Flash your BIOS in Windows to update your operating system's hardware capabilities. The BIOS, which is also known as the Basic Input Output System, serves as a bridge between your operating system and your hardware. Without an updated BIOS, your operating system may not recognize new or upgraded hardware. If you upgrade your operating system, a BIOS flash is also necessary to aid in the boot process of your operating system.
Reboot your Windows computer. and enter the BIOS during the boot process. The key to enter the BIOS varies between computer manufacturers, but it is usually "Esc," "Del," "F8" or "F2."
Write down the motherboard manufacturer and BIOS version number. This step is only necessary if you built your own computer or changed your motherboard from the computer's factory original motherboard.
Exit the BIOS. The key to press will be listed either to the right or bottom of the screen.
Visit your computer manufacturer's website or the Motherboards website (see Resources), and select your BIOS update.
For computer manufacturers' websites, visit the support or help section, and enter your computer's make and model. Look for a downloads or drivers section and choose "BIOS." On the Motherboards site, select your motherboard manufacturer from the list. Some computer manufacturers are listed as well.
Download the available BIOS update. Read all instructions and notes provided with the BIOS update. Different manufacturers have different installation instructions.
If your BIOS update must be placed on a flash drive, copy the downloaded files to your flash drive.
Run the BIOS update. For flash drives, reboot your computer with flash drive inserted. Press "F12" to view boot options, and select "USB" or "Removable Media." For desktop executable files, double-click the file to start the update.
- Never turn the power off to your computer while the BIOS update runs. This will corrupt your BIOS.
- If you have the latest version of the BIOS software, you do not need to flash your BIOS.
- Check for BIOS updates at least once every two years. If you upgrade hardware in your computer or change your operating system, check for new updates after upgrading as well.
- For computers running Windows 2000 or earlier, BIOS updates may need to be installed via a floppy disk. Follow the instructions with the BIOS update to place the files on the floppy.
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