How to update the system BIOS. Special programs for updating BIOS

BIOS is an interesting element. One can easily admit that he is the most important part computer and at the same time the least noticeable - until problems begin to appear in the system. Updating the BIOS will often solve many of these problems, but it can also render the computer completely inoperable if you did something wrong. So, how to properly update the BIOS.

In general, BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the first code during computer startup and the system's basic software. It is “sewn into” a chip on the motherboard and is responsible for quick check all components and download operating system With hard drive. You might think that these are all his responsibilities. In fact, the BIOS will continue to coordinate communication between software and hardware, even when running system Windows.

If the BIOS is out of date, you may experience following problems: A quad-core processor may be recognized as a single-core processor, but system performance is significantly limited, incorrect fan speeds do not provide the necessary heat dissipation, and the new video card may not turn on at all, resulting in a black monitor screen and nothing but disappointment.

But fortunately, to solve all these problems you just need to update the BIOS. But keep in mind that updating the BIOS is not without risk. If something goes wrong, your computer's functionality may be at risk. In general, the update involves redefining the core algorithms that tell the computer what to do with all of its components at boot time. Be careful and follow the instructions when updating, and make sure that the process is not interrupted or canceled.

The easiest way to do this is to look in the motherboard manual and find information about the manufacturer and model. Additionally, full model name motherboard, for example, P5E3 Deluxe, is usually also printed on the board itself. It is also important to know the version number, for example, REV 1.03 g.

You can determine the BIOS version when you restart the computer, the first thing that appears on the screen is the BIOS logo and version number, or using DEL, ESC, or F2. Second method, press Windows + R and in the Run window enter the command “msinfo32”. Then, under System Information, look for the BIOS version entry.

Step 2: Where to find the appropriate update

All necessary information O possible updates can be obtained from the motherboard manufacturer's website. Here, in the search window, enter the model number of the motherboard and a list of all files will be displayed in the browser.

If the BIOS update is not among them, it's time to check the version number. Convince whether you entered the name of the motherboard correctly, whether there are later changes to the current version.

If there is an update, installing it is a good idea. Typically, most service packs consist of Flash programs who are responsible for installation and updating BIOS systems, and are often accompanied by a text file with detailed description versions.

If a BIOS update is actually among them, it's time to check the numbers: are you entering the name of your motherboard, are the changes more recent than the correct one? current version, and if so, you will find that the specific question will be included in the documentation If that's all? problems, upgrading the BIOS may cost the rule pomysł. Jako, most service packs consist of Flash, which is responsible for the installation and the actual BIOS update, often accompanied by text file detailed information about the version.

Step 3: Update Windows System, DOS or BIOS UI

Especially older versions of BIOS need to be updated via the DOS interface. This can be a problem for many modern computers because they no longer come with a traditional floppy drive. Instead, you can simply use USB drive. On the other hand, many manufacturers provide an easy-to-use configuration assistant for Windows. It may even have a built-in procedure for updating BIOS settings.

Updating BIOS via Windows

If you want to update to Windows system, need to download necessary tools, intended for updating the operating system.

In the vast majority of cases, the user No need update the BIOS, but there are exceptions when updating the BIOS is simply necessary to access different functions or new opportunities. For example, to install a new generation processor on a compatible motherboard that was originally designed for earlier processor models. Often this scenario is directly related to updating the BIOS, and in such cases the user has a question: how to update the BIOS?

For reference: This article describes basic principles and concepts the very concept of updating the BIOS. Each manufacturer has its own BIOS/UEFI update process. Therefore, it is best to familiarize yourself with official leadership from your PC or motherboard manufacturer. After reading these instructions, of course.

Although in modern computers UEFI is used instead of BIOS, this article uses the term “BIOS update” to also mean updating UEFI. You can find out in a separate article.

Warning: Be very careful when updating the BIOS. If your computer freezes, crashes, or loses power, the BIOS or UEFI may become corrupted, leaving your device bricked. This risk must always be taken into account. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist, technical support, or completely abandon the idea of ​​updating the BIOS. And yes, not worth it update just like that. If you do not know why exactly you need to update the BIOS, it is better not to update it at all. The universal principle “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” applies to this procedure like no other.

How to check BIOS version

Before updating the BIOS, you need to find out if there are new versions for the motherboard. And to do this you need to find out the motherboard model or BIOS version.

How to update the BIOS of a computer or laptop

Now go to your motherboard or computer manufacturer's website to check if there are any motherboard software updates available. The section with driver downloads often lists all BIOS versions released for this motherboard. Select the latest option or the specific version you need. It should also be noted that manufacturers often offer beta BIOS versions, which may not be as stable as the release versions. We do not recommend installing beta versions unless you have experience working with BIOS flashing and other experiments. We remind you that you should install a specific BIOS version only if you know what you need it for.

Again, each manufacturer may have its own peculiarities of website structure and download section, but basic principle such that BIOS versions are often located in the section with drivers for your specific computer or motherboard.

Most likely the BIOS will be packaged in a ZIP archive. Unzip its contents to any folder and familiarize yourself with the contents. There are also cases when the BIOS is loaded as an executable file.

There are several methods BIOS firmware, but you need to look for the one that the manufacturer recommends depending on the motherboard or computer. Frequently downloaded BIOS file contains a Readme file where you will find detailed information about the installation and flashing process.

Some manufacturers have provided special button to update within the BIOS. You load the updated BIOS onto the flash drive, reboot your computer, open the BIOS, click the update button, select the file on the flash drive, and the BIOS magically updates to the new version. You can get into the BIOS in different ways. Often these are the F12, F2 or Delete buttons, which must be pressed while the computer boots.

There are also more traditional DOS-based BIOS flashing tools. You will need to create a DOS Live USB flash drive, copy the firmware utility and the BIOS itself to it. After this, the computer reboots and starts from the created USB flash drive. After this, the BIOS flashing procedure occurs inside the minimalist DOS interface. Often the command for flashing looks like flash.batBIOS.bin or something like that. If Motherboard BIOS your computer's board must be flashed via DOS, the manufacturer will most likely ensure that necessary files downloaded along with the BIOS on the official website. This must be a file with permission bat or exe. We remind you: Always look for guides on updating the BIOS on the manufacturer's official website. This approach guarantees you a minimal chance of making a mistake.

All the described methods for flashing BIOS can slightly frighten an unprepared user and discourage him from flashing. And this is good, since, most likely, such a user does not need to flash the BIOS at all. Still, there are more friendly, but at the same time more risky ways to update the BIOS. Some manufacturers have developed special applications, capable of updating the BIOS within Windows itself. It is difficult to recommend this method.

The developers themselves often do not advise using them (paradoxical, but true). It is best to use the update mechanisms built into the BIOS or a DOS Live flash drive. MSI, for example, advises its users to update the BIOS exclusively within the BIOS itself.

Flashing the BIOS inside Windows can lead to a number of problems. Software running on Windows may prevent the utility from properly uploading the firmware. The fact is that BIOS is a low-level software, which should very deep get into the hardware of your computer. There is a risk that the operating system's protective mechanisms will interfere with this process and prevent the utility from working, which in turn will lead to errors BIOS operation or failure. Keep this in mind. If there is an alternative, it is always better to use DOS or the built-in BIOS update mechanism than the Windows application.

In general, the BIOS update process consists of the following steps:

1. Download the BIOS from the official website.
2. Copy it to a flash drive.
3. Boot into BIOS.
4. Launch the update mechanism and select the downloaded file.
5. Wait for the process to complete and restart the computer.

Yes, specific instructions you won't find it here. This is impossible to do due to the abundance different manufacturers and various nuances, but we hope that this article has provided you with general impression about what a BIOS update is and how it all works.

When you turn on your computer, all control is transferred to a small firmware called BIOS. It performs many functions: it checks the hardware, controls the management of the OS boot loader. It is through it that you can configure the boot priority of devices, set exact date and time, will set a password. However, over time, the program version becomes outdated and many users wonder whether to update the BIOS and how to do it correctly?

Therefore, it is worth familiarizing yourself with all the intricacies of updating the BIOS in order to avoid problems in the future.

Is it worth updating the BIOS?

Many people ask the question of whether to update the BIOS. However, in pursuit of a newer version, users only get a lot of problems, not benefits. Therefore, you should only update the BIOS in the following cases:

1. New devices are not detected on the PC. For example, you replaced the hard drive with a larger one new model, but the old BIOS version does not detect it. In this case, it is worth updating the firmware.
2. IN old version BIOS settings are not saved, there are glitches and errors.
3. Your BIOS version does not support booting the system from removable media, for example from a flash drive, and your drive has failed.

IMPORTANT! Under no circumstances should you update the BIOS if your PC is under warranty. This will void your warranty service.

How to determine the BIOS version?

If you are wondering how to update the BIOS, then the process of correctly replacing the program is important to you.

First of all, you should determine the motherboard model and BIOS version. PC documents do not always contain correct information. It's worth double-checking the information. To do this, it is better to use the AIDA64 utility.

After installing and launching the program, go to the “Motherboard” section and look at the motherboard model.

Now we go to the motherboard manufacturer’s website and look for a new BIOS version.

Step by step BIOS update

You can update the BIOS in several ways:

1. A special utility that is available on the website of the motherboard manufacturer and allows even a novice user to update the version of their firmware. However, as practice shows, the work of the antivirus third party applications or a power outage can ruin the update process.
2. Using the Q-Flash utility, which runs without the computer supporting drivers, antivirus and other elements. Exactly on this method let's stop.

To update the BIOS, reboot the PC and press Del and F2. Will open BIOS menu. You need to change the program settings to optimized ones. To do this, select the Load Optimized default function, and then click F10.

The computer will restart. You need to turn it off again and get into the BIOS.

The settings menu will reappear on the screen. Below there will be Q-Flash utility. Press F8, and then select the Y arrow to launch it.

Initially we save the version old BIOS by clicking Save BIOS Floppy and selecting a storage location, and Update BIOS Drive.

Then select the flash drive or disk on which you saved the downloaded BIOS version.

The system will ask you to confirm the update. Click OK and wait for the program to update.

The update process will only take a few minutes. The PC will then reboot.

Using this method you will successfully update the BIOS. The main thing is not to press any buttons or turn off the PC.

The motherboard in a computer ties together all its components: the processor, RAM, hard drives and other components. So that all these devices can work in normal mode, it is necessary to ensure their support in the BIOS of the motherboard. However system unit may be formed from components released much later than the motherboard, and the existing BIOS does not contain information about them. To add it, you must update the BIOS.

• first download the BIOS file to the flash drive itself latest version, you can find it on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer by entering its name;
• after that, enter the BIOS, select the update item (on different motherboards it may be called differently, for example, “Instant Flash”, “EZ Flash”, “BIOS Flashback”, etc.);
• After downloading the utility, select the new BIOS file and wait for the update procedure to complete.

• download the program, for example, “Unetbuttin-win-549”, run it;
• select the distribution, media type and name, check the box next to “Disk image” and select the file to update the BIOS, click “OK”;
• after creating the flash drive, restart your computer and select boot from it;
• The BIOS will update automatically.

The programmer is a fairly expensive device. To use it, the BIOS chip is unsoldered from the motherboard, programmed, and then soldered back in. To avoid buying it for a single repair, contact specialized center for computer equipment repair.

After you turn on your computer, control is transferred to Bios, a small firmware stored in the motherboard ROM.

Bios has a lot of functions for checking and identifying hardware, transferring control to the OS bootloader. Through Bios you can change the date and time settings, set a boot password, determine the boot priority of devices, etc.

In this article we will figure out how best to update this firmware using motherboards from Gigabyte as an example...

1. Why do you need to update Bios?

In general, it’s not worth updating just out of curiosity or in pursuit of the latest Bios version. All the same, you will not receive anything except the number of the newer version. But in the following cases, perhaps, it makes sense to think about updating:

1) The inability of the old firmware to detect new devices. For example, you bought new hard disk, and the old version of Bios cannot detect it correctly.

2) Various glitches and errors in the old version of Bios.

3) A new version of Bios can significantly increase the speed of your computer.

4) The emergence of new opportunities that did not exist before. For example, the ability to boot from flash drives.

I would like to immediately warn everyone: in principle, it is necessary to update, but this must be done extremely carefully. If you update incorrectly, you can ruin your motherboard!

Also, do not forget that if your computer is under warranty - Bios update deprives you of the right to warranty service!

2. Bios update

2.1 Determining the correct version

Before updating, you always need to correctly determine the motherboard model and Bios version. Because Computer documents may not always contain accurate information.

To determine the version, it is best to use the Everest utility (link to website: http://www.lavalys.com/support/downloads/).

After installing and launching the utility, go to the section motherboard and select its properties (see screenshot below). We clearly see the model of the mother Gigabyte boards GA-8IE2004(-L) (we will look for Bios on the manufacturer’s website based on its model).

2.2 Preparation

The preparation mainly lies in the fact that you need to download according to the motherboard model the required version Bios.

By the way, you need to warn in advance, download firmware only from official sites! Moreover, it is advisable not to install beta versions (versions under testing).

In my example above, the official website of the motherboard is: http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/download-center.aspx.

On this page you can find your board model, and then view latest news to her. Enter the board model (“GA-8IE2004”) in the “Search Keywords” line and find your model. See screenshot below.

The page usually lists several Bios versions with descriptions, when they came out, and brief comments, what's new in them.

All! You have updated the Bios. The computer will reboot, and if everything went well, you will be working in the new version...

1) Don’t go in and change unless necessary Bios settings, especially those that are unfamiliar to you.

2) To reset Bios parameters Optimal: remove the battery from the motherboard and wait at least 30 seconds.

3) Do not update Bios just like that, just because it is there new version. Updates should only be made when absolutely necessary.

4) Save before updating working version Bios on a flash drive or floppy disk.

5) Check the firmware version that you downloaded from the official website 10 times: is it the right one, for the right motherboard, etc.

6) If you are not confident in your abilities and have little knowledge of your PC, do not update yourself, trust more experienced users or service centers.

That's all, happy updates everyone!