How to Check Your BIOS Version: A Comprehensive Guide

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or, more recently, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), is a crucial piece of firmware embedded on a computer’s motherboard. It initializes the hardware components during the boot process and provides essential services to the operating system. Knowing your BIOS version is important for several reasons, including:

• Troubleshooting: Identifying the BIOS version can help diagnose hardware compatibility issues or resolve boot-related problems.
• Driver Updates: Sometimes, BIOS updates are necessary to ensure proper functioning with newer hardware or operating systems.
• Compatibility: Knowing your BIOS version is essential when upgrading your CPU, RAM, or other critical components to ensure compatibility.
• Security Updates: BIOS updates often include security patches that protect your system from vulnerabilities.
• Feature Enhancements: Updates can also introduce new features or improve the performance of existing hardware.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to check your BIOS version on Windows, macOS (if applicable through Boot Camp), and Linux operating systems. We will also cover how to interpret the BIOS information and understand what it means.

Why is Knowing Your BIOS Version Important?

Before diving into the methods, let’s reiterate why knowing your BIOS version is vital for computer maintenance and troubleshooting:

• Hardware Compatibility: When upgrading components like the CPU, RAM, or even storage devices, confirming compatibility with your current BIOS is paramount. An outdated BIOS might not recognize the new hardware, leading to system instability or failure to boot.
• Bug Fixes and Security Patches: BIOS updates often address bugs and vulnerabilities that can compromise your system’s security or stability. Keeping your BIOS up-to-date ensures you have the latest fixes.
• Performance Improvements: Some BIOS updates can enhance the performance of your hardware, particularly the CPU and RAM.
• Enabling New Features: BIOS updates may introduce support for new technologies or features that were not available in older versions.
• Operating System Compatibility: Occasionally, a BIOS update is required for optimal compatibility with a new operating system version.

Methods to Check Your BIOS Version

Here are several methods to determine your BIOS version, covering Windows, macOS (via Boot Camp), and Linux operating systems:

Method 1: Using System Information (Windows)

The System Information tool in Windows provides a wealth of information about your computer’s hardware and software, including the BIOS version. Here’s how to access it:

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type `msinfo32` in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.
3. In the System Information window, look for the “BIOS Version/Date” entry in the right-hand pane. The value next to it indicates your BIOS manufacturer, version, and date. For example, it might read “American Megatrends Inc. P1.20, 1/15/2023”.

Interpreting the BIOS Information:

• Manufacturer: Identifies the company that created the BIOS (e.g., American Megatrends, Phoenix Technologies, Insyde Software).
• Version: A numerical or alphanumeric code that identifies the specific release of the BIOS. Higher numbers usually indicate newer versions.
• Date: The date the BIOS was created or released. This is crucial for determining how old your BIOS is.

Example: If the BIOS Version/Date entry reads “American Megatrends Inc. P1.20, 1/15/2023”, it means the BIOS was manufactured by American Megatrends Inc., the version is P1.20, and it was released on January 15, 2023.

Method 2: Using the Command Prompt (Windows)

The Command Prompt provides another way to retrieve the BIOS version using the `wmic` command. This method is particularly useful if you prefer using the command line.

1. Open the Command Prompt:
   • Press the Windows Key.
   • Type `cmd` or `command prompt`.
   • Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results and select “Run as administrator”. Running as administrator ensures you have the necessary permissions.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion

3. The Command Prompt will display the BIOS version under the “SMBIOSBIOSVersion” heading.

Explanation of the Command:

• `wmic`: Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line, a command-line interface for WMI.
• `bios`: Specifies that we are querying the BIOS information.
• `get smbiosbiosversion`: Instructs WMIC to retrieve the value of the `SMBIOSBIOSVersion` property, which contains the BIOS version.

Method 3: Using PowerShell (Windows)

PowerShell is a more powerful command-line shell and scripting language in Windows. You can use PowerShell to retrieve the BIOS version as well.

1. Open PowerShell:
   • Press the Windows Key.
   • Type `powershell`.
   • Right-click on “Windows PowerShell” in the search results and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   Get-WmiObject win32_bios | select SerialNumber, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, Manufacturer, Version | Format-List

3. PowerShell will display the BIOS version, manufacturer, serial number and version in a formatted list.

Explanation of the Command:

• `Get-WmiObject win32_bios`: Retrieves the `Win32_BIOS` WMI class, which contains BIOS information.
• `select SerialNumber, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, Manufacturer, Version`: Selects specific properties from the `Win32_BIOS` object, including the BIOS version (`SMBIOSBIOSVersion`), serial number, manufacturer, and version.
• `Format-List`: Formats the output into a list for easier readability.

Method 4: Checking BIOS Version During Startup

Most computers display the BIOS version information briefly during the startup process, before the operating system loads. This method requires you to be attentive during the boot sequence.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Watch the screen carefully during startup. Look for a line of text that displays the BIOS version, manufacturer, and date. This information usually appears at the top or bottom of the screen for a few seconds. The exact location and format may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
3. If the information disappears too quickly, try pressing the `Pause/Break` key on your keyboard to pause the boot process. This will give you more time to read the BIOS information. You may need to press any other key to resume the boot process.

Note: The specific key to enter the BIOS setup utility (explained below) is often displayed during this startup screen. Make a note of it if you plan to access the BIOS settings.

Method 5: Entering the BIOS Setup Utility

The BIOS Setup Utility is a menu-driven interface that allows you to configure various hardware settings and view system information, including the BIOS version.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility. This key varies depending on the motherboard manufacturer, but common keys include:
• `Delete`
• `F2`
• `F12`
• `Esc`
• `F1`
• `F10`

The correct key is usually displayed briefly during the startup process. If you miss it, consult your motherboard manual or search online for your specific model.

3. Navigate to the “Main,” “System Information,” or “BIOS Information” section. The exact wording and location of the BIOS version information may vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer and version. Look for entries such as “BIOS Version,” “BIOS Date,” or similar terms.
4. The BIOS version, manufacturer, and date will be displayed in this section.
5. Exit the BIOS Setup Utility. Typically, you can exit by pressing the `Esc` key or by navigating to the “Exit” option. Be sure to save any changes if prompted, unless you intentionally made changes.

Important Note: Be cautious when navigating the BIOS Setup Utility, as incorrect settings can cause system instability or prevent your computer from booting. Only change settings if you understand their purpose.

Method 6: Checking BIOS Version on macOS (via Boot Camp)

If you are running Windows on a Mac using Boot Camp, you can use the Windows methods described above to check the BIOS version. The BIOS in this case is the firmware provided by Apple, but the information will be accessible through Windows tools.

1. Boot into your Windows partition using Boot Camp.
2. Use any of the Windows methods described above (System Information, Command Prompt, PowerShell) to check the BIOS version.

Limitations: You cannot directly access or modify the BIOS settings from within macOS. All BIOS-related actions must be performed from the Windows partition.

Method 7: Checking BIOS Version on Linux

On Linux systems, you can use the `dmidecode` command to retrieve BIOS information. This command reads data from the System Management BIOS (SMBIOS/DMI), which contains hardware information, including the BIOS version.

1. Open a terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   sudo dmidecode -t bios

3. You may be prompted to enter your password.
4. The `dmidecode` command will display detailed information about your BIOS, including the vendor, version, and release date.

Explanation of the Command:

• `sudo`: Executes the command with superuser privileges (required to access system hardware information).
• `dmidecode`: A command-line tool that decodes the DMI (Desktop Management Interface) data.
• `-t bios`: Specifies that we are interested in the BIOS information.

Interpreting the Output:

The output of the `dmidecode` command will typically include the following fields:

• Vendor: The manufacturer of the BIOS.
• Version: The BIOS version.
• Release Date: The date the BIOS was released.
• BIOS Revision: Further revision information about the BIOS.

Updating Your BIOS

After checking your BIOS version, you might consider updating it if you find that it’s outdated. However, updating the BIOS is a potentially risky process, and it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. A failed BIOS update can render your computer unusable.

Steps to Update Your BIOS:

1. Identify your motherboard model. This information is essential for downloading the correct BIOS update file. You can find the motherboard model using the System Information tool in Windows or by physically inspecting the motherboard itself.
2. Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website. Navigate to the support or downloads section for your specific motherboard model.
3. Download the latest BIOS update file. Ensure that the file is compatible with your motherboard model and operating system.
4. Read the update instructions carefully. The manufacturer’s website will provide detailed instructions on how to update the BIOS. Follow these instructions precisely.
5. Prepare a USB flash drive. Most BIOS updates require you to create a bootable USB flash drive with the update file.
6. Boot from the USB flash drive. Restart your computer and boot from the USB flash drive. The specific key to select the boot device varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the BIOS. The update process usually involves running a utility that flashes the new BIOS firmware to the motherboard.
8. Do not interrupt the update process. Power interruptions or other errors during the update can cause irreversible damage to your motherboard.
9. Restart your computer. After the update is complete, restart your computer. The new BIOS version should now be active.

Alternative BIOS Update Methods: Some modern motherboards offer BIOS update utilities directly within the BIOS setup itself, allowing you to update the BIOS from a USB drive without needing to create a bootable disk or use external tools. These utilities often provide a more user-friendly interface and can simplify the update process. Consult your motherboard manual for specific instructions on using these built-in update features.

Risks and Precautions:

• Power Outage: Ensure a stable power supply during the update process. A power outage can interrupt the process and brick your motherboard. Consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) if you live in an area prone to power outages.
• Incorrect BIOS File: Using the wrong BIOS file can damage your motherboard. Double-check that the file is specifically designed for your motherboard model.
• Interrupted Update: Do not interrupt the update process once it has started. This includes turning off the computer, removing the USB drive, or pressing any keys.
• Static Electricity: Take precautions to avoid static electricity, which can damage electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any internal components.

Conclusion

Checking your BIOS version is a simple yet essential task for maintaining your computer’s health and ensuring compatibility with new hardware and software. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily determine your BIOS version on Windows, macOS (via Boot Camp), and Linux. Remember to exercise caution when updating your BIOS and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid potential problems. Regularly checking for BIOS updates and applying them when necessary can improve your system’s stability, security, and performance.