How to Update BIOS on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Updating your BIOS on Windows 11 means checking your current BIOS version, downloading the matching update from your PC or motherboard maker, and flashing it using either their software or a USB drive. There’s no single “Windows BIOS updater” built into the operating system, so the exact tool you use depends on whether you have a Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, or custom-built PC. This guide walks you through checking your version, finding the right update, and installing it without running into trouble.

Quick steps

Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter to check your current BIOS Version/Date.
Note your exact PC or motherboard model (check the label, box, or manufacturer’s app).
Go to your manufacturer’s support site and search for BIOS or firmware updates for that exact model.
Download the latest BIOS update and read the included instructions carefully.
Run the manufacturer’s update tool, or create bootable USB media if that’s the required method.
Keep your laptop plugged in or your desktop on a stable power supply, then run the update and let it finish without interruption.

Before you start

A few checks before you touch your BIOS will save you a lot of grief:

Know your exact PC model or motherboard model and manufacturer. BIOS files are specific to that hardware, and installing the wrong one can stop your PC from starting.
Make sure your laptop is plugged into mains power, or your desktop is on a reliable power source. A power cut during a BIOS flash can damage the motherboard.
Close other programs and save your work. Some update tools restart your PC automatically.
Read the release notes for the BIOS update so you know what it fixes and whether it mentions any special steps.
If your PC uses Secure Boot, a feature that helps your PC boot only with firmware trusted by the manufacturer, check your manufacturer’s own BIOS update instructions to see whether it needs to be turned off temporarily for the update to run. If so, turn it back on once the update is complete.

Check your current BIOS version on Windows 11

Before downloading anything, confirm what you already have installed.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run box.
Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This opens the System Information window.
Look for BIOS Version/Date in the System Summary pane. This tells you your current version and when it was released.
Also note System Model and BaseBoard Manufacturer, since these help you confirm the right download later.

System Information is the most reliable place to find your exact BIOS version number on Windows 11, so use it as your reference point before you compare it against anything listed on a manufacturer’s support page.

Find and download the correct BIOS update

Once you know your model and current version, head to the manufacturer’s official support page:

Search for your manufacturer’s support or drivers page (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and others each run their own).
Enter your exact model number or use their detection tool if offered.
Look in the BIOS or Firmware section of the drivers list.
Compare the listed version against the one you found in System Information. Only download it if it’s newer.
Download the file along with any release notes or installation instructions provided on the same page.

If you built your own PC, check the motherboard manufacturer’s site using the exact board model printed on the board or shown in System Information, not just the PC brand.

Update BIOS using the manufacturer’s Windows tool

Most major manufacturers provide a Windows application that can update the BIOS for you without needing a USB drive. The general process looks like this:

Install or open the manufacturer’s support or update app (for example, a Dell, HP, Lenovo, or Asus utility, often already installed on branded laptops).
Go to the section that checks for driver and firmware updates.
Let it scan your system and show any available BIOS update for your exact model.
Select the BIOS update and start the install from within the tool.
Follow any on-screen prompts. The PC will likely restart one or more times during the process.
Do not turn off the PC or close the lid until it has fully restarted and you’re back at the Windows 11 desktop.

This method is usually the safest option for everyday users because the tool checks compatibility for you before applying the update.

Flash the BIOS manually using a USB drive

If your manufacturer only offers a manual flashing method, or you’re updating a custom-built desktop’s motherboard, you’ll typically need bootable USB media.

Format a USB flash drive as instructed in the manufacturer’s BIOS update guide (usually FAT32).
Copy the downloaded BIOS file onto the USB drive, keeping the file name as instructed since some tools look for a specific name.
Restart your PC and enter the BIOS or UEFI setup screen, usually by pressing a key such as Delete, F2, F10, or F12 during startup (check your manufacturer’s documentation for the correct key).
Look for a built-in flashing tool inside the BIOS menu, often named something like “EZ Flash,” “Q-Flash,” or “M-Flash” depending on the motherboard brand.
Select the BIOS file from your USB drive when prompted and confirm you want to proceed.
Wait for the flashing process to finish completely. The screen may go blank or flicker, which is normal, but don’t power off the PC.
Once it’s done, the PC will restart on its own. Let it boot normally into Windows 11.

If your motherboard uses Secure Boot and your update tool’s instructions ask you to disable it first, you can usually find that option in the same BIOS/UEFI setup screen. Follow your manufacturer’s steps for disabling it, and re-enable it afterward if your setup normally relies on it.

Check for BIOS updates through Windows Update

On some PCs, especially those from major OEMs, firmware updates are occasionally delivered through Windows Update rather than a separate manufacturer tool.

Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Look under Advanced options or Optional updates for any listed driver or firmware update.
If a BIOS or firmware update appears, select it and install it like any other Windows update.

Not every manufacturer distributes BIOS updates this way, so if nothing appears here, check the manufacturer’s own site and tools instead.

If it doesn’t work

The update tool says no update is available

Double check you’ve entered the exact model number, including any suffix letters, since manufacturers often have several near-identical models with different firmware. Also confirm you’re comparing against the version shown in System Information, since you may already be on the latest release.

The PC won’t boot after a BIOS update

Many motherboards have a backup BIOS or recovery mode that reflashes from USB automatically, often triggered by a specific button or key combination at startup. Check your manufacturer’s support page for their specific recovery steps, since these vary between brands.

The flash process freezes or fails partway through

Don’t restart or power off the PC during this. Wait a few extra minutes beyond what you expect, since some flashes look stalled but are still writing. If it’s genuinely stuck, check your manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide for that specific tool before doing anything else.

Secure Boot or TPM settings reset after the update

BIOS updates sometimes reset UEFI settings to default, which can turn off Secure Boot or change boot order. Go back into the BIOS/UEFI setup screen after the update and re-enable Secure Boot and any other settings you had configured before.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to update my BIOS on Windows 11?

Not always. Many PCs run fine for years without a BIOS update. It’s worth doing if you’re having hardware compatibility issues, your manufacturer lists a fix for a problem you’re experiencing, or you’re installing new hardware that needs newer firmware support.

Is updating the BIOS the same as flashing the BIOS?

Yes, “flashing” just refers to the process of writing new firmware onto the BIOS chip. Whether you use a manufacturer’s Windows app or a USB-based tool, you’re still flashing the BIOS.

How do I check for BIOS updates on Windows 11?

Open System Information (msinfo32) to see your current version, then check your manufacturer’s support site for the latest version matching your exact model. You can also check Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options for optional firmware updates.

Can a BIOS update damage my PC?

There’s some risk if the power cuts out mid-update or if you flash the wrong file for your model, which is why it’s important to confirm your exact model and keep the PC powered throughout. Following your manufacturer’s official instructions closely keeps this risk low.

Will updating the BIOS delete my files?

No, a BIOS update only affects the firmware on your motherboard, not the data stored on your drives. Your files, apps, and Windows 11 installation stay untouched.