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Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you update your computer BIOS safely, especially if you’re using Windows 11/10.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware embedded on a chip on a computer’s motherboard and is the first software that runs when a computer is turned on.
The BIOS plays an important role in the boot process because it performs a series of checks called Power-On Self Test (POST) to make sure that all critical hardware components (such as CPU, memory and storage) they work properly. Then, if all checks are passed, it start the Boot Process by loading the operating system from an attached storage device (usually the hard drive).
The BIOS has a configuration menu (accessible by pressing a key such as Delete, F2, F10, Esc, etc. during boot) that allows users to disable or enable hardware components built into the motherboard and to adjust system settings such as the Boot Order, System Time and Date, the Memory timings, the CPU voltage and speed, etc..
Updating the BIOS can improve performance, security, and eliminate any problems you may be experiencing with your computer. However, it is important to do this carefully, as an unsuccessful BIOS update can cause serious problems.
When to update the BIOS?
Here are some of the main reasons why updating the BIOS can be beneficial:
- If you are experiencing compatibility issues or glitches with our system, a BIOS update can resolve these issues.
- Some BIOS updates contain optimizations that improve the performance and the stability of the system.
- BIOS updates add support for new CPUs, memory, and other hardware components.
- Newer BIOS versions may add support for features included in the latest operating systems, like Windows 11, and make the system compatible.
In this step-by-step guide you’ll find detailed instructions, on how to perform a BIOS update on your Windows 11/10 system safely.
How to Update your Computer BIOS Safely in Windows 11/10.
* Important: Because updating the BIOS is potentially dangerous, if you have no problems using the current BIOS version, it is recommended that you do not update the BIOS.
- Find out Motherboard/System Model
- Download BIOS/Firmware update files
- Backup Files
- Suspend/Disable BitLocker
- Disable TPM
- Update BIOS
Step 1. Find out your System or Motherboard Model and BIOS version.
The first step to updating the BIOS/firmware on your system is to determine the model and current BIOS version of your motherboard or system (in case you have a branded desktop or laptop).
To find out the motherboard/system model & BIOS version, use one of the following ways:
Method 1. Using Windows System Information.
1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the ‘Run‘ command box.
2. Type “msinfo32” and hit Enter.
3. in the System Information window, note the following details (values) of the following fields and then proceed to step-2:
- System Manufacturer
- System Model
- BIOS Version/Date
Method 2. Using CPU-z.
1. Download and run the CPU-Z utility.
2. Navigate at Mainboard tab, note the following details and then continue to next step:
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Manufacturer
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BIOS Version and Date
Step 2. Download BIOS/Firmware Update Files.
According to your motherboard model (if you have a non-branded desktop), or device model (if you have a branded desktop or laptop), go to its manufacturer’s support site, and see if there is a newer BIOS version than the one you have. If so, do the following:
1. Download the latest version of your BIOS.
2. Extract the downloaded ZIP file using a utility like 7-zip or WinRAR.
3. Read carefully the manufacturer’s instructions on how to update/flash the BIOS* and if needed transfer the extracted files to a FAT32 formatted USB flash drive.*
* Note: The method for updating the BIOS differs between motherboard manufacturers. Depending on the manufacturer, a simple update method may be provided (e.g. via Windows or from the BIOS interface) or a slightly more complex method (e.g. using a USB stick formatted in FAT32 that contains the BIOS update files).
Step 3. Backup your Files.
Before updating the BIOS, it is recommended that you back up your files to an external USB storage device to avoid losing your files if the update process fails.
Step 4. Suspend or Disable BitLocker Encryption in Windows 11/10.
If your system is running Windows 11/10, one of the most important steps before updating your BIOS is to suspend or – BETTER – disable the BitLocker encryption (aka “Device Encryption”) if its enabled.*
* Important: If you update the BIOS without suspending or disabling the BitLocker encryption you may lose your files, because BitLocker looks at BIOS data (TPM) to encrypt/decrypt the drive.
To disable or suspend BitLocker:
1. Type “device encryption” in the Search and then open the Device Encryption Settings.*
* Alternatively, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption.
2. Now, depending on your version of Windows, do the following:
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If you own Windows 11 Home, slide the device encryption switch to Off and then wait for the system to decrypt the drive. When this done, continue to next step.
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If you own Windows 11/10 PRO:
a. Click on BitLocker drive encryption.
b. Then click Suspend protection to suspend BitLocker, or click Turn off BitLocker (recommended) to completely disable BitLocker protection and decrypt the drive.
c. Then wait for the drive decryption process to complete. When this is done, continue to the next step.
Step 5. Disable TPM device in BIOS.
The next important step before updating the BIOS is to disable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This is necessary because when you activated Windows on your system, the license was associated with your device hardware.
This means that if you make major hardware changes to your device (such as updating the BIOS or replacing the motherboard), the license will not match your device’s hardware and you will be prompted to reactivate Windows. To avoid this happen, proceed to disable the TPM device from the BIOS Settings if its enabled on your system.*
* Note: If you own Windows 11, then TPM it’s probably enabled.
Check TPM Status.
1. First of all check if the TPM device is enabled on your system, by doing the following.
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- Press the Windows + R keys to open the ‘Run‘ command box.
- Type “tpm.msc” and hit Enter.
2. Now, depending on the TPM status, proceed as instructed below:
- If the TPM is not available skip to next step (step-6).
- If the TPM is ready to use, then turn off the computer and read the instructions below to disable the TPM device in BIOS settings.
Disable TPM
3. Power on the system and press the corresponding key* (e.g. Del, F2, F10, etc.) to enter in BIOS configuration menu.
* Note: The way to enter in BIOS varies by manufacturer. If you don’t know how to enter in BIOS, read this article or the instructions on your device/motherboard manufacturer’s support website.
4. Search the BIOS settings according to the instructions below* to locate the TPM device and then disable it.
* Note: The location of the TPM settings in the BIOS varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you cannot find the TPM setting according to the instructions below, refer to the manufacturer’s user manual.
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- To disable TPM on Gigabyte motherboards with Intel Processors:
- Change to Advanced Mode (Press F2), then go to Settings and set the Intel Trusted Technology (PPT) to Disabled.
- To disable TPM on Gigabyte motherboards with AMD Processors:
- Change to Advanced Mode (Press F2) then find in Settings > Miscellaneous the AMD CPU fTPM setting and set it to Disabled.
- To disable TPM on ASUS motherboards with Intel or AMD Processors:
- Change to Advanced Mode (Press F7), select Advanced then click Trusted Computing and set the Security Device Support to Disabled.
- To disable TPM on MSI motherboards with Intel or AMD Processors:
- Change to Advanced Mode (Press F7), select Settings then go to Security and set the Security Device Support to Disabled.
- Then proceed and disable also the AMD CPU fTPM.
- To disable TPM on HP computers (desktops or laptops):
- Select Security then click TP Emended Security and set the TPM Device to Hidden.
- To disable TPM on DELL computers:
- Select Security > TPM Security > then uncheck the TPM 2.0 (or set the TPM device to Off)
- To disable TPM on Gigabyte motherboards with Intel Processors:
5. After disabling the TPM, Save and Exit from BIOS settings and login to Windows normally.*
* Note: Once you disable TPM and if you log into Windows using a PIN, you will get the error “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available. Click to reset your PIN“. In this case, click Sign-in Options, then click the “Key” icon and enter your password to sign in to Windows. (The error will disappear after enabling TPM at the end of the process)
6. Proceed and verify (using the “tpm.msc” command) that TPM is disabled and then continue to next step.
Step 6. Update the BIOS.
Now, you are almost ready to proceed with the BIOS update. But, before proceeding further please read the instructions below carefully.
1. Before proceeding with the BIOS update, make sure you have stable power. So if you’re using a laptop, plug it into its charger, and if you’re using a desktop computer, consider using a UPS to avoid power outages.
2. Check and make sure again that you have downloaded the correct BIOS update file.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to update the BIOS and DO NOT interrupt the update process.*
* Important: During the BIOS update, do not turn off or restart the computer, and avoid pressing any keys until the update is complete. Interrupting the process can corrupt the BIOS and may render the system unbootable/unusable.
4. Once the update is complete, the system should restart automatically and enter Windows normally. When this is done, follow the instructions in step-1 above and ensure that the latest BIOS version is installed.
5. Finally, do the following to complete the process and then continue working normally in Windows.
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- Enter in BIOS settings, re-enable the TPM and adjust any other custom settings if needed. Then Save and Exit from BIOS settings.
- Login to Windows, resume or turn on BitLocker (Device Encryption) if you have disabled it, and you’re done!
That’s it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
