To update your BIOS, firstdownload the appropriate driverfrom your motherboard’s Support page. Now, transfer it to aFAT32-formatted USB flash drive.

Boot into your UEFI/BIOS Utility and open up thededicated Flash section. Select the file and start the update!

That’s just one way to do it. you may even utilizeOS-based utilitiesor perform BIOS updates online.

If you’re flashing the latest version without a CPU, check if your motherboard supports theUSB BIOS Flashbackfeature.

But before proceeding forward, let me provide you with some important tips that I have gathered during my Update BIOS journey.

Getting Started

The process of updating your motherboard’s firmware differs depending on the manufacturer. In fact, the procedure entirely varies on laptops and desktops. Nonetheless, this guide should give you a general concept of how to perform it on any system.

Before that, here are a few things to consider:

Flash Using BIOS Utility

Every motherboard manufacturer today features a BIOS Update Utility. Despite having a different name, their functionality remains identical. Below I’ve listed down the sections you need to navigate to depending on your BIOS:

Here are the general instructions that you may follow to update to the latest firmware version. ensure you haveinserted the USB drivecontaining the BIOS file before proceeding. The steps should be somewhat identical for bothLegacy and UEFI BIOS:

Additional Tip:

Some systems even support performing online updates directly from the BIOS utility. For this, you need to manage the internet connection type (DHCP, static, or PPOe) first.

The latest file gets downloaded automatically. After that, you may start the update–the process is similar to the above.

Updating BIOS on some laptops can be a little different. No worries though! Our team has accumulated individual guides on the most popular brands:

Through OEM Application

Updating BIOS using the built-in firmware utility is the most preferred way. But if you do not want to take that extra hassle of loading drivers, OEM utility is the best bet.

Every motherboard offers at least one application that can run the BIOS updatedirectly from the OS environment. This isn’t just a reliable option but even quick. I have used it multiple times, especially when I don’t encounter anyboot-related issues.

You may download the relevant utility from the manufacturer’sSupportsection. Once that’s done, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Use BIOS FlashBack

What if yourPC doesn’t boot to BIOSat all? Or you’re trying to flash a new version to add compatibility to the new CPU?

In such scenarios, the above techniques are pretty useless. If your motherboard supports the Flashback BIOS feature, you canupdate the BIOS without an installed CPU.

However, this varies depending on the motherboard model. Some manufacturers recommendinstalling at least an old processor. That’s what I had to do when reflashing a compatible version on myROG STRIX B550-I GAMINGmotherboard.

Here are summarized steps that you need to follow when updating BIOS using the FlashBack feature:

Try DOS Utility

The final method is utilizing the DOS method. Only a minority of users have tried this. If you’re interested in learning something new, let me guide you on using a DOS-based utility to update BIOS:

BIOS Update Failed? Here’s What to Do

Unlike software updates,BIOS flashing is a risky job. That’s thereason you should only go for itif absolutely necessary. And if the process halts, your motherboard can become useless if it doesn’t support any recovery method.

In case anything like that happens, the first thing you should try istriggering auto-recovery. Even if that doesn’t help, inspect your manual to seeif it supports a recovery utility.

For instance, I was able torecover a failed ASUS BIOS updateonPRIME B450-PLUSusingCrashFree Utility.

Even if reflashing doesn’t help, you may retry using theUSB BIOS Flashbackthat I discussed above. Also, if your board supports Dual BIOS, you may try that as well.

To learn more about BIOS recovery, I’ve compiled a detailed guide onwhat you should do after a failed update. If you possess advanced hardware skills, techniques likereprogramming and replacing the BIOS chipcan also be of help.