK.

In the System Information window, you will see all the information about the computer, including the BIOS version.

Updating motherboard BIOS via USB flash drive

After discovering the BIOS version you are using, you need to download the new version from your motherboard manufacturer's website. Go to the Support section and select your motherboard model. In my case, this is updating the Gigabyte motherboard via a flash drive: http://www.gigabyte.ru/support/

Be sure to download the BIOS update for the exact motherboard model you are using. Installing the wrong BIOS version on the motherboard may cause damage. Download and extract the archive. The BIOS update files must be transferred to a USB flash drive to continue.

Now you need to connect the flash - USB drive to the computer and access to the BIOS firmware. Enter BIOS. You can access the BIOS during boot by pressing the appropriate key. In most cases, this is DEL; watch for the message when booting the system, which key is responsible for entering the BIOS setup mode.

After entering the BIOS, find the BIOS update option and select it. Now you need to select the BIOS update file from your USB flash drive and wait for the process to complete.

Programs for updating BIOS

You may want to consider using apps on Windows based. Many motherboard manufacturers have a BIOS update application. Motherboard manufacturers often recommend the best method for updating the BIOS, so be sure to use this method.

  • ASUS- ASUS BIOS Live Update snail: https://www.asus.com/ru/
  • MSI- MSI LiveUpdate: https://ru.msi.com/
  • Gigabyte - APPCenter program: https://www.gigabyte.com/Support/Motherboard.

How to update BIOS Gigabyte

To update the gigabyte motherboard, you need to download latest version firmware and unpack the archive. We discussed above how to download and prepare update files.

Open APPCenter and click on the @BIOS section.

In the Update from File section, specify the path to the previously unpacked firmware. Click Next. Read the Warning. If you have not changed your mind about updating the BIOS, click OK.

Updating your BIOS is not a difficult process, but it can be potentially dangerous, so be careful if you decide to update your BIOS. Many BIOS update tools will give you the option to save a backup copy of your current BIOS, so be sure to use this feature.

If you are having hardware problems and the only solution is to update the BIOS, carefully read your motherboard's instruction manual to see how to update the BIOS correctly.

As you probably know, BIOS is a firmware that is stored in a ROM (read-only memory) chip on the computer motherboard and is responsible for the configuration of all PC devices. And the better this program, the higher the stability and performance of the operating system. This means that the version of CMOS Setup can be periodically updated in order to improve the performance of the OS, correct errors and expand the list of supported equipment.

When starting to update the BIOS, remember that if this process is unsuccessful and the equipment fails, you lose the right to warranty repairs from the manufacturer. Be sure to ensure uninterrupted power supply when flashing ROM. And think carefully about whether you really need to upgrade the firmware.

Method 1: Update using the utility built into the BIOS

Modern motherboards often have firmware with a built-in utility for updating the firmware. They are convenient to use. Let's take, for example, EZ Flash 2 Utility from ASUS.

  1. Download the required BIOS version from the hardware manufacturer's website. We throw it off installation file onto a flash drive and insert it into the USB port of the computer. Reboot the PC and enter the BIOS settings.
  2. In the main menu, move to the tab "Tool" and launch the utility by clicking on the line .
  3. Specify the path to the file new firmware and press Enter.
  4. After a short process of updating the BIOS version, the computer reboots. The set goal has been achieved.
  5. Method 2: USB BIOS Flashback

    This method has recently appeared on motherboards from well-known manufacturers, such as ASUS. When using it, you do not need to enter the BIOS, boot Windows or MS-DOS. You don't even need to turn on the computer.


    Method 3: Update in MS-DOS environment

    Once upon a time, updating the BIOS from DOS required a floppy disk with a utility from the manufacturer and a downloaded firmware archive. But since floppy drives have become a real rarity, now a USB drive is quite suitable for upgrading CMOS Setup. You can learn more about this method in another article on our resource.

    Method 4: Update in Windows

    Every self-respecting computer hardware manufacturer produces special programs for flashing the BIOS from the operating system. Usually they are on the software discs included with the motherboard or on the company’s website. Working with this software is quite easy; the program can automatically find and download firmware files from the network and update the BIOS version. You just need to install and run this software. You can read about such programs by clicking on the link below.

    In conclusion, a couple of small tips. Be sure to reserve old firmware BIOS on a flash drive or other media in case of a possible rollback to the previous version. And download files only on the official website of the manufacturer. It is better to be overly careful than to waste your budget on repair services.

After you turn on your computer, control is transferred to Bios, a small firmware stored in the motherboard ROM.

Bios has a lot of functions for checking and identifying hardware, transferring control to the OS bootloader. Through Bios you can change the date and time settings, set a boot password, determine the boot priority of devices, etc.

In this article we will figure out how best to update this firmware using motherboards from Gigabyte as an example...

1. Why do you need to update Bios?

In general, it’s not worth updating just out of curiosity or in pursuit of the latest Bios version. All the same, you will not receive anything except the number of the newer version. But in the following cases, perhaps, it makes sense to think about updating:

1) The inability of the old firmware to detect new devices. For example, you bought a new one HDD, and the old version of Bios cannot detect it correctly.

2) Various glitches and errors in operation old version Bios.

3) A new version of Bios can significantly increase the speed of your computer.

4) The emergence of new opportunities that did not exist before. For example, the ability to boot from flash drives.

I would like to immediately warn everyone: in principle, it is necessary to update, but this must be done extremely carefully. If you update incorrectly, you can ruin your motherboard!

Also, do not forget that if your computer is under warranty, updating the Bios will deprive you of the right to warranty service!

2. Bios update

2.1 Determining the correct version

Before updating, you always need to correctly determine the motherboard model and Bios version. Because Computer documents may not always contain accurate information.

To determine the version, it is best to use the Everest utility (link to website: http://www.lavalys.com/support/downloads/).

After installing and launching the utility, go to the motherboard section and select its properties (see screenshot below). We can clearly see the model of the Gigabyte GA-8IE2004(-L) motherboard (we will look for Bios on the manufacturer’s website based on its model).

2.2 Preparation

Preparation mainly consists of the fact that you need to download the required Bios version based on your motherboard model.

By the way, you need to warn in advance, download firmware only from official sites! Moreover, it is advisable not to install beta versions (versions under testing).

In my example above, the official website of the motherboard is: http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/download-center.aspx.

On this page you can find the model of your board, and then view the latest news for it. Enter the board model (“GA-8IE2004”) in the “Search Keywords” line and find your model. See screenshot below.

The page usually lists several Bios versions with descriptions of when they were released and brief comments about what's new in them.

All! You have updated the Bios. The computer will reboot, and if everything went well, you will be working in the new version...

1) Don’t go in and change unless necessary Bios settings, especially those that are unfamiliar to you.

2) To reset the Bios parameters to optimal: remove the battery from the motherboard and wait at least 30 seconds.

3) Do not update Bios just because there is a new version. Updates should only be made when absolutely necessary.

4) Before updating, save the working version of the BIOS to a flash drive or floppy disk.

5) Check the firmware version that you downloaded from the official website 10 times: is it the right one, for the right motherboard, etc.

6) If you are not confident in your abilities and have little knowledge of PCs, do not update yourself, trust more experienced users or service centers.

That's all, happy updates everyone!

Sometimes PC users have to face the question of how to update the BIOS of the motherboard. This procedure is necessary to support new important functions or components when the computer is unstable due to obvious errors in the code installed version BIOS recommended by manufacturers to improve performance.

This is a serious manipulation, which, if the update is unsuccessful, can negatively affect the performance of the system. The motherboard may stop working.

How to check the current BIOS version

Before you proceed to download and install updates, you will first need to check your current BIOS version. Perhaps you already have the latest version and don’t need to change anything.

You can check the version directly in the BIOS itself or in the system.

How to update BIOS in DOS mode

To update in DOS mode, you need to know the manufacturer of the installed motherboard, its full model and the exact version.
This can be found out using the EVEREST program, which is located in free access. Necessary information located in the sections “ Motherboard” and “BIOS”.


Knowing this information, you can find the appropriate files specifically for your board.

With this information, you can find the appropriate files specifically for your board. Then download the firmware file, which will be directly useful during the update. You must look for the file on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer. If there are several such files, you need to download the one that is intended for use in DOS mode.

To do this in the BIOS using the DOS environment, you need to create a bootable USB flash drive with DOS and the BIOS itself. In addition, you may need a utility for the update process (Gigabite use DOS Flash utility). The update must contain a file with a .bat extension (Update.bat or Autoexec.bat) to run the firmware in DOS.


How to update the BIOS on a Windows 10 computer

This method is the simplest and most convenient. To do this, you need to download the appropriate BIOS file. You will also need to install special program. Each manufacturer has its own utility. For example, for ASUS it is ASUSUpdate, for MSI it is MSI LiveUpdate.

Such utilities are installed as regular programs. Among the nice features, it is worth noting the ability to update the BIOS from the Internet, support for updating from a file, and downloading a suitable update to your computer.


— How to update the BIOS using the BIOS itself
You can perform this procedure using the BIOS itself using pre-installed proprietary utilities. For GIGABYTE, for example, this is the “@BIOS” program. In terms of their capabilities, such utilities are very similar to those used when the OS is running.
It is possible to download a file from the network, update the BIOS from an already downloaded file, and much more. Carrying it out using BIOS is important when the computer breaks down and there is no way to start the operating system.



How to Update BIOS Using Live Update

First, you will need to download and install the Live Update 6 program. Then launch the application, go to the “Live update” section. To start searching for files, you need to set the selector opposite the “Automatic scan” item and press the “Scan” button.


After completing the search, select the file to update, being very careful that its version is higher than the one that is already installed. Check the box next to the file and click the “Download” button to download it to your computer. After this, save the file to your computer. Run the downloaded update file. A window will appear in which you will need to click the “Next” button.



Update BIOS in DOS mode

To perform the manipulation in DOS mode, you will need to set the selector opposite “In DOS mode” and click the “Next” button. Select a pre-connected flash drive from the list of media. Click “Next” to agree to the warning about deleting all files from the flash drive.


After creation is complete bootable flash drive, the program will show the message “USB bootable disk has been created sucessfully”. You will need to click the “Ok” button and then “Start” to restart the computer. After the reboot, go into the BIOS and set it to boot from a USB flash drive. This is done in the “Boot option” or “ Boot device" After this, restart your computer. A process will begin in which you need to follow all the instructions that appear.

Update BIOS in Windows mode

To do the procedure in Windows mode, you need to set the selector opposite this mode, click “Next”. Then close all programs using the special button, then click “Next”.

To start the procedure, you will need to press the “Start” button. You will have to wait some time for the process to complete. The line “Press Any Key...” will appear / press any button. After clicking, the computer will reboot with the new BIOS.

What problems can you encounter when updating?

When updating the BIOS, you may encounter various problems. For example, if the update was done using inappropriate files, you will have to resort to help backup copy. This is the only way to return the system back to normal. Exactly the same actions will need to be taken if a data recording error occurs.