Q&A for How to Update Your Computer's BIOS

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  • Question
    Should I download the higher version number of the bios or current version number from the motherboard website?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    To update the BIOS, you will need to download the higher version number. Otherwise, you'll be reinstalling the same version that is already installed.
  • Question
    My computer was updating the BIOS automatically. Power went off and I cannot boot my computer. How can it be repaired?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If your computer only has a single BIOS, unfortunately, you may need to buy a replacement in order to get your computer working again. If your computer has dual BIOS support, you may be able to start up from the alternate BIOS (e.g., by pressing Del and then F8 during startup to enter Dual BIOS mode).
  • Question
    How do I reset my BIOS?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Resetting your BIOS can usually be accomplished within the BIOS itself or through the hardware by removing the CMOS battery or resetting a jumper on your motherboard.
  • Question
    Is it safe to update the BIOS?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If the power goes out while you are updating the BIOS and you don't have a battery backup, this might make it difficult or impossible to boot your computer. Usually, avoid updating the BIOS unless you have a really good reason, like the current BIOS has a bug that the new BIOS fixes. However, if you can accept the small risk involved, updating the BIOS on modern devices is not particularly dangerous or difficult.
  • Question
    How do I get into BIOS?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You will need to press a certain key or key combination as your computer boots up. This key varies between computers, but usually your boot screen (the screen before the OS loads) will tell you which key to press, or you can look it up in the manual for your computer or motherboard. Common BIOS keys are "Delete" "F1" "F2" or "Escape", but it could be something else.
  • Question
    How do I get into BIOS?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You will need to press a certain key or key combination as your computer boots up. This key varies between computers, but usually your boot screen (the screen before the OS loads) will tell you which key to press, or you can look it up in the manual for your computer or motherboard. Common BIOS keys are "Delete" "F1" "F2" or "Escape", but it could be something else.
  • Question
    Is it possible to install new drivers for free?
    Community Answer
    While there are a number of companies who sell "current drivers," scan for outdated drivers, etc., I've had good luck going directly to the manufacturer's website, searching for "drivers," and downloading from there. They are free and, I presume, current.
  • Question
    I have a Dell Inspiration laptop with Windows 10 software. I bought it last month and due to its feature of auto updating apps, it is now asking permission for BIOS update. Do I need to update it?
    Community Answer
    Don't fix what's not broken. If your BIOS is working just fine, there's really no need to update it unless the update could potentially have a fix for something that could benefit you.
  • Question
    I have a Toshiba satellite c660 and for about two months now it displays: "Reboot and select proper device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key". I have installed a new operating system but am still getting the message. Sometimes it works but even then the A.C cable needs to be blocked in for about 10 minutes for it to heat up. Can you help?
    Community Answer
    Chances are, your computer's bootloader (the program that the BIOS invokes on bootable drives to load your operating system) is broken or corrupt. That or your BIOS cannot find the bootloader in the first place. Sometimes there is a need to go into the BIOS utility because the GRUB bootloader boots into command-line. This may be different for you, but go to the section of your BIOS utility labeled "Save & Exit". There should probably be a section called "Boot Override". Look for your operating system. Windows 10 (and possibly Windows 8) show up as "Windows Boot Manager". Then, highlight your operating system and press enter. This might be different for you, however, so bear that in mind first.
  • Question
    What can I do if I erase my BIOS and don't have a backup?
    Community Answer
    You need to download a new BIOS from the manufacturer of your motherboard, and hope that it's a flash BIOS, or you are in trouble.
  • Question
    When I update my BIOS should I make backup of my drives or is there no chance of problems during the process?
    Community Answer
    The drives will be unaffected during the BIOS update as BIOS is stored in ROM, not in the hard drive. But you should back your existing BIOS up first, just in case.
  • Question
    How do I remove a BIOS password on a Compac computer?
    Community Answer
    There's probably a 0.1" jumper or switch on the motherboard that needs to be fiddled with. You'll need to get documentation on the motherboard.
  • Question
    My computer's c660 BIOS system can't read my hard drive or CD-ROM. Why might that be?
    Community Answer
    Try checking your cables. Also, make sure your motherboard doesn't require you to use a certain SATA or IDE port for hard drive.
  • Question
    I have a 7th Generation processor and a 6th Generation motherboard. Can I use the new processor without updating the BIOS, and what effect will that have on the CPU?
    Community Answer
    It should probably be fine, if the 7th generation CPU fits in the motherboard. Worst case scenario, it won't turn on. If this happens, you will need to update the BIOS.
  • Question
    How do I update my Toshiba laptop's BIOS?
    Community Answer
    You will need to download the BIOS update file that matches your laptop model from the Toshiba website. After that, follow the instructions on the screen. Keep in mind that you will need a flash drive in order to update your laptop's BIOS.
  • Question
    What do I do if my computer freezes when I try to connect to the internet? Should I update the BIOS?
    Community Answer
    Try 3 more times. If it still freezes, update your BIOS. Otherwise, update your internet drivers.
  • Question
    How can I solve, "This version isn't available for your notebook PC"?
    Community Answer
    You can solve it by buying a new PC which the BIOS version allows. Otherwise, you can't solve it. The BIOS version isn't available for your PC and you can't do anything unless the owner company makes it available for your PC. For now you should consider updating to another version.
  • Question
    How do I know if my Acer desktop has the latest BIOS version?
    Community Answer
    Check your BIOS version when your system boots, then visit the support section of the manufacturer's website and enter your computer's model number. Compare your BIOS version to the most recent one available for download.
  • Question
    What is an update to my computer's BIOS?
    Taylor Parish
    Community Answer
    A BIOS update is a better version of your computer's BIOS. It's like saying there's a BIOS update and the version you have has a bug that could delete yout bootloader or something and the new version will fix.
  • Question
    How long does it take to update my computer's BIOS?
    Taylor Parish
    Community Answer
    It will take about an hour to up to sometimes 4 hours. You need to be patient when updating your BIOS, otherwise you may corrupt the BIOS and make it difficult to get your computer to turn on.
  • Question
    I left my computer on overnight accidently. When I discoverd it, the fan was running, the monitor was black, and the cursor was immovable. I disconnected the power; now it will not boot. Help!
    Taylor Parish
    Community Answer
    First up, have you put the power cord back in? If you have, then perhaps your power supply is simply fried if you unplugged it when it was still on without switching your computer off. Without the software or pressing the power button, it can potentially ruin your power supply. Maybe get a repairer to check it out for you.
  • Question
    My bios doesn't have V-T (virtualisation technology). If I updated it, could I find VT on my new updated bios?
    Caryn
    Community Answer
    Possibly, but if your CPU doesn't support virtualization, you likely won't find it in your BIOS. To check, Google "(your CPU name) virtualization support"
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