How to Check and Update Your BIOS Version in Windows 11 (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS)

If a support article, forum thread, or IT person told you to “update your BIOS,” you should first check your BIOS version in Windows 11. Checking takes about 30 seconds (the update itself takes longer), and the version number tells you whether the update you were pointed to even applies to your PC.

Understand What You’re Updating

What Is the BIOS (UEFI)?

The BIOS is the small piece of firmware that runs before Windows starts. On every Windows 11 PC it’s actually UEFI, the modern replacement, but most manufacturers still call it “BIOS.” It controls how Windows talks to your processor, memory, storage, and the TPM security chip. It also holds settings like Secure Boot and the boot order.

The firmware lives on a chip on the motherboard, not on your drive. That’s why a BIOS update is riskier than a normal Windows update. If the flash is interrupted, or you install a file meant for a different model, the PC may not start at all.

Should You Update Your BIOS at All?

Don’t update just because a newer version exists. Update when you have a specific reason.

Good reasons to update:

• The release notes for a newer version mention your exact problem, such as TPM errors, Windows Hello or fingerprint failures, NVMe drive detection, battery drain, or sleep crashes.
• Your manufacturer published a security advisory and marked the BIOS update as “Critical” or “Urgent.”
• Support staff at Dell, HP, Lenovo, or ASUS asked you to update as part of a repair case.
• You’re installing new hardware, like a newer CPU in a desktop, that the release notes say needs a newer BIOS.

Reasons to leave it alone:

• The PC works fine, and the release notes list nothing that affects you.
• You’re on battery in a place with unreliable power.
• You can’t find your BitLocker recovery key.
• The only update you can find comes from a third-party “driver updater” site. Only use files from the manufacturer.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

• A Windows 11 (or Windows 10) PC from Dell, HP, Lenovo, or ASUS, or a custom build with a known motherboard model
• An administrator account on the PC
• The laptop’s original AC adapter, or a stable outlet for a desktop, ideally on a UPS (battery backup)
• Your BitLocker recovery key, saved somewhere other than the PC itself
• A recent backup of important files, on an external SSD or cloud storage
• 20–30 minutes where you don’t need the computer

Requirement	Details
Device	Dell, HP, Lenovo, or ASUS PC, or a custom-built PC
OS version	Windows 11 (steps also work on Windows 10)
Account	Administrator rights
Power	AC adapter connected; laptop battery charged above 50%
Optional	USB flash drive (8 GB or larger, FAT32) for USB-based or recovery flashing

Macs don’t use this process. Apple firmware updates arrive through macOS Software Update, so this guide is Windows-only.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check Your BIOS Version with System Information

System Information is the fastest way to see your BIOS version, and it doesn’t require a restart.

• Press Win + R to open the Run box.
• Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
• Keep System Summary selected in the left pane.
• In the right pane, find BIOS Version/Date. You’ll see something like Dell Inc. 1.21.0, 3/14/2026 or LENOVO N3HET88W (1.60).
• Write down System Manufacturer and System Model too. You need the exact model to find the right update.
• While you’re here, note BIOS Mode (should say UEFI) and Secure Boot State (usually On). You’ll compare these after the update.

Expected result: You now have the current BIOS version string, release date, and exact model name.

Step 2: Check Your BIOS Version with PowerShell

Use this method if you prefer the command line, need to copy the version into a support ticket, or want the serial number for the manufacturer’s website.

• Right-click the Start button and select Terminal.
• Make sure the tab says Windows PowerShell or PowerShell.
• Run this command:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_BIOS | Select-Object Manufacturer, SMBIOSBIOSVersion, ReleaseDate, SerialNumber

• Read the output. SMBIOSBIOSVersion is your BIOS version. SerialNumber usually matches your Dell Service Tag or the HP, Lenovo, or ASUS serial number. If it’s blank or generic, use the label on the PC or the manufacturer’s app instead.

• To confirm the exact model name, run:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_ComputerSystem | Select-Object Manufacturer, Model

On Lenovo PCs, Model returns a machine-type code like 21HD. For the friendly name, such as “ThinkPad T14 Gen 4,” run:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_ComputerSystemProduct).Version

If you’re in Command Prompt instead, this one-liner works without PowerShell:

systeminfo | findstr /I /C:"BIOS Version"

Tip: The old wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion command still shows up in many forum posts. Microsoft has removed WMIC from currently supported Windows 11 versions, so use the PowerShell command instead.

Step 3: View the Version in UEFI Firmware Settings (Optional)

You only need this if Windows won’t report the version, or if you want to see your Secure Boot and TPM settings before you update.

• Save your work and close open apps.
• Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
• Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now.
• Click Restart now again in the confirmation dialog.

• On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
• Click Restart.

• When the firmware screen loads, look for the BIOS version:
  • Dell: the Overview or System Information page
  • HP: Main > System Information
  • Lenovo: the Main or Information page
  • ASUS: top-left of EZ Mode, or Main in Advanced Mode
• Exit without saving changes. Most firmware uses Esc or a Discard Changes and Exit option.

Tip: If UEFI Firmware Settings is missing from Advanced options, the PC may be booting in Legacy BIOS mode, or its firmware may not support opening setup from Windows. Either way, use Step 1 or Step 2 instead.

Step 4: Find the Latest BIOS Version for Your Exact Model

Compare what you have against what the manufacturer offers, then read what changed.

• Open the support site for your brand:
  • Dell: dell.com/support. Enter your Service Tag.
  • HP: support.hp.com/drivers. Enter your serial number.
  • Lenovo: pcsupport.lenovo.com. Enter your serial number, or click Detect Product.
  • ASUS: asus.com/support. Type your exact model, such as UX3405MA.
• Open the Drivers & Downloads (Dell), Software and drivers (HP), Drivers & Software (Lenovo), or Driver & Utility (ASUS) section.
• Filter the category to BIOS. HP lists it as BIOS-System Firmware, Lenovo as BIOS/UEFI, and ASUS as BIOS & Firmware or BIOS Update (Windows).

• Compare the version number as well as the date. Dell uses 1.21.0 style numbers, HP uses F.24 or 01.12.00, Lenovo uses codes like N3HET88W (1.60), and ASUS uses a model code plus a number like UX3405MA.312.
• Open the release notes or Fixes & Enhancements for every version newer than yours.
• Decide:
  • Your version matches the latest: you’re done. Don’t reflash the same version.
  • A newer version fixes your problem or is marked Critical: continue to Step 5.
  • A newer version lists nothing relevant: skip it.

Warning: Never download a BIOS file for a “similar” model. A 14-inch and a 16-inch version of the same laptop line often use different firmware.

Step 5: Run the Pre-Flight Safety Checklist

Don’t skip any of these. Most “bricked PC” stories trace back to one of them.

• Plug into AC power. Use the laptop’s original charger, not a low-watt USB-C phone charger. Most vendor tools refuse to run below about 10–25% battery or without AC. On a desktop, a UPS protects you from a power blip mid-flash.
• Save your BitLocker recovery key. Sign in at https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey from another device, or open an admin Terminal and run:

manage-bde -protectors -get C:

Under Numerical Password, copy the 48-digit value on the Password line (not the ID) to your phone or paper.

• Check whether BitLocker is on:

manage-bde -status C:

If Protection Status says Protection On, continue to the next step. If it says Protection Off, skip ahead to step 5 of this checklist.

• Suspend BitLocker. On Windows 11 Pro, go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption and click Suspend protection next to drive C:. On Windows 11 Home (Device encryption), run this in an admin Terminal instead:

Suspend-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:" -RebootCount 0

-RebootCount 0 keeps protection suspended until you resume it yourself. That matters because BIOS updates often restart the PC more than once. It also means protection stays off until you finish Step 8, so don’t skip resuming it, even if the update fails or you decide not to install it.

• Back up your files. Use File History, OneDrive, or copy key folders to an external SSD. A failed flash rarely erases your drive, but a PC that won’t boot keeps you from your files until it’s fixed.
• Note your firmware settings. If you’ve changed Secure Boot, virtualization, SATA/RAID mode, or boot order, take a phone photo of those screens in Step 3. Some updates reset them to defaults.
• Close all apps and pause any big downloads or backups.
• Plan not to touch the PC for 15–30 minutes once the flash starts.

Tip: HDG’s guide on suspending or resuming BitLocker before hardware or firmware changes covers the BitLocker steps in more detail.

Step 6: Install the Update with Your Manufacturer’s Tool

Use the vendor app first. It detects your exact model, so you can’t pick the wrong file. Use the manual download only if the app isn’t installed or doesn’t list the update.

Dell

Option A: Dell Command | Update (Latitude, OptiPlex, Precision, XPS, Vostro)

• Open Dell Command | Update from the Start menu. If you don’t have it, download it from your model’s Dell Support page.
• Click Check.
• Review the list. BIOS updates appear under BIOS and are often marked Urgent or Recommended.
• Uncheck anything you don’t want, leaving the BIOS entry checked.
• Click Install.
• Click Restart when prompted.

Option B: SupportAssist (Inspiron, Alienware, G-series)

• Open SupportAssist.
• Go to the Get drivers & downloads tile and click Run.
• Select the BIOS update if it’s listed, then click Install.

Option C: Manual download

• On your Dell Support page, filter Category to BIOS.
• Click Download next to the latest version. The file is an .exe named after your model.
• Right-click the file and select Run as administrator.
• Click Update and let the PC restart on its own.

Don’t rely on the installer to handle BitLocker. Suspend protection yourself first (Step 5), whichever option you use.

HP

Option A: HP Support Assistant

• Open HP Support Assistant from the Start menu.
• Select My devices, then your PC.
• Click Updates, then Check for updates and messages.
• Select the BIOS entry and click Download and install.

Option B: Manual download

• On support.hp.com/drivers, enter your serial number.
• Expand BIOS-System Firmware and click Download.
• Run the downloaded .exe. It opens the HP BIOS Update and Recovery tool.
• Select Update and click Next.
• Click Restart when asked.

Lenovo

Option A: Lenovo Vantage (IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, and most ThinkPads)

• Open Lenovo Vantage (or Lenovo Commercial Vantage on business models).
• Go to Device > System Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Under Critical or Recommended, check the BIOS/UEFI entry.
• Click Install selected updates.

Option B: Lenovo System Update (older ThinkPad and ThinkCentre setups)

• Open Lenovo System Update.
• Click Next to search for updates.
• Check the BIOS package, then click Next to install.

Option C: Manual download

• On pcsupport.lenovo.com, open Drivers & Software > Manual Update.
• Expand BIOS/UEFI and download the BIOS Update Utility for Windows.
• Run it, accept the prompts, and select Update ThinkPad BIOS (wording varies by model).
• Let the PC restart.

ASUS

Option A: MyASUS (laptops)

• Open MyASUS from Windows Search.
• Go to Customer Support > Live Update. Some versions label this System Update.
• Open the Latest tab.
• Find the BIOS entry and click the download or update arrow.
• Follow the prompts. The PC restarts to finish.

Option B: BIOS Update (Windows) from the support site

• On your model’s ASUS support page, open Driver & Utility.
• Select your OS, then download from BIOS Update (Windows).
• Unzip the file and run the installer as administrator.

Option C: EZ Flash (inside the firmware)

• Download the BIOS file from BIOS & Firmware on the ASUS site and unzip it.
• Copy the file to a USB flash drive formatted as FAT32.
• Plug in the drive and open UEFI Firmware Settings (Step 3).
• Open Advanced Mode (F7), then Tool or Advanced > ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.
• Select the USB drive and the BIOS file, then confirm.

Some eligible ASUS laptops also receive BIOS updates through Windows Update. See the FAQ below.

Custom-Built PCs

There’s no one-click app for a self-built PC. You update from the motherboard maker’s site instead.

• Find your board model in msinfo32 under BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product.
• Download the BIOS from the board maker’s support page for that exact board and revision.
• Copy it to a FAT32 USB drive.
• Flash it with the board’s built-in tool: EZ Flash (ASUS), M-Flash (MSI), Q-Flash (Gigabyte), or Instant Flash (ASRock).
• Read the release notes carefully. Some boards require an intermediate version before the newest one.

Step 7: Let the Flash Finish Without Interrupting It

• Don’t press the power button, close the laptop lid, or unplug anything.
• Expect one or more restarts, a black screen, loud fans, or a progress bar that seems stuck. This is normal.
• Wait at least 15 minutes before assuming something is wrong. Some Dell and Lenovo updates take 10 minutes or more on the progress screen.
• Let the PC boot back into Windows on its own.

Warning: Cutting power mid-flash is the one thing most likely to leave a PC unbootable. If you’re unsure whether it’s frozen, wait longer.

Step 8: Confirm the Update and Clean Up

• Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
• Confirm BIOS Version/Date now matches the version from Step 4.
• Resume BitLocker. On Pro, click Resume protection in Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption. On Home, or from any admin Terminal, run:

Resume-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:"

• Confirm Secure Boot State in msinfo32 still says On. You can also run this in an admin Terminal, which should return True:

Confirm-SecureBootUEFI

• Check the TPM. Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and confirm the status reads “The TPM is ready for use.” Or run:

Get-Tpm

TpmPresent and TpmReady should both be True.

• Test whatever sent you here in the first place, such as Windows Hello, the fingerprint reader, sleep, or the drive that wasn’t detected.

Configuration

A BIOS update sometimes resets firmware settings to factory defaults. These are the settings worth checking before and after.

Setting	Why it matters	What to check after updating
Secure Boot	Required for Windows 11 and some games’ anti-cheat	Still Enabled
TPM (Intel PTT / AMD fTPM)	Required for Windows 11, BitLocker, and Windows Hello	Still Enabled
SATA/storage mode (AHCI, RAID, Intel VMD)	Changing it can stop Windows from booting	Matches what it was before
Virtualization (VT-x, AMD-V, SVM)	Needed for WSL, Hyper-V, Android apps, and VMs	Re-enable if you used it
Boot order	Controls which drive starts first	Windows Boot Manager is first

A few vendor app settings are also worth reviewing:

• Dell Command | Update: Under Settings, you can choose whether updates install automatically or just notify you. “Notify” gives you a chance to charge the laptop and save your BitLocker key first.
• Lenovo Vantage: Under System Update, you can turn off automatic installs of critical updates if you’d rather review them first.
• Windows Update: Firmware delivered through Windows Update appears under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates. It may be labeled with your manufacturer’s name and “Firmware.”

HDG’s guide on changing SATA/NVMe mode in BIOS explains why that particular setting breaks booting if it changes.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Fix #1: Wait Out a Black Screen or Frozen Progress Bar

A blank screen during the flash is usually normal.

• Leave the PC on AC power.
• Don’t touch the keyboard or power button.
• Wait 20–30 minutes.
• If the power LED is on and the fans are running, keep waiting. Only move to Fix #5 if the PC is completely unresponsive after that.

Fix #2: Enter Your BitLocker Recovery Key

A blue screen asking for a BitLocker recovery key appears when the update changed the firmware measurements BitLocker checks, and protection wasn’t suspended first.

• On another device, open https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey and sign in with the Microsoft account used on the PC.
• Match the Key ID shown on the PC’s screen to the key in your account.
• Type the 48-digit key and press Enter.
• Once in Windows, suspend and then resume BitLocker (Step 5 and Step 8) so it re-learns the new firmware.

Don’t restart over and over hoping the prompt goes away. It won’t. If the PC belongs to work or school, your IT admin has the key.

Fix #3: Rerun the Correct Installer if the Version Didn’t Change

• Open msinfo32 and compare the full version string with the support site.
• Recheck your Service Tag or serial number on the support site. A wrong-model file is usually rejected with a message like “This update is not compatible with your system.”
• Redownload the BIOS for your exact model.
• Run it as administrator with AC power connected.
• For USB or EZ Flash methods, confirm the drive is FAT32 and follow any file-renaming instructions exactly.

Fix #4: Restore Firmware Settings That Reset

If Windows shows “INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE” after the update, or Windows 11 says your PC no longer meets requirements, a setting probably reset.

• Open UEFI Firmware Settings (Step 3). If Windows won’t boot, it usually opens the recovery menu on its own after two failed starts.
• Set the storage mode back to what it was (compare with your photo from Step 5).
• Re-enable Secure Boot and TPM if they’re off.
• Save and exit, usually with F10.

Fix #5: Use Your Manufacturer’s BIOS Recovery

If the PC powers on but shows nothing, or reports corrupted firmware, try the built-in recovery before calling support. Recovery support and key combinations vary by model and generation, so check your exact model’s support page first. The steps below are common examples, not guarantees.

• Dell: Power off. Hold Ctrl + Esc, plug in the AC adapter, and press the power button. Release the keys when the BIOS Recovery screen appears, then choose Recover BIOS.
• HP: Power off. Hold Win + B, press and hold the power button for 2–3 seconds, then release both. The PC should beep and start HP BIOS recovery. Business models with HP Sure Start often recover on their own.
• ASUS: CrashFree BIOS 3 can restore from a USB drive holding the correct BIOS file. Many ASUS desktop boards also have a BIOS FlashBack button on the rear panel.
• Lenovo: Many ThinkPads have a self-healing backup BIOS that restores automatically after a failed flash. For other models, contact Lenovo support.

Fix #6: Contact Manufacturer Support

If recovery doesn’t work, stop and call the manufacturer. Don’t keep reflashing or open the case. A failed BIOS update under warranty is usually a motherboard repair or replacement they handle.

FAQ

Does Windows Update install BIOS updates?

Sometimes. Microsoft delivers firmware updates for some Dell, HP, Lenovo, and eligible ASUS models, usually as an optional update. Most BIOS releases still only come through the manufacturer’s app or website, so don’t count on Windows Update. If one does arrive this way, it can still trigger a BitLocker prompt, which Dell documents for at least one of its models.

Is it safe to update the BIOS on a laptop?

Yes, as long as the charger is plugged in, you use the manufacturer’s tool, and the file matches your exact model. Laptops actually have one advantage over desktops: the battery acts as a built-in backup if the outlet loses power.

What happens if I lose power during a BIOS update?

The firmware may be left half-written, and the PC may not start. Many modern Dell, HP, and Lenovo business laptops have backup firmware that recovers automatically. Consumer models may need the recovery keys in Fix #5 or a repair. That’s why the UPS and AC power rules exist.

Why did BitLocker ask for my recovery key after a BIOS update?

BitLocker checks that the firmware hasn’t changed since it last unlocked the drive. A BIOS update changes it, so BitLocker treats the change as possible tampering. Suspending protection first (Step 5) prevents this.

Can I roll back or undo a BIOS update?

Sometimes, but don’t count on it. Dell and HP often let you run an older installer, but many security updates block downgrades on purpose. Lenovo ThinkPads have a Secure Rollback Prevention setting that blocks them. Check the release notes before updating. If they say you can’t downgrade, treat the update as permanent.

How do I find the BIOS update tool for my specific model?

Enter your Service Tag or serial number (from Step 2) on the manufacturer’s support site. The downloads list for your model includes the matching vendor app, such as Dell Command | Update, SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, Lenovo Vantage, or MyASUS, as well as the BIOS file itself.

Wrapping Up

Checking your version in msinfo32 and reading the release notes settles most “do I need a BIOS update?” questions in two minutes. Often the answer is no. When you do need one, the vendor app is the safest path, because it picks the right file for you. The pre-flight checklist matters more than which tool you use: charger plugged in, BitLocker key saved, protection suspended. If the problem you were fixing is still there after a successful update, look at drivers, hardware, or the TPM next. A PC that keeps rebooting or loses its firmware settings on its own may have a failing motherboard or CMOS battery.

Step	Action	Applies To
1–2	Check version with msinfo32 or PowerShell	All PCs
3	View version in UEFI Firmware Settings	All UEFI PCs (optional)
4	Compare with the latest release and read notes	All PCs
5	AC power, save key, suspend BitLocker, back up	All PCs
6	Update via Command Update/SupportAssist, Support Assistant, Vantage, MyASUS, or board tool	Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, custom
7	Let the flash finish untouched	All PCs
8	Recheck version, resume BitLocker, verify TPM/Secure Boot	All PCs

Resources

• Dell: BIOS/UEFI common issues and update guidance
• Dell BIOS Updates knowledge base article
• Dell: How to enable or disable BitLocker with TPM in Windows
• Dell: BitLocker recovery triggered after a BIOS update through Windows Update
• HP: How to update BIOS software
• Lenovo BIOS Update Utility downloads
• ASUS: How to update BIOS in Windows
• ASUS: BIOS updates through Windows Update
• ASUS: Check and compare BIOS versions in MyASUS