How to Update & Reinstall BIOS in Windows

Regular BIOS updates will help prevent computer problems.

BIOS, or basic input/output system, is the software component that keeps your computer running smoothly. It serves as the communication link between your operating system and your computer's hardware components. If you have multiple operating systems installed, BIOS tells the computer which one is the default. It also allows you to enable or disable certain components and configure your hardware settings so that your system resources will be properly allocated. It is important to keep your system BIOS updated to prevent your computer from crashing.

Things You'll Need

• Motherboard manual
• Internet
• Installation CD or DVD

Instructions

1. Check your system BIOS regularly if you are using a Windows operating system such as XP, Vista or Windows 7. Not all Windows operating systems have an automated BIOS updater, so it is up to the user to keep this important software component up to date. Failing to update your BIOS can cause your computer to stop altogether and display the "blue screen of death," which usually requires a unit refresh or a re-installation of your operating system.

2. 

   Keep your computer manual handy to help with problems.

   Press the specific key or the combination of keys that your computer system suggests during boot up. Depending on which version of Windows operating system you have installed on your machine, the key to access your BIOS settings can be as simple as the F10 or F12 key. Since the BIOS is a component of the motherboard system, you should refer to your motherboard manual on how to access it. Your manual should provide details on how to get to your system BIOS, including the proper key or keys you have to press as your computer boots up.

3. Download the latest BIOS from your motherboard manufacturer's website. You may save the BIOS update either on a CD-ROM or a USB flash drive with capacity of at least 2 gigabytes. To ensure that your BIOS update download is complete and executable, monitor it from start to finish. Installing an incomplete update will ruin your existing BIOS, which will require you to reinstall your operating system.

4. Update your system BIOS with the file you downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer's website. You can either use an update utility software, which is available for newer motherboards, or load the update during boot up. Change the boot sequence of your computer and set your CD-ROM drive or flash drive as your default or primary drive. This is important so your computer will read your CD-ROM and ignore your internal hard drive, and so it will run the executable file of your downloaded BIOS. (This is the program needed to perform the system update.)

5. 

   Making a backup installation CD is important.

   Reinstall your system BIOS using your installation media, if you have no access to the Internet to download the latest update for your Windows operating system. This is only necessary if you see an error message relating to your system BIOS, which usually appears when your computer boots up or in the "blue screen of death." To perform this update, you must also change your system's boot sequence. Always keep your operating system CD or DVD and other applications media with you, so that you can perform any update on your computer no matter where you might be.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up your installation media so you can still reinstall your operating system and other components anytime, even if your original disc is lost.

• Update your system BIOS at least once a year, or whenever an update becomes available. Doing so will keep your computer running smoothly and performing at its best.

• Download the BIOS update for your Windows operating system using high-speed Internet to ensure completeness and accuracy.

• If you are updating a laptop, make sure it is running at full battery strength so your BIOS update won't be interrupted by a power disruption. It's best to plug it into an electrical outlet while you perform the update.

• When downloading an update, always double-check to see if it's the right update for your system. Each operating system has a specific BIOS, so be careful when updating. If an erroneous update is applied, your computer might stop running.

References

• The PC Guide: System BIOS
• Microsoft Support: Setting the Plug and Play BIOS Option (PNP OS) in CMOS Setup
• ASUS.com: ASUS Update Utility
• PC World: How to Update Your BIOS

Resources

• Wim's BIOS: BIOS Updates and Upgrades, Motherboard Identification and More