Updating the BIOS on Windows 11 is not as risky as it used to be. Modern motherboard manufacturers have streamlined the process significantly, and in most cases you can complete the update directly from Windows without ever touching a USB drive. That said, a failed or unnecessary BIOS update can brick your motherboard, so it pays to know exactly when to update and how to do it safely.
This guide covers three proven methods to update your BIOS on Windows 11, plus the preparation steps you must complete before you start.
When Should You Update Your BIOS on Windows 11?
A BIOS update does not boost general PC performance. It fixes specific bugs, adds support for new hardware, patches security vulnerabilities, and resolves compatibility issues with a new operating system.
You should update your BIOS only when:
- Your PC experiences hardware compatibility issues that a BIOS update directly addresses
- Your motherboard or PC manufacturer releases a security patch via a BIOS update
- You plan to install a new CPU or RAM that requires a newer BIOS version
- Windows 11 troubleshooting support or a driver update specifically calls for it
If your system runs normally and you have no specific problem to fix, skip the update. A power failure or crash mid-update can render your motherboard unusable. Also, a BIOS update often resets any custom values you have configured in the BIOS setup to their defaults, which can destabilize your system.
Before You Update the BIOS on Windows 11
Complete all three of these preparation steps before you run any BIOS update.
Step 1: Check Your Current BIOS Version
You need your current BIOS version and motherboard details to find the correct update file.
- Press Windows + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter. - In the System Summary tab, note down:
- System Model
- BIOS Version/Date
- BaseBoard Manufacturer
- BaseBoard Product
Keep this information handy. You will compare the BIOS Version/Date against the update you download to confirm whether an update is available and whether the update installed successfully.
Step 2: Back Up Your BitLocker Recovery Key
Windows 11 enables BitLocker encryption by default on many devices. A BIOS update changes the TPM measurements that BitLocker uses to verify system integrity. After the update, Windows may prompt you for your BitLocker recovery key before it lets you log in. Without the key, you will be locked out of your own system.
- Type bitlocker in the Windows search bar and click Manage BitLocker.
- Next to each encrypted drive, click Back up your recovery key and save it to your Microsoft account, a file, or print it.
- Alternatively, click Suspend protection before the update and re-enable it afterward.
Step 3: Secure Your Power Supply
Never start a BIOS update on a laptop with less than 50% battery. Keep the laptop plugged into a power adapter throughout the entire process. If you are on a desktop, avoid updating during a storm or any situation where a power outage is possible. A power loss mid-update is the most common cause of a bricked motherboard.
3 Methods to Update BIOS on Windows 11
Warning: Never turn off your PC, force restart it, or disconnect the power while a BIOS update is in progress. Interrupting the process can permanently damage your motherboard.
Method 1: Update BIOS via Windows Update
Windows Update sometimes delivers BIOS and firmware updates directly. This is the safest and simplest method because Windows handles the installation automatically.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update and click Advanced Options.
- Click Optional updates.
- Look for any firmware or system firmware update in the list.
- Select it and click Download and install.
If no firmware update appears here, move to Method 2.
Method 2: Update BIOS Using the Manufacturer’s Utility
Most major PC and motherboard manufacturers provide a dedicated software utility that downloads and installs BIOS updates from within Windows. This method works for most users with a functioning Windows installation.
ASUS (MyASUS)
- Open the MyASUS app (install it from the Microsoft Store if not already installed).
- Go to Customer Support and click Live Update or check for system updates.
- If a BIOS update appears, download and install it through the app.
Alternatively, visit the ASUS Download Center, search for your motherboard or laptop model, and download the latest BIOS file. Run the downloaded executable and follow the on-screen instructions.
Dell (SupportAssist)
- Install Dell SupportAssist from the Dell website if you do not already have it.
- Open the app and go to Drivers and Downloads.
- Select BIOS Update. The software will check your current version and flag any available update.
- Click Install to apply the update.
To update manually: visit Dell Drivers and Downloads, enter your service tag, find the BIOS section, download the latest .exe file, and run it from within Windows.
HP (HP Support Assistant)
- Install HP Support Assistant from the HP website.
- Open the tool and go to My devices then Updates, and click Check for updates and messages.
- Install any available BIOS or firmware update from the list.
To update manually: go to HP Software and Drivers, select your product type (Laptop or Desktop), enter your serial number, expand the BIOS section, and download the latest update. Run the installer once the download completes.
Lenovo (Lenovo Vantage)
- Install Lenovo Vantage from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the app and click Check for updates.
- Install any BIOS update that appears in the results.
To update manually: visit Lenovo Drivers and Software, detect your product or browse by model, go to Drivers and Software, select BIOS/UEFI, and download the latest update. Run the installer.
Method 3: Update BIOS via USB Flash Drive
Use this method only if your Windows installation is inaccessible or unbootable. You will need a second working computer to download the BIOS file and prepare the USB drive.
- On a working computer, go to your manufacturer’s official support website.
- Search for your motherboard or laptop model and download the latest BIOS file.
- Copy the BIOS file to a FAT32-formatted USB flash drive. Do not place it inside any folder. Keep it in the root directory of the drive.
- Insert the USB drive into the target computer.
- Power on the computer and press the BIOS entry key repeatedly to enter setup:
- ASUS: F2
- Dell: F2
- HP: Esc or F10
- Lenovo: F1
- Inside the BIOS setup, navigate to the flash utility:
- ASUS: EZ Flash
- MSI: M-Flash
- Gigabyte: Q-Flash
- Select the BIOS file from your USB drive and confirm the update.
- Wait for the process to complete. It typically takes 2 to 10 minutes. The screen may go black, fans may speed up or stop, and the system may reboot multiple times. This is all normal behavior. Do not touch the power button.
How to Verify the BIOS Update Succeeded
Once the system restarts and you are back on the Windows 11 desktop:
- Press Windows + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter. - In the System Summary tab, check the BIOS Version/Date entry.
- If the version number matches the update file you downloaded, the update completed successfully.
If the BIOS version still shows the old number, do not attempt the update again immediately. Restart your PC once more and recheck. If the version does not change after a second restart, contact your manufacturer’s support before taking any further action.
Key Points to Remember
- Update your BIOS only when you have a specific reason to do so, not as routine maintenance.
- Always back up your BitLocker recovery key before starting.
- Keep the power supply stable throughout the entire update process.
- Never interrupt a BIOS update in progress for any reason.
- Use Windows Update or a manufacturer utility whenever possible. The USB method is a last resort for systems that will not boot.
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