How to Safely Update Your Motherboard's BIOS
The real precautions (suspending BitLocker, stable power) and when it's NOT worth doing.
Updating the BIOS is the most delicate process you can do on a computer — not because it's difficult, but because a power cut halfway through can leave the motherboard completely unusable. With the right precautions, the real risk is low.
Golden rule: if you don't have a specific reason, don't update it. Legitimate reasons are: you need support for a new processor, there's a critical security patch relevant to you, or you have a specific stability problem the update notes explicitly mention. "Just in case" isn't a good reason, given the risk involved.
Before starting
- Note down your motherboard's (or laptop's) exact model — a BIOS for a different model, even a similar one, can render the machine unusable.
- Check your current version:
Windows + R→msinfo32→ look for "BIOS Version". - If you use BitLocker, suspend it before updating (Control Panel → BitLocker → "Suspend protection") — this stops the firmware change from blocking access to your encrypted disk.
- Plug the laptop into power with a charged battery, or make sure there's no risk of a power cut if it's a desktop.
Downloading the correct file
Only from your motherboard's (or laptop's) manufacturer official website — never from third-party sources. Look for the support/downloads section, enter your exact model, and download the most recent stable BIOS version.
The process (varies slightly by manufacturer)
- Format an empty USB drive as FAT32.
- Copy the unzipped BIOS file directly to the root of the USB drive (don't put it inside any folder).
- Enter the BIOS (your manufacturer's specific key on power-on).
- Look for the built-in update tool: "EZ Flash" (ASUS), "Q-Flash" (Gigabyte), "Instant Flash" (ASRock), or a similar name on your brand.
- Select the file from the USB drive and confirm.
During the process: don't touch anything. Not the keyboard, not the mouse, not the power button, until it's fully finished — the machine may restart several times and show screens that look alarming, that's a normal part of the procedure.
After updating
Turn BitLocker back on if you had suspended it. Keep in mind the update usually resets custom BIOS settings (boot order, fan curves) — it might be worth noting them down beforehand if you had them adjusted.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the power cuts out during the update?
It's the worst possible scenario — it can corrupt the firmware and leave the motherboard unusable ('bricked'), unable to start up. It can only be repaired by reprogramming the chip with specialised hardware or replacing the board.
Do I need to update the BIOS if my machine works fine?
No, unless you have a specific reason (new processor, relevant security patch, specific stability problem). 'If it works, don't touch it' applies especially well here, given the risk of the process.
Why do you need to suspend BitLocker before updating?
Because the firmware change can alter the security measurements BitLocker uses to verify boot, blocking access to the encrypted disk until you enter the recovery key. Suspending it beforehand avoids that unnecessary lockout.