How to tell if your motherboard needs a BIOS update

If you're building a new PC or thinking about changing your processor, it's very normal to wonder if Your motherboard needs a BIOS updateBetween sockets, CPU generations, and strange model names, it's easy to get confused and not know if the computer will boot up on the first try or if the screen will go black.

In recent generations of Intel and AMD processors, many users have also encountered the same problem: The motherboard theoretically "supports" the CPU, but it won't boot until the BIOS is updated.This has happened with Ryzen 5000 series processors on B450/B550 motherboards and with 13th and 14th generation Intel processors on Z690, B760, and similar chipsets. In this article, you'll see in detail when an upgrade is truly necessary, how to check without getting overwhelmed, and what the risks and benefits are. Let's look at everything about it.  How to tell if your motherboard needs a BIOS update.

What exactly is the BIOS (and what role does UEFI play in all of this)?

When you turn on your computer, the first thing that runs is not Windows or any other operating system, but a small program recorded on the motherboard: the BIOS or its modern successor, UEFIThis firmware is responsible for powering on and checking the basic hardware and passing control to the operating system.

On older desktop computers and many veteran PCs, that firmware is known as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System or Basic Input/Output System)Its function is to initialize the processor, memory, graphics, storage and peripherals, and to provide an intermediate layer so that the operating system does not have to communicate directly with the hardware at a low level.

During the first few seconds of startup, the BIOS executes the so-called POST (Power-On Self Test)In this step, it checks that all the minimum components are present and functioning: CPU, RAM, GPU, main storage, etc. If something fails, the system may beep, display error codes, or simply refuse to boot.

After completing the POST, the firmware takes care of manage the flow of data between the operating system and connected devicesHard drives or SSDs, dedicated or integrated graphics card, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. This way, Windows (or whatever system you use) doesn't need to know the physical addresses of each device, because the BIOS/UEFI already abstracts those details.

In modern PCs, the old conventional BIOS has been almost completely replaced by UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)Although many people still call it "the BIOS," UEFI is an evolution with a more user-friendly interface, mouse support, better compatibility with large disks, and advanced security features such as Secure Boot.

On a practical level, for the average user it doesn't really matter whether it's technically "pure" BIOS or UEFI, because The concept is the same: it's the motherboard firmwareEverything related to overclocking, RAM profiles, boot order, voltages, fans, or CPU compatibility goes through there.

When should you consider updating your motherboard's BIOS?

Unlike what happens with Windows, graphics drivers, or other applications, Updating the BIOS is not something that is done routinely.It's not always "newer is better," and forcing an upgrade for no reason can cause more problems than it solves.

Manufacturers generally recommend that you only update when There is a clear reason.This update may include compatibility with new hardware, security patches, or fixes for major bugs. If your PC is running smoothly, boots up properly, and you don't plan on replacing key components, you're not required to change anything.

Now, there are several very common scenarios where updating does make sense:

• Installing a new generation CPU on an older motherboard (for example, Ryzen 5000 on B450/B550 motherboards, or Intel 13th/14th gen on Z690/B760 motherboards).
• Patch known security vulnerabilities that affect the motherboard's firmware.
• Improve RAM compatibility, NVMe, or resolve stability issues (crashes, random restarts, problems exiting sleep mode, etc.).
• Unlock new features that the manufacturer has added to the firmware (for example, support for new overclocking technologies or power management).

In recent years, there have been many real-world cases where an upgrade has been essential. For example, users who purchased a MSI B550-A PRO with a Ryzen 5 5600 When the Ryzen 5000 series was relatively new, some motherboards came from the factory with an outdated BIOS that didn't recognize those processors. Without the BIOS update, the PC would get stuck on a black screen.

Something similar has happened and continues to happen with 12th and 13th/14th generation Intel systems. Motherboards like a Gigabyte Z690 AERO G DDR4 or a MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 They can officially support Intel Core i7-13700K or i7-14700 CPUs, but only from a specific BIOS versionIf the motherboard has been in storage for months and has an older version, it may not POST with a 13th or 14th generation processor until it is flashed.

How to tell if your CPU's BIOS needs updating

The most frequently asked question when assembling a new team is this: Will my motherboard boot with the CPU I bought, or will I have to update the BIOS first?To avoid going in blind, it's best to follow several verification steps.

1. Consult the manufacturer's CPU compatibility list

Almost all manufacturers (MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, ASRock, etc.) publish a Detailed list of compatible processors for each motherboard modelIt's the most reliable source of information you have.

The general process is similar across all brands: find the exact model of your motherboard (for example, “Gigabyte Z690 AERO G DDR4 rev. 1.1” or “MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4”), go to the support page and locate the “CPU Support” or “Processor Compatibility” section.

In that table you'll see one column with the CPU models and another with the minimum BIOS version required for them to function. There you can check if your processor (for example, an Intel Core i7-13700K or an i7-14700) needs a specific update. If your motherboard was originally designed for 12th generation processors, 13th or 14th generation CPUs will typically be listed with a later BIOS version.

If the table indicates that your CPU is only supported from, say, BIOS F22, but your motherboard came from the factory with F5 or F7, You'll almost certainly have to flash so that it boots up with that new CPU.

2. Check the BIOS version your current computer is using in Windows

If you already have a working PC (for example, with an older CPU) and you're thinking about upgrading it, you can Easily check your BIOS version from within Windows before doing anything.

Hay two very simple ways:

Using the Command Prompt

1. Press Windows + R, writes cmd and accept to open the console.
2. Write the command wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion and press Enter.
3. The chain that appears next to SMBIOSBIOSVersion This is the exact version of your BIOS. Write it down to compare it with the one specified by the manufacturer.

From System Information

1. Balance Windows + R, writes msinfo32 and accept.
2. In the window that opens you will see both the motherboard model and BIOS version/date.

With that information in hand, you just need to go back to the compatibility chart or the downloads section for your motherboard and see if the version you have already includes support for the CPU you want to installIf it matches or exceeds the minimum required, you shouldn't need to update for it to start.

3. Is it possible to determine the BIOS version without a CPU installed?

This is a very common question when building a PC from scratch: “I just bought a motherboard and processor, Can I boot without a CPU just to see what BIOS the motherboard has?The answer is no: if there is no processor installed, the motherboard will not execute the POST or display video, so you will not be able to enter the BIOS.

What you can do, in many modern models, is take advantage of features such as USB BIOS Flashback or equivalents from each manufacturer. These technologies allow update the BIOS without needing to have CPU or RAM installedusing only a power supply connected to the board and a USB drive with the correct file.

This option is especially useful when you buy a new CPU for an older chipset (for example, a 13th-generation Intel CPU on a Z690 motherboard that comes with a launch BIOS designed for 12th generation). In these cases, some users have had to resort to borrowing a CPU, but with Flashback enabled. That "trick" is no longer necessary in many models.

Compelling reasons to update (or not) your BIOS

Once you know which version you're on and what your hardware requires, it's time for the big decision: Is it worth updating the BIOS?The answer depends on your reason for doing it.

Compatibility with new CPUs: the star reason

The most common reason, and almost mandatory in certain cases, is ensure that the motherboard recognizes later generation processors when the motherboard was launched. This has been very clear in the AMD AM4 ecosystem and continues to happen with AM5 and Intel LGA1700.

AMD tends to stick with the same socket for many years (AM4, AM5), meaning that a single motherboard can eventually support several generations of Ryzen processors. However, A compatible socket does not guarantee that the CPU will work if the BIOS has not been updated to understand that new generation.

Intel, for its part, tends to change sockets more frequently, but even within the same socket (like LGA1700) a motherboard that was designed for 12th generation You may absolutely need a new BIOS to boot with a 13th or 14th generation chip.That's exactly what has happened to users with Z690 or B760 motherboards when installing i7-13700K or i7-14700 processors.

In these specific cases, if the manufacturer indicates in their support table that your CPU is only supported from a certain version onwards, update the BIOS. It's not an optional upgrade: it's a requirement for the equipment to function..

Security and bug fixes

Another important reason to consider an upgrade is the security vulnerabilities detected in the firmwareJust as flaws are found in operating systems or browsers, there can also be holes in the BIOS/UEFI itself that allow very low-level attacks.

When this happens, manufacturers usually release a new BIOS version that fixes the problem and indicate this in the update description. If your motherboard is affected, Installing this patch is recommended to strengthen the security of the computer.especially if it's a work PC or one that frequently connects to unreliable networks.

In addition to security patches, many BIOS versions include solutions to stability errorsBlue screens, failures to resume from sleep, problems with certain NVMe drives, incompatibilities with specific RAM modules, etc. If you are experiencing these types of errors and see them mentioned in the BIOS changelog, updating makes a good decision.

New features and minor performance improvements

Although it's not the most common thing, sometimes a new BIOS version unlocks additional board features or improves the performance of certain technologiesThis has been seen, for example, with automatic overclocking technologies such as PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive) in Ryzen processors, or with the support of higher frequency and capacity RAM in newer platforms.

A curious case was that of some models such as the Ryzen 7 5800X3DThese processors initially came with overclocking disabled for safety reasons. Over time, thanks to BIOS updates, some manufacturers enabled features that allowed for slightly higher clock speeds, provided the cooling system could handle it.

In general, these improvements aren't going to double the performance, not by a long shot, but they can to refine the motherboard's performance with certain memory, NVMe SSDs, or advanced CPU featuresThis is especially true in the first few months after the launch of a new platform, when the initial firmware is usually less mature.

When is it best NOT to touch the BIOS?

If your computer starts up without problems, you're not experiencing unusual errors, you don't need to support new hardware, and there are no issues... urgent security alerts From the manufacturer's perspective, the most prudent thing to do is usually to leave the BIOS as it is.

Updating always carries a minimal risk: a power outage at the worst possible moment or flashing the wrong file They can render the motherboard unusable, although many modern motherboards include recovery mechanisms. That's why manufacturers often emphasize that if the system is working properly, updating simply to have "the latest" version isn't mandatory.

How to update the BIOS step by step safely

If you've already decided that an update is worthwhile in your case (for compatibility, security, or to address bugs), it's important to do it in a specific order. minimize risksAlthough each brand has its own particularities, the general process usually follows a similar structure.

1. Accurately identify motherboard and BIOS version

Before downloading anything, make sure you understand the exact model of your motherboard and the current BIOS/UEFI version. As we've already seen, you can extract it from Windows with msinfo32 or with the WMIC command.

Also check things like plate inspection (rev 1.0, rev 1.1, etc.), since some manufacturers distinguish between different physical versions of the same model that use different firmware. This happens, for example, with several Gigabyte motherboards, where rev. 1.0 and rev. 1.1 share the same brand name but not the same BIOS.

2. Download the update from the official website

With the model in hand, go to the manufacturer's website and enter the section on Support / Downloads / BIOS of your motherboard. There you'll see a list of available versions, usually ordered from newest to oldest.

Read the description of each version carefully to understand what it offers: support for new CPUs, security fixes, stability improvements, etc.It is usual to download the latest version directly, unless the manufacturer expressly indicates that you must go through an intermediate version first.

Download the BIOS file (it usually comes compressed in ZIP format) and extract it to a folder of your choice. Inside you'll find the firmware file (with the manufacturer's specific extension) and often a small manual in PDF or TXT format that you should read.

3. Prepare a USB flash drive formatted as FAT32

To flash from the BIOS/UEFI itself, the most convenient way is to use a USB memory formatted in FAT32You can reuse one you have at home, but remember that formatting it will erase all its contents.

1. Connect the USB to the PC and open File Explorer.
2. Right click on the drive and choose Format.
3. In “File system”, select FAT32 and accept.
4. Once formatted, copy the unzipped BIOS file to the root of the USB drive.

On some boards with functions like USB BIOS FlashbackIt is also necessary Rename the BIOS file with a very specific name (for example, X299A.CAP on certain ASUS motherboards). That exact name is always indicated in the manufacturer's instructions, so double-check it.

4. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to start the update

With the USB drive ready, restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing the corresponding key during startup. The most common keys are: Del, F2, F10 or F12although it may vary depending on the brand and model.

If you're not sure which one it is, you can search for “BIOS key + your motherboard model or PC manufacturerYou also have the option, in Windows 10 and 11, to log in through Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup and from there, select “Advanced Options” and “UEFI Firmware Settings”.

Once inside the BIOS, you need to locate the update function. The name varies depending on the manufacturer. M-FLASH at MSI, Q Flash at Gigabyte, EZ-Flash On ASUS, etc. It usually appears in a "Tools", "Advanced" or similar tab.

Select the flashing utility, choose the BIOS file on the USB drive, and confirm that you want to start the process. From here on, it's crucial. Do not touch anything or turn off the equipment until it finishes. The update can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to considerably longer, depending on the model and the firmware size.

5. Other methods: from Windows, Flashback and via the Internet

In addition to the classic method using a USB drive from the BIOS itself, some manufacturers offer alternative options which may be more comfortable in certain scenarios.

• Windows update toolsThese are programs from the manufacturer that allow you to flash the BIOS without exiting the operating system. They are very easy to use, but they carry the added risk that a Windows crash or freeze during the process could damage the motherboard.
• USB BIOS Flashback and similar: they allow update the BIOS without CPU or RAM installedUsing a dedicated USB port on the motherboard and a physical button. Ideal when you have a CPU that the motherboard doesn't yet recognize.
• Direct update from the InternetSome modern UEFI systems include an option to connect to the internet and download and install the latest BIOS without needing a USB drive. It's very convenient, but it depends on having a stable and reliable internet connection.

In all cases, the advice is the same: Follow your motherboard manufacturer's instructions to the letterEach model may have slight nuances, and it's best not to improvise.

Basic precautions before updating the BIOS

Although updates usually go well, it's advisable to take some precautions to minimize the chances of something going wrongThere's no need to be obsessive, but you do need to be a little meticulous.

• Ensures a stable food supply throughout the entire process. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, consider using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or doing the upgrade at a time of lower risk.
• Close all applications If you use an update tool from Windows, and don't touch the PC while it's flashing.
• Back up your important data If you want to be on the safe side. Although a BIOS update shouldn't affect your SSD or HDD, if something goes seriously wrong you could have trouble accessing the system.
• Double-check the downloaded fileUse the correct model, revision, and version. Do not use a BIOS from another "similar" model.

In practice, the chances of a well-executed BIOS update "killing" a PC are low. Serious problems usually arise from Turning off the device in the middle of flashing or using an incorrect fileIf you avoid those two things, everything should go smoothly.

Common questions about BIOS updates and their impact

In addition to whether or not an upgrade is necessary for your CPU, The same questions usually come up. around the process. It's a good idea to clarify them so you have the full picture.

Does updating the BIOS improve computer performance?

There's no guarantee that a new BIOS will make your PC run faster. in day-to-day use. In many cases, performance will be virtually the same. Where you might notice a difference is in:

• Optimization of new CPUs or chipsets newly released, which at first were not quite fine-tuned.
• Improvements in RAM compatibility and stabilityespecially in high-frequency or high-capacity kits.
• Correction of errors that were hindering performance in certain scenarios (for example, NVMe SSDs that did not perform as they should until a certain firmware version).

However, the main motivation for updating should be compatibility, security or stabilityDon't expect a massive increase in FPS or benchmark scores.

Will my data be erased or will my PC be "reset" during the update?

A BIOS update It does not delete your files or reinstall the operating systemYour hard drives (HDD or SSD) remain untouched. However, some BIOS settings may be reset: boot order, XMP memory profiles, overclocking settings, etc.

If you had a manual CPU or RAM overclock, it's quite likely that after an update you'll have to Review and reapply those settingsbecause many boards load default values ​​after flashing the firmware.

How often is it recommended to update the BIOS?

There is no fixed frequency. The BIOS is not treated like just another driver that needs to be kept up to date.On many devices, you can easily stay with the same version for years without any problems.

A good approach is to check your motherboard's support section from time to time (for example, every few months or when you're going to change your CPU) to see if there are any updates. important updatesIf only minor changes appear and your PC is working fine, you can leave it as is. If support for a processor you want to install or security patches are mentioned, then it makes sense to update.

Are BIOS updates safe?

Under normal conditions, and following the recommendations discussed, They are reasonably safeSerious problems are rare and are almost always related to power outages, forced shutdowns in the middle of the process, or using incorrect files.

In addition, many modern motherboards incorporate systems for Dual BIOS, backup or automatic recovery These tools allow you to restore a working firmware if something goes wrong. Even so, it's best to treat the operation with care, not like a simple app update.

Can I revert to a previous version if the new one is giving me problems?

In many models it is possible downgrade to an earlier BIOS versionHowever, the procedure and limitations depend entirely on the manufacturer. Some motherboards don't allow you to install an older version at all, while others make it easy.

If you suspect a recent update has caused instability, check the manufacturer's website or the manual. if they allow reverting to previous versions And what steps do they recommend? If necessary, having the old BIOS saved on a USB drive can save you time.

If your motherboard is only compatible with your CPU from a certain BIOS version onwards, if the manufacturer has released important security patches, or if you are experiencing annoying bugs mentioned in the update notes, Updating the BIOS is a very useful tool to extend the life of your PC and keep it stable.As long as you follow the official guidelines and respect a few basic precautions, the process is much simpler and safer than it initially seems.