BIOS update via USB flash drive
»» 03.MAR.2022 / updated: ---facebook/twitter
BIOS update via USB flash drive
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) update is not a common part of Windows maintenance because it is not part of the system. Therefore, if necessary, it should be performed as a separate operation.
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Read also: Previous part: Updating BIOS under Windows...
WARNING: Update the BIOS, or UEFI at your own risk. An update error can cause an unusable system, or even cause hardware damage. Back up your files, images, videos, and documents, if possible to an external drive before upgrading.
WARNING: Remove all devices, external hard drives, printers, scanners, and so on (except keyboard and mouse). Do not turn off the computer, and charge the laptop battery or connect to the network.
1.) – PART ONE: Checking the BIOS version...
2.) – PART TWO: BIOS update via USB flash drive...
3.) – PART THREE: BIOS Update under Windows...
Let's begin:
A.) – PART ONE: Checking the BIOS version.
1.) – Press the Windows -Logo + R keys on the keyboard at the same time.
2.) – In the "Run" search box that appears, type the command "msinfo32" and press Enter.
3.) – In the System Information window look for:
- – The name of the computer or laptop in the "System Manufacturer" entry (in this example: Acer).
- – Device model from the "System Model" input (eg Aspire V5-573G).
- – BIOS-version/-date, version number (in this example: Insyde Corp. V2.30, 12/01/2015).
You can close the System Information window.
B.) – PART TWO: BIOS update via USB flash drive.
The path to the download file available on each manufacturer's website cannot be described here, as there are many. What they usually have in common is that they can be accessed by clicking on "Support", "Drivers" and "BIOS". Format the USB flash drive (or pendrive) in the FAT32 file format, then copy the BIOS update file that was downloaded to the USB flash drive. Do the following:
Formating USB drive:
1.) – Connect the USB flash drive to an empty port (the flash is faster than the pendrive). Size does not matter because max. 4-6 Mb. data will be placed.
2.) – Simply press Windows -Logo + E on the keyboard to open the File Explorer window.
3.) – In the folder that appears, click on the "This PC" icon at the bottom of the left menu.
4.) – The "Devices and Drives" window will then appear. Right-click the flash drive and select "Format" from the pop-up menu. In the formatting window that appears, under File System, select the FAT32 file format and click the "START" button.
When done, do not disconnect the device, but locate the downloaded BIOS update file and copy it to the USB device (flash drive).
Quick Tip: If it is compressed (.zip file), unzip it. Right-click the BIOS update file copied to the USB device (flash drive, pendrive) and select "Extract Here" from the pop-up menu. When finished, you can delete the copied file, leaving only the extracted one.
BIOS update:
5.) – Turn on or restart the computer while holding down the "F2" (or DEL) key on the keyboard to open the BIOS.
6.) – Make sure the USB drive is set as the primary boot device.
7.) – After rebooting, the system will boot from the USB flash drive, so the BIOS firmware will boot instead of Windows, where you will be asked in the first dialog box if you really want to update the Bios? Click or use the keyboard (TAB key) to select the "OK" button and press the "Enter" key.
The system may restart during the upgrade, and you will eventually be notified, in a dialog box, that the upgrade was successful. Finally restart your computer.
Testing:
After rebooting, enter the BIOS again, select factory reset from the settings menu, so all new features will be active. Of course, after saving, you can re-enter the BIOS and configure it as you see fit.
Quick Tip: Modern motherboards have advanced GUI options, where you can start your BIOS/UEFI upgrade. In this case, you don't have to search for the file, you don't have to download it, you just have to click on that button, and then follow the instructions. The rest will be done automatically.
Good to know:
Examples of motherboard BIOS updates with some Flash utilities.
On all devices: Restart the computer to enter the BIOS, then press and hold the F2 key (or DEL key) during the boot.
1.) ASUS BIOS UPDATE: Download the new version for the motherboard. Enter the BIOS and click the "TOOLS" menu. Then open the "Asus EZ Flash" utility, and follow the instructions. Website...
2.) GIGABYTE BIOS UPDATE: Download the new version for the motherboard. Enter the BIOS and in the "Q-Flash" menu select "Update BIOS". Website... FOR THE COURAGEOUS ONLY: – The BIOS beta released in 2021 is available here: BIOS Beta...
3.) ECS BIOS UPDATE: Download the ZIP file that can be installed from Windows depending on the motherboard model. Unzip and click on the "AfuWin64" folder, then on the "afuwinx64P.exe" program. Follow the instructions. Website...
4.) MSI BIOS UPDATE: Download the new version for the motherboard. Enter the BIOS and click on the "M-Flash" option. Follow the instructions. Website...
5.) ASROCK BIOS UPDATE: Download the new version for the motherboard. Enter the BIOS, click the "TOOLS" menu in the upper right corner, then click "Instant Flash" to start the update. Website...
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