How to Update Your BIOS Safely (Step-by-Step Guide)

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A BIOS update can add CPU support, fix stability bugs, and unlock features like Resizable BAR — but a bad flash can brick your board, so it pays to do it right. This guide walks through updating safely, step by step.

How to Update Your BIOS Safely (Step-by-Step Guide)

Only update your BIOS for a reason — new CPU support, a specific bug fix, or a needed feature. “Newest version” alone isn’t a reason.

When you should update the BIOS

  • Installing a newer CPU the current BIOS doesn’t support.
  • Fixing a documented stability or memory bug.
  • Enabling a feature like Resizable BAR or better XMP/EXPO support.
  • A security fix you actually need.

If your PC is stable and you don’t need any of the above, you can safely skip a BIOS update.

Step 1 – Identify your exact motherboard

You must download firmware for your exact model and revision. Find it with:

  1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and check BaseBoard Manufacturer / Product.
  2. Or read the model silk-screened on the board itself (note the rev number).

Not sure? See What Motherboard Do I Have.

Step 2 – Download the correct firmware

  1. Go to your motherboard maker’s official support page for that exact model.
  2. Download the latest stable BIOS (read the release notes — apply intermediate versions if required).
  3. Unzip it to the root of a FAT32-formatted USB drive.

Only ever use firmware from the official manufacturer page for your exact board.

Step 3 – Flash using the built-in BIOS updater

Modern boards have a safe built-in flashing tool — use it instead of flashing from Windows:

BIOS brandTool name
ASUSEZ Flash
MSIM-Flash
GigabyteQ-Flash
ASRockInstant Flash
  1. Enter BIOS (Delete/F2 at boot).
  2. Open the flashing tool from the menu.
  3. Select the BIOS file on your USB drive.
  4. Confirm and do not touch the PC while it flashes.

Step 4 – Don’t interrupt the flash

This is the one rule that prevents bricking:

  • Never power off, reset, or unplug during the flash.
  • On a desktop, use a UPS or at least make sure your power is stable.
  • The board will reboot itself one or more times — let it finish completely.

Step 5 – Reconfigure after updating

A BIOS update usually resets settings to default, so afterward:

  1. Re-enable XMP/EXPO for your RAM. See how to enable XMP/EXPO.
  2. Re-enable Resizable BAR if you use it. See the ReBAR guide.
  3. Re-check boot order, fan curves, and any Secure Boot / TPM settings.

If something goes wrong

Many modern boards have BIOS Flashback (flash from USB with no CPU/RAM installed) or dual BIOS for recovery. If a flash fails, check your board’s manual for these features before assuming it’s bricked.

Update your BIOS only when you need to, use the right firmware for your exact board, flash with the built-in tool, and never interrupt it. Reconfigure XMP/EXPO and ReBAR afterward and you’re done.

Tool names differ by brand and version; if a menu label changes, apply the same logic: official firmware, built-in flasher, uninterrupted power, reconfigure after.

Frequently asked questions

Is updating the BIOS risky?

The main risk is power loss mid-flash, which can brick the board. Done properly, on a stable power source with the correct file for your exact model, it is a routine procedure.

Will a BIOS update delete my files?

No. The BIOS lives on the motherboard, not your drives. It can reset BIOS settings like XMP and boot order, so note those before flashing and re-enable them after.

Should I update my BIOS if everything works?

Only with a reason: new CPU support, a security fix, memory stability improvements or a bug you are actually hitting. Skipping cosmetic updates is fine.

How long does a BIOS update take?

Typically two to five minutes. Never power off or restart while it runs, even if the screen looks frozen for a while.