What Is BIOS and When Should You Update It?

Issue type: Tech explainer — understanding what BIOS (now called UEFI on modern systems) does, how to check which version you’re running, and when updating BIOS is worth the risk versus when to leave it alone

SEO focus: If you are looking for bios and when to update it, this guide starts with the fastest diagnosis, then moves to the exact fix that matches the symptom.

Short answer: If you want to know what is BIOS and when should you update it, start here: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) — or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) on any PC made after 2010 — is the firmware chip on your motherboard that starts and tests your hardware before Windows loads. It initializes the CPU, RAM, storage, and all connected devices, then hands control to Windows. You should update BIOS only when a specific release note addresses a problem you actually have — not as routine maintenance. An unnecessary BIOS update carries a small but real risk of bricking your motherboard permanently.

BIOS and when to Update It

Determine whether you actually need a BIOS update before doing anything else:

You’re installing a new CPU generation on an existing motherboard: Almost certainly need a BIOS update. Newer CPU generations often require a BIOS update before the motherboard can recognize them.

Your PC keeps crashing, beeping on startup, or has stability issues: Check the BIOS update release notes specifically for stability or compatibility fixes matching your symptoms before updating. Don’t update blindly — read what each version actually changes.

Everything is working fine and you just “want to stay updated”: Don’t update. A BIOS that’s working correctly provides no benefit from updating and introduces the risk of a failed flash. The rule in IT is: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it — and this applies especially to BIOS.

Windows Update or your manufacturer utility offered a BIOS update: This is usually safer than downloading a random file manually because it is tied to your exact device model. Still read what the update changes before accepting, especially on a stable PC.

What to do first

1. Understand what BIOS/UEFI actually does during startup. When you press the power button, the BIOS is the first code that runs — before Windows, before any storage device is read. It performs the Power-On Self Test (POST): checking that the CPU is responding, RAM is detected and functional, storage devices are connected, and all essential hardware is present. The beep codes you hear on startup (if any) come from BIOS — they’re the firmware reporting which component failed POST. BIOS also stores hardware configuration settings (boot order, memory timing, fan curves, power limits) that persist across reboots. Microsoft explains UEFI support in Windows as the modern firmware interface used to initialize hardware and start the operating system on current PCs.
2. Check your current BIOS version and compare it to the latest. Press Win + R > type msinfo32 > press Enter. In the System Information window, look for BIOS Version/Date. Note the version number and date. Now go to your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s support website and enter your exact model number. Download the BIOS update page and compare version numbers. If the latest version is only slightly newer and the release notes say nothing relevant to your situation, don’t update. If it’s several versions newer and includes fixes for stability, security vulnerabilities, or compatibility with hardware you want to use, evaluate whether those fixes apply to you. For the PC beeping issue covered in how to fix PC beeping on startup, a BIOS update is sometimes the correct fix when the cause is an unrecognized CPU.
3. Read the release notes for every version between yours and the latest. BIOS updates are cumulative — if you’re three versions behind, you’re getting all changes from all three versions. Release notes list: new CPU support (important for compatibility), fixed memory compatibility issues, security patches (important for public vulnerabilities), fan control improvements, fixed USB or PCIe detection bugs. Evaluate each item against your actual situation. A security vulnerability fix matters even if you weren’t experiencing symptoms — some BIOS vulnerabilities allow low-level attacks that Windows-based antivirus can’t detect or remove. Microsoft’s Windows 11 system requirements also show why firmware-level features such as UEFI, TPM, and Secure Boot capability matter on modern PCs.
4. Update BIOS safely using the USB method — the most reliable approach. Download the BIOS file from your manufacturer’s support page. Extract it to the root of a USB drive formatted as FAT32 (not NTFS). Restart the PC and enter BIOS setup (usually pressing Delete, F2, or F10 during startup — the key shows briefly on screen). Find the BIOS update utility — usually labeled “EZ Flash,” “Q-Flash,” “M-Flash,” or “BIOS Update” depending on the manufacturer. Select the USB drive and the BIOS file. The update process takes 3–10 minutes. Do not interrupt it: do not turn off the PC, do not unplug power, do not touch anything until the system restarts automatically. After the update, the PC restarts and may briefly show a black screen — this is normal as BIOS initializes with the new firmware.
5. Know what BIOS settings are worth changing for most users. The default BIOS settings are conservative and safe — they’re tuned for compatibility rather than performance. Settings worth changing: Boot order: set the storage drive with Windows as first boot device (prevents boot failures when a USB drive is plugged in). XMP/EXPO profile: if you have high-speed RAM (DDR4-3200 or faster, DDR5-4800 or faster), enabling the XMP or EXPO profile in BIOS makes the RAM run at its rated speed rather than the slower default JEDEC speed — this is safe and provides a genuine performance improvement. Fast Boot: enables faster startup by skipping some hardware checks. Virtualization (VT-x or AMD-V): enable if you use virtual machines or Windows Subsystem for Linux. Most other settings should be left at defaults unless you’re overclocking.
6. Recover from a failed BIOS update using the backup BIOS or USB recovery method. Most modern motherboards have two BIOS chips or a BIOS recovery mode specifically for failed updates. If the PC won’t boot after a BIOS update: hold the BIOS recovery button (check your manual — often labeled “BIOS_FLBK” or similar) while the PC is powered on. Some boards automatically detect a corrupted BIOS and enter recovery mode. Alternatively, some manufacturers allow placing a recovery BIOS file on a USB drive and holding a specific button combination during power-on to reflash from USB without a functioning BIOS. Check your motherboard manual for its specific recovery procedure before updating — knowing the recovery process beforehand means a failed update isn’t a disaster.

⚠️ Warning: Never update BIOS on a laptop running on battery alone. Connect the AC adapter before starting a BIOS update and ensure the adapter stays plugged in throughout. A power loss mid-flash corrupts the BIOS chip. On desktops, use a UPS if available, or at minimum ensure no power fluctuations are expected. A bricked BIOS typically requires motherboard replacement or professional reflashing — only update when you have a specific reason to do so.

Common mistake

Updating BIOS as “routine maintenance” because a newer version exists. Unlike Windows Updates (which patch software vulnerabilities and add features with minimal risk), BIOS updates carry a small but real risk of permanent hardware damage if the flash fails. The correct approach: update BIOS only when the release notes address a problem you’re actually experiencing or a security vulnerability that applies to your system. A BIOS from 2022 running on a PC that works perfectly has no compelling reason to be updated to a 2024 version unless there’s a specific fix you need. The risk-benefit calculation is different from software updates — BIOS stability and compatibility are prioritized over staying current.

Best next step

After a successful BIOS update, re-enter BIOS settings and confirm your configuration. BIOS updates sometimes reset settings to factory defaults — particularly XMP/EXPO profiles, boot order, and virtualization settings. Boot time may be temporarily longer after a BIOS update as the new firmware initializes. Check that your RAM is running at its rated speed (visible in BIOS under the memory section), your boot order is correct (storage drive first), and any custom fan curves or power settings are reapplied. Also confirm Windows boots correctly after the first restart and check Device Manager for any new driver needs the BIOS update may have introduced for newly supported hardware features.

Quick Q&A

How do I enter BIOS on my PC?

Restart the PC and press the BIOS key immediately when the screen first turns on — before Windows starts loading. The key varies by manufacturer: Delete (most desktop motherboards — ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, ASRock), F2 (most laptops — Dell, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo), F10 (HP), or Esc. The correct key usually appears briefly in the bottom corner of the startup screen. If Windows loads before you can press it, try again — you need to press it within 1–3 seconds of the screen activating. Alternatively, in Windows 11: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart — this boots directly into BIOS from Windows.

My BIOS says it’s from 2018. Is that a problem?

Not by itself. The age of the BIOS matters only if there are specific issues: CPU compatibility problems, memory instability, security vulnerabilities, or hardware that requires a newer BIOS. A 2018 BIOS on a system using its original CPU and RAM, running stably with no issues, has no practical need for an update. Check the release notes for your manufacturer’s latest BIOS — if none of the listed fixes apply to your situation and you’re not adding new hardware, leave it. Stability is worth more than currency in BIOS firmware.

Can a BIOS update fix Windows performance issues?

Rarely, but sometimes. BIOS controls CPU power limits, RAM timing, and some I/O behaviors — a BIOS update that adjusts these can affect performance. Documented cases: some AMD Ryzen systems had suboptimal power delivery in early BIOS versions that was corrected later, improving both performance and stability. Intel Alder Lake systems had BIOS updates that improved hybrid-architecture scheduling, measurably improving performance in some workloads. For most users with stable, working systems, BIOS won’t meaningfully improve performance. If Windows-level performance issues are the concern, the guide on making Windows 11 faster without resetting addresses software-level optimization that’s lower risk and often more impactful than a BIOS update.

What is Secure Boot and should I disable it?

Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that verifies the digital signature of every program that loads during startup — including Windows itself, bootloaders, and drivers. It prevents unsigned malware from inserting itself into the boot process, which is one of the most persistent and difficult-to-remove attack vectors. You should keep Secure Boot enabled unless a specific piece of software or hardware you need explicitly requires disabling it (some Linux distributions, older operating systems, and certain GPU cards require Secure Boot to be off). If you disable it, re-enable it after completing what required it. Windows 11 requires a PC that is Secure Boot capable. On most modern Windows 11 systems, you should keep Secure Boot enabled unless a specific piece of trusted software or hardware requires a temporary change.

Is UEFI different from BIOS? Do I have one or the other?

If your PC was made in the last decade, you most likely have UEFI, not legacy BIOS. UEFI is the modern replacement with graphical menus, mouse support, drives over 2 TB, faster startup, and Secure Boot. Legacy BIOS is text-only, keyboard-only, and limited to drives under 2 TB. Most manufacturers and users still call both “BIOS” colloquially — so when someone says “enter BIOS” on a modern PC, they mean “enter the UEFI firmware settings.” The practical difference for everyday users is minor: both are accessed the same way (Delete or F2 at startup), both store the same configuration settings, and both update the same way (via the manufacturer’s flash utility).